By Heather Mustain
Around here we’ve always called the start of our fall year “Promotion Sunday” — that being today. It means very little, honestly, particularly for adults — because well, we don’t actually “promote.” However, we never stop aging, despite our best attempts. Promotion Sunday is insider lingo that simply indicates that our preschoolers, children and youth will now attend their new age-graded Sunday School classes. 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 you might want to check out our Welcome Y’all BBQ lunch after the service down in Community Hall, where you can enjoy a BBQ lunch and a performance by some of our own staff. 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 every time we see a little one escaping for a quick bathroom break. A simple touch on the shoulder coupled with an “I see you” or a “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, and Bible Study as well as our weekly programming for kids and students. We have a variety of Sunday School classes you can try, mahjong and book clubs, service groups and ministry teams. We want you to know that when you’re here we value what you come needing as well as what you 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.