“Sharing your church with another person is a gift you can give to yourself not just to them.”
The Gift of Holy Week
In Holy Week the church dramatizes the events leading up to and including the suffering of Jesus on the cross. At Easter we dramatize Jesus’ resurrection. We live in a very pluralistic society, but many people still recognize the significance of Holy Week and Easter even if they don’t attend a church.
Services and events throughout Holy Week and on Easter Sunday provide YOU with a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend, colleague or family member to come to church with you. Sharing your church with another person is a gift you can give to yourself not just to them.
Inviting
Many of us are uncomfortable inviting someone to church. “I don’t know how to do that,” someone said to me recently. So, how might you go about inviting someone to come to church with you? It isn’t hard. Here are some conversation openers that might help:
Scenario One:
You: My church is having a beautiful service on Maundy Thursday (April 5th), and I wonder if you would come with me?
Them: What’s that?
You: Maundy is a weird word, I know. It comes from a Latin word meaning “command” and refers to the words of Jesus in John (13:34), “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.” It’s a beautiful service with beautiful music and readings. I think you’d like it. (Hint: Mention if there is nursery care offered.)
Scenario Two:
You: My church is having a beautiful service on Good Friday. I’d love to have you come with me.
Them: Well maybe. Why are you going?
You: My faith is important to me, as is my church. I like to go to church on Good Friday, when we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus, so that I can more fully appreciate the beauty, music and yes, flowers, of the Easter service.
Scenario Three:
You: I am going to Holy Week and Easter services at my church, and I’d love to have you join me. Will you?
Them: Ah…
You: My church, (give the name) is very important in my life. The people are friendly and authentic, and our building and worship is beautiful. Can I pick you up?
Carolyn Moomaw Chilton writes and blogs as a spiritual discipline and an invitation to conversation with others. She is currently on staff at Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia as the Assistant for Evangelism and Stewardship.
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