Some weeks are just different. This week has certainly been a different one for us as a church.
If you were at Morning Church on Sunday you would probably have realised that we had quite a few more people in the room than usual. (We had over 55 adults attend Newish!)
The situation is that a large community of brothers and sisters in Christ are looking for a new church to belong to which teaches from the Bible and is passionate about making and growing disciples. We had expected about 25 guests but it seems that more than 60 turned up!
It's exciting to be able to welcome them to City on a Hill as they work out if it is the right place for them to call home and to serve the Lord Jesus.
Before church began on Sunday I could see confusion mixed with joy on many of your faces! Welcoming such a large group is exciting but it also comes with more than a few challenges!
But, as always, we want to be working from our convictions about what we know to be true from God's word in how we love anyone who comes to visit our church family. We always want to be striving to set aside our personal preferences and comforts as we seek God's kingdom first and love those in our midst.
As Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Rome, in the later chapters he was helping them work through how the gospel realities of reconciliation to God reshapes the way we relate to one another. Here he was thinking especially about how different groups of people come together and he wrote this in Romans 15,
'May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.' (Romans 15:5-7)
The overflow of the gospel in our lives will mean that we see and welcome people the same way Jesus has welcomed us. That is sacrificially giving of himself. We can now welcoming brothers and sisters in Christ in that same way and when we do it will lead to brings unity for the glory and praise of God.
To this end, the staff team are working through many challenges this is raising and there might be a few tweaks to things over the next few weeks so that we can continue to welcome them (and others!) well and keep thing running as smooth as possible. If you've got any wisdom we'd love to hear from you!
On a practical level we're trialling name tags and it would be great if you could make an extra special effort to meet someone new each Sunday. Getting to church an extra 10 minutes early could really help with that! Also we might need a few last minute helpers around the place (kids church & welcoming in particular), so being willing to put your hand up when asked would be super appreciated!
Finally, it will certainly change the 'vibe' of church with it becoming more difficult to know everyone. This is all the more reason to be plugged into a Community Group and really leaning into the relationships there.
I'd love to hear any thoughts or questions you might have! Please be praying for our church and guests as we work out the best ways forward!
Grace & peace,
Andrew