Across the Pastor’s Desk by Eileen Woyen

 

On Sept. 17, 2011, I went to my 20th high school class reunion. I know all of you are surprised that I had my 20th reunion so long ago (we’re almost to 30, and we didn’t do anything for 25); and I thank you for your shock. But it is true. I am a proud member of the class of 1991 from Lima Senior High School in Lima, Ohio — Go Spartans!

It was a wonderful evening. I had a lot of fun catching up with old friends and meeting new friends. The DJ played music from back in the day. We giggled at the fashions and hairstyles we thought were quite cool at the time. Someone even brought a VHS tape of our prom. And like all good Ohioans, the Ohio State game was on the TV.

The reunion had many ups and downs. The evening was filled with anxiety and relief — awkwardness and joy. After I had a while to process the evening, I began thinking that many of the feelings that I had at my reunion some of our worship guests might be having, too, during their first time they attend worship. If we can relate to how our worship guests are feeling, then we can help them know more about Jesus and live the relationship we have in Jesus, too.

As I was walking into the reunion, I was very nervous. What would people think? Did I wear the right outfit? What if all the old cliques still existed? What if I didn’t fit in? I bet a majority of our worship guests and some of our members who have been away for a while might have these same feelings. If we know this, how can we help them feel more at home?

The reunion started, but there was this awkwardness. People didn’t know what to do. We were checking each other out. That’s what sometimes happens at church events and worship, too. Our worship can be confusing if you’re not used to it. There are practices at my church that only our church does. If we know this, how can we help people feel more at home so they can know Jesus and us better?

I had the moment when a classmate came up to me and said, “Hi, I’m so-and-so. Remember me?” Of course, I didn’t. I remembered her face, but that’s all. Our worship guests might feel like everyone knows who they are, but they don’t know us. If we know this, how can we help people know us better?

As the night went on, the food and drinks were served, and the music got going. People got involved in conversation. People danced. The football game was watched and cheered. We had a fun time — finally. To get everything out of the reunion, you had to get involved. If we know this, how can we get people more involved?

Every Sunday is a reunion of sorts. It is a reunion of the children of God joining to worship God. We must remember that not everyone feels comfortable at the reunion. There is awkwardness and anxiety, and we, as the family of God, have a job to help everyone feel welcomed and get involved.

Eileen Woyen is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.