HELLO!

In response to my blog about St. John the Baptist day in Ireland, where the countryside is ablaze with bonfires as far as the eye can see, Nancy Allen sent me this photo of Jim, inviting friends and neighbours to his own community gathering. Nancy wrote, “No need to go to Ireland. Bring all your unwanted stuff and enjoy the glow! Snacks provided!” That is what I love about Jim and Nancy, they are so welcoming. Of the many new people who have come to Woodlawn since Bethe and I arrived, it is Jim in particular who has made a new friend with them by the time I get downstairs for coffee hour. Those connections really matter to people.

Today, a few new faces walked into the church for a variety of reasons. Bethe, Kaitlin and I make it a point to welcome them. Sometimes students come inside when it is raining, waiting for their bus. The three of us all make an effort to be friendly without making them uncomfortable, after all they did not come to the church for a conversation. Strangers “coming at you” even with a smile and kindness, can be overwhelming. But let’s be honest, is it more likely strangers coming into a church are a) overwhelmed or b) treated with suspicion or indifference. I think you know the answer. When I travel, which is rare, I always visit churches and the responses are fascinating. I never tell them I am a minister. I am eager to see how I will be greeted. Most often, I receive a warm welcome. But the signage and posters which speak of welcome, matter much less to newcomers than the actual greeting.

You likely know the only time I hug someone I have never met is a dog. Dogs bring out the tactile in me. So today, when I was serving coffee at Margaret’s House I saw this beautiful dog. I hugged him. Cathy Belanger, Shirley Pond’s daughter, took this photo as I wanted to show Kim what the dog looked like. Dusty is a Belgian Shepherd. Andrew, Dusty’s friend, was watching the photo be taken and shared with me, “Kevin, Dusty doesn’t like to be hugged”. I then realized I had my arms around Dusty. The irony was not lost on me. Here I was, someone who prefers not to be hugged unless I sense the person, I am with needs one (and I always ask first) hugging Dusty, and he was not enjoying it. Kind of ironic, isn’t it?

Laughing at myself. Peace, Kevin