Welcoming the Stranger

Dear Friends,

I have been thinking a lot about an endemic concern in all houses of worship, and that is being able to welcome people who are younger, and who have family members who are children or youth. It’s an especially hard reality for those of us who are Boomers or even Gen-Xers who grew up while churches were growing and expanding. So, let’s face a couple of reality checks. One, the overall population in Maryland is only expected to grow by 2.2 % from 2020-2030. The rest of the country isn’t a lot better in terms of growth. Second, that much of what has driven population growth in every state has been immigration, and that’s basically off the table. While Elkridge is experiencing new housing growth, it will never look like the growth that fueled all houses of worship 30-50 years ago. Add to those facts that more people than not have no faith tradition at all, and you have a reality like the early church in Paul’s time, Christian, uh, what’s that.

Yet, new people do walk through our doors at Grace! What I observe immediately is how gracious and friendly you all are without overwhelming folks. You don’t do a “hard sell” on Grace instead you talk about your community and look for common interests like you would with any new friend. You get an A for that graciousness in action. You also don’t let people slip away without getting an email either. That way we can open a door to who we are and what we do. I also hear stories nearly every week of how bravely you pray, comfort, and care for strangers because you know that’s what God wants!

Here's what we must pay attention to: our anxiety about growing and too often our worry about money. People gravitate to communities of faith that are confident in who they are, their mission to serve God, and in our case Christ. That shows in a graciousness that wants to connect, but not overwhelm, that seeks to befriend strangers because of who they are and what they bring, not what we need. To me that’s the key. God knows what we need, and when we are not anxious, focusing instead on being our faithful selves at home, at work, at school, wherever we find others, God will provide.



God’s peace and keeping,

Mary+