“It’s good to see you!” I expect to say this a lot on Homecoming Sunday, September 10. And when I do, I promise there’s no subtext. As in, I promise I don’t mean, “Where’ve you been?”
Parishioners will often apologize or offer explanations for why they have been absent in worship or away for an extended time. But trust me, I really am excited to see you, whether it’s been a week or a few years.
The clergy understand routine-disrupting life changes, family circumstances and summer vacations — not to mention health challenges and lingering COVID concerns. We also understand simply getting out of the habit of going to church at any time of year or point in life.
So here’s my invitation to you:
Come, you who have much faith and you who would like to have more; you who have been here often and you who have not been for a long time; you who have tried to follow Jesus, and you who have failed. Come, because it is Christ who invites you to meet him here.
These words are taken from the Iona Communion Liturgy, and they describe all of us at one time or another. More importantly, they recognize that, as delighted as your clergy are to see you, Christ is the most delighted of all.
Welcome back. It’s good to see you.
Adrian+