ONLINE WORSHIP 
We are live-streaming services for those who still aren’t comfortable getting out, or cannot leave their home.  Live-streaming worship services online will remain something we provide from here on out. You can watch live from our youtube channel or later at your convenience.
Service Link: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX13y2FnRgbi0CWYVmrY4FA

Don’t forget what it’s like to be new…
When I was 8 years old, my parents decided to move outside of the town in which we lived to an old farmhouse out in the country. It was 11 acres total, a variety of wooded area, crop land, and pasture with an old barn as well.  It was a great place to run, climb trees, and explore.  But it also meant going to a new school.  The morning of my first day of 4^th grade is etched to mind as pure fear (I wasn’t exactly a confident child).  My one reason for being brave was for the sake of my little sister who was starting 1^st grade.  We didn’t know where to sit on the bus, so we picked a place close to the front.  Soon after we had to move because we had taken someone’s self-proclaimed property. 
We got to the school, found our way to the principal’s office, and then were escorted to our classrooms.  As I walked through the door, I took my seat and then looked up.  To my surprise, looking at me from across the room was the smiling face of someone I knew.  I had no idea that my friend Sally had moved here from my old school one year earlier.  Her waving at me and smiling gave me some real hope that 4^th grade might not be the worst thing that ever happened to me. 
I know I’m being a bit dramatic here, but I’m trying to prep us all for church this week.  Easter Sunday is still, for many people, a hopeful opportunity for something new.  New isn’t always bad, but it can be nerve-wracking nonetheless.  So we who are overly familiar with church – especially our church, need to be very aware of what it’s like for a new person or family to navigate that first impression. 
It could very well be that what they need is a friendly smiling face and a hearty handshake to break the ice and let them know they didn’t make a mistake in showing up for church. 
The following list might seem rather simple or common sense, but unless we’re intentional about making room in our hearts so that newer folks might have opportunity to come to Christ, we’ll just make it all about us and miss the chance to care about our neighbor as we would want others to care for us.  
Last year, I wrote about things NOT to say to a guest on their first visit to Countryside.  I’ll repeat some of those here, along with suggestions of what could or should be said instead. 

1. You will need to step over me to find a seat.”  This is easily remedied by you not taking the aisle seats when the whole row is unoccupied. Move to the middle section where fewer people sit.  Sit toward the front of any section and leave room in the back for others coming in later.  
2. “You are sitting in my seat.”  Like my sister and I being moved from our seats on the bus back in 1977, it just made it more obvious that I didn’t belong.  Instead of embarrassing them and making them wish they hadn’t come, sit beside them if possible.  Introduce yourself, ask their names, and welcome them sincerely.  
3. “That’s not the way we do it here.” Of course, you can’t have a worship service where just any behavior is acceptable. But there is freedom in worship which we should be thankful for.  
4. “You don’t look like you are a member here.”  That sounds dangerously close to, ‘You don’t look like you belong here.’  Instead, try the simple question, “Is this your first Sunday with us?”  Be OK with them telling you they’ve been coming for weeks.  Ask their name(s) and then speak their name back to them as many times as you can in conversation.  Then make a point of writing their name down for future reference.  
5. “The service has already begun.” If a family is coming in the door right as worship is beginning, that sentence, while factually correct, might be understood to mean, “You are late, and you will be disrupting the service if you go in there.” 

Instead, help them find places they might need – the restrooms, a nursery, kids area. Then go into the sanctuary with them and find a group of seats together.  Politely ask people to scoot over a few seats if need be.  If you’re already in the service and see folks coming in looking for seats, give up your seat so they don’t have to walk clear to the front to find enough room.   
On Sunday morning, let’s ALL find at least one person we don’t know and make them glad they came.  This isn’t just what the greeters do.  It’s not just the preacher’s job or the elders’ responsibility. It’s an attitude we all need to reflect the heart of Jesus to any and all who would walk through our doors.  
Christ Is Risen!! 


Jim