Passing the Peace

The weather was beautiful this morning on my walk to and from church. I visited Hyde Park United. It is a combination of Presbyterian, Methodist, and UCC congregations. When I arrived, I was immediately greeted by a sweet, older woman who, after learning that I am from Nebraska, started referring to me as her "homegirl" because she is originally from South Dakota. I also received a friendly hug. :)

Friendliness is something I love about UCC churches. Each time I visit a new one, within 30 seconds to 2 minutes, I am guaranteed to be eagerly greeted by a woman, generally within the age range of 45-70, who wants to know where I am from and why I am visiting. They usually want to hear my life story and upon the initial greeting begin feeling out whether or not I am willing to spill my guts. After the service they will also extend an additional warm smile coupled with a "nice to meet you. Good luck with such and such" proceeded by an invite to coffee fellowship.

I never get tired of this initial greeting and inquiry of personal information. It has become as familiar to me now as the liturgy in the service and I come to expect it. Without it something is missing from my communal worship experience. Perhaps I am drawn to this particular kind of interaction, specifically within the UCC church, because it reminds me of my grandmother who would have assumed this role in her home church in Pierre, South Dakota. Quite possibly I just became conscious of it today because the woman I met this morning was from South Dakota and reminded me of my grandmother in many other ways. Regardless, the friendliness factor is something I enjoy about Sunday mornings in church.