04-18-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
​April 18, 2023
On Sunday morning, before most folks had arrived, I noticed outside the west entrance to the Forum Building a dead squirrel. Let’s be honest: a dead squirrel doesn’t quite express the welcome we are wishing to portray. I have disposed of a few dead animals from the property in the past, but not on Sunday morning. God bless Ron Munday, who took on the task of removing the recently departed creature from the Sciuridae family.

Cypress Creek Christian Church is always trying to determine how best to welcome people, whether they have been attending for thirty years or this is their very first visit onto the church’s property. Again, dead squirrels do not help communicate what we’d like to communicate, but it makes me very aware of the little things that do communicate welcome (or do not). Signage is one of those little things that is, in fact, among the very big things… especially if you are in need of a restroom. It is important for us to acknowledge how church people have certain insider language that may sound like a foreign language to someone who is new. I would encourage you to enter your church space with new eyes and ears, reflecting on any assumptions you make because you know where you are going and what to expect.

Creating a space where people feel comfortable and relaxed will allow them to better hear the Gospel of love, to encounter the Holy, and to feel as if they can call Cypress Creek their home. Be mindful of how our space, whether on Sunday morning or any other day of the week, can reflect the gracious hospitality of our God.

You have shown us grace through your generous welcome, O God, yet sometimes your church unknowingly throws a few stumbling blocks between our new friends and your generous welcome. Show us how we can better reflect your hospitable heart, O Lord. Amen.