Many churches turn themselves inside out trying to figure out how best to welcome visitors, get them quickly engaged in church life, make sure they get to coffee hour and quickly sign up for parish committees. One church has made time inside the space of a week to let visitors in and leave them quite blessedly alone. From the Virginia Pilot:
Vicky Koch was looking for a quiet place to sit and be still with God during the week.
She found that at Emmanuel Episcopal Church during its open sanctuary for prayer, reflection and meditation – from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. The weekly opportunity started Oct. 8 and is open to all, whether church members or not. …
On a recent Tuesday, Koch spent 45 minutes reading hymns, praying and writing in her personal journal. She made sure to read a chapter from Matthew, which she said is one of her favorites.
“It’s a time to sit and be still without conversation, so I can hear God speaking to me,” said Koch. “I think it helps on your journey, whatever your journey may be, to hear what God is saying to you.”
Opening the church doors on Tuesday nights was the inspiration of parishioner Richard Pulley, who says this quiet open time “allows people to take a step away from the world outside and come into a sacred space to relate to God, spirit and take time for them.” What a lovely idea, especially as we enter the Advent season. Read full story here.