Around here we’ve always called the start of our fall activities Promotion Sunday — that being today. It means very little, honestly, particularly for adults — because, well, we don’t actually promote. (We never stop aging, despite our best attempts.) Promotion Sunday is old-school church lingo that simply indicates that our preschoolers, children and youth will now attend their new age-graded Sunday School class.
So let me take this opportunity to tell you what we hope this Sunday can mean instead.
Welcome. We want you to know that you are welcome here. In fact, today after the service you might want to check out our “Welcome, Y’all!” BBQ lunch in Community Hall, where you can enjoy lunch and a high-flying performance by the infamous Lake Highlands High School Wranglers dance group.
There are so many incredible stories that live within these pews; don’t miss out on catching up with an old friend or meeting someone new today.
We also welcome the littlest among us into the Sanctuary, with all their wiggles and giggles. At Wilshire we value the opportunity to worship as an intergenerational community of faith, and we are grateful for that reminder every time we hear a shift or crumple in the pew behind us or see a little one escaping for a quick bathroom break. A simple touch on the shoulder coupled with “I see you” or “You’re doing a great job” could mean everything to a parent.
Community. You’re not just welcome here; you belong here. And what we hope is that you’ll find a meaningful way to participate that meets you right where you are. This Wednesday begins our weekly family dinner, Koinonia Café, along with Bible study and weekly programs for preschool through youth. We have a variety of Sunday School classes you can try, mahjong and book clubs, service groups and hospitality teams. We want you to know that when you’re here we value what you come needing as well as what we have to give. Life together is just that — receiving and giving.
All in all, we’re glad you’re here. We always are. And we’re taking new name recommendations for Promotion Sunday.