GR 'Scott' Cundiff said:
Either way, my post was more about how visitors find the right door to enter, are greeted as walk-in visitors, etc. I'd think that those concerns would apply to many churches across the varied traditions of the Church.
Well, I will tell you this thread reminded me of a story.. You are, by the way, quite right in that some churches are more welcoming to strangers than others,,, Within even the Catholic church some parishes are more welcoming than others.. Two stories, One is true. The other.. Well I dont know.. We will start with that one:
A young man got excelent grades, this despite the fact he was the first of his line to ever graduate high school, His grades were so good a college offered him a full scholarsip.. Room, board, tutition fees, books and a stipend.
But he had to get there on his own.
So he and his parents managed, with a lot of help, to raise bus fare.
It is now winter break.. he is thinking he'd like to go home for Christmas but alas..... No dough So he does what college students have been doing since the invention of the college.. He hitches a ride on the thumbnail express.... 3 days later, on a Sunday morn, he is approaching (On foot) this town, he's been 3 days on the road, 3 day growth of beard.. He hears church bells and thinks "Would be nice to go to church" So up the steps and inside he goes.... Only to be shown out again and the door locked behind him.
He sits down on the steps and begans to cry when another traveler, even more weary, sits down beside him, puts his arm around him and says "Do not cry my son, I've been trying to get in there for years, and they won't let me in either"
He looks up into the face of his fellow traveler.... and realizes said traveler is Jesus Christ himself.
Now the true story:
Was at a funaral today, Woman who was born many years ago (1928) and baptized just after birth (Oh by the way, Save the condolances, I was there as a choir member,, I go to many funerals that way, Did not know her at all). but.. Turns out her baptisim certificate was misplaced so she never was confirmed nor did she make her first communon... Till just recently.
The last pastor of our parish (He'd been there I think 4 years) found out about her problem, Grabbed the phone, Made a trans-atlantic call, I strongly suspect twisted a few arms (He was a JCL (Jurist Canon Law) so he knows how to twist arms, and research).. And as fast as the postal service could deliver.. had a copy (Certified) of her baptisim cert in his hand... THings progressed very fast and she was confirmed and made her first communion likely within the week.. And last week, Well today was her funeral.. (Oh, we have a new pastor now, his first funeral at this parish).
I was thinking of the last parish I belonged to, where I first joined the choir.. The old Pastor.. I'd say about 60-70 percent chance hed have made that call.. Better chance he would have assisted the member.. The deacon, add 10%.. The current pastor.. 0.00%..
Our new pastor here in SC.. Well if it ever happens again,, he does not have a choice
(He agreed on that one) I mean he has some big shoes to fill, so far he's doing well.
Yes, some churches/parishes are better than others when it comes to extending the hand of welcome, or a helping hand.