This weekend, we had the honor to participate in an Installation service at the UU Church of Montclair, where our colleagues Revs. Anya and Scott Sammler-Michael serve as new co-ministers. The energy was joyful. Each element of the service was full of care and wonderfully shared.

The congregation offered a warm welcome and exquisite hospitality to one another and especially to those of us who were guests. There were folks outside (in the rain!), helping us find the right entrance. Once inside the building, there were signs and smiling people who directed us to the clergy robing room, the sanctuary, and the social hall. They had clearly thought about what it might be like for newcomers to arrive. And we want those who arrive this coming Saturday to feel the warmth of this community and the fire of our commitment to practice the radical hospitality we know you can offer. We know some of you have already signed up to volunteer as a greeter, parking lot attendant, or usher! Yay! We could use a few more folks at strategic locations, so please consider being a part of the extra warm welcome team. Please contact Lois Porter, lois.s.porter@gmail.com and let her know you want to help others feel really welcome at UUSS.

As so many of you already know, each of us has a role to play in the work of welcoming. Perhaps you are on the shy or introverted side or maybe you are newer yourself. You have a role too! If you haven’t thought about your particular role in welcoming at the congregation-here are some ideas to consider:

If you are attending the Installation and Celebration, we invite you to notice the people around you. Do they need a friendly smile to feel more welcome? You never know when a ‘hello,’ particularly to folks you haven’t yet met or don’t know well, can make a huge difference. Maybe you can make space for them in the seat next to you. Another way to be helpful and welcoming is to reserve the parking lot for those with mobility and accessibility needs. Some of our elders from the Glen Eddy are coming to the service and would love not to have to walk a block-so if you come early to set up or for choir and can park a block or so away-please do. Or even better for the Earth-carpool or ride your bike from your neighborhoods! We hope to create a welcoming space for all ages during the reception too-with some tables and chairs for families with small children or elders. We want to be respectful to the various needs around sobriety, so there will be a table for water, lemonade, coffee, and tea and a different table for wine and beer. We have requested the caterer to label for food ingredients so people can enjoy more easily.

We have experienced the hospitality, welcome, and care that many of you have offered to us as we have begun our ministry with you-the small gestures of kindness, the asking how we’re doing with the long winter, the recommendations for fun things to do, hugs and words of appreciation when something we’ve done or said has mattered-these small acts really have made a difference to us. We want everyone to experience this sense of welcoming, hospitality, and mattering, not just at the Installation but every time someone comes through our doors. Together, we are more-more welcoming, more able to fulfill our mission of compassion, justice, and joy!

With great anticipation,

Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy