1 Corinthians 1:10-18<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cold morning. I opened the red door as my downcast eyes were focused on the church bulletin I wasn\u2019t nervous until we came to the Peace. I could be moving on, never to return. What happened? I stood alone with my coffee as I was welcomed by others on the floor. Third Sunday After the Epiphany<\/strong> Ambassadors for Christ 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Cold morning. I opened the red doorto the sanctuary and slipped into the back row.No one turned around to look at me.I learned it was the first Sunday after the Epiphany as my downcast … Continue reading
to the sanctuary and slipped into the back row.
No one turned around to look at me.
I learned it was the first Sunday after the Epiphany<\/p>\n\n\n\n
handed to me in the narthex. Let the service begin
I thought to myself. I was church shopping and this
was my first stop, with two others on the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No introductions\u2014it wasn\u2019t the time or place,
but the people near were friendly all the same.
To be honest, I was most reluctant to say my name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the last \u201cAlleluia,\u201d I had a fresh concern.
Coffee hour was next\u2014should I stay or go?
I am still here. That was nine years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
when she approached and said, Hi, I\u2019m Cathy.
Are you a visitor?<\/em> I was relieved someone cared
enough to say hello. No longer was I wary<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was exactly what I was looking for:
to find a friendly home on the first visit;
to find a church in communion with the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
January 22, 2023<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"