Pastoral letter, from Garrett

The skeletons and ghouls are packed up, and the cornucopias decorating yards and supper tables signal entrance into a new season. November is here. 

FRIDAY stop by Maresh Hall for fajitas with friends. Come and go or stay for a board game. Dinner is at 6 p.m. 

SUNDAY after worship, there will be a guest reception in the gathering place. Except, we are giving this gathering a new name— we are calling it “Meet Woodland.” Have you met guests in worship recently who you could take to Meet Woodland in the gathering place? 

Don’t know what to say to unfamiliar faces in the sanctuary? Phil Maynard of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership suggests a few conversation starters: 

• Offer a handshake and say, “Hello. My name is ____. Have we met?

• If appropriate, ask for the person’s name, repeat it, and write it down later so you can connect again in the future.

• “It’s nice to have you here. Let me introduce you to ____.”

• “We have refreshments down the hall. Would you like to come with me?”

• If you think you know the face but can’t recall the name, try this approach: “Hello, I’m ____. I see you all the time, but I have forgotten your name.”

• Don’t be embarrassed if you are greeting a member and don’t know that person’s name—or be offended if someone doesn’t remember yours. We need to offer grace to one another. Try saying, “I’m sorry, but I need help remembering your name.”

Remember that members and guests are looking to see where and how they can belong. Show an interest in others and listen lovingly to their words. Woodland is a place for people to be known, be loved, and belong. 

NOVEMBER 20 — We are just two and a half weeks away from our Woodland Thanksgiving dinner. Get your tickets now online or in the church office for November 20. We will have a short Thanksgiving service and fabulous food catered by Bill Miller BBQ. 
Grace & peace,

Garrett Vickrey