On Sunday we will have a bigger than usual crowd for worship. Easter commands attention from folks who don’t join us in person every week. It is only fitting that churches be bursting at the seams on the day that love changed our eternal future. Even a casual understanding of God’s radical intervention for our salvation warrants worship on Easter.

Every year we preachers get hopeful. At times we slip from hopeful to naïve. “If we do everything right, welcome them, preach the perfect sermon, sing the right songs, serve the best coffee they will all come back.” After rising to preach for 32 previous Easters, I can tell you they are not all coming back. They are not all coming back, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t still pull out all the stops. Easter demands our best regardless of the attendance on April 7th and beyond. Jesus came to us, met us on our terms, and showed us God’s amazing love by word and deed. We must celebrate!

Let’s head into Sunday expecting a crowd and committed to making the most of the opportunity. Let’s make the most of the opportunity to show the love of God to others. It starts in the parking lot. Actually, it starts at home. Instead of everybody driving separately, come together. That will help with parking. When you do look for a space, look for a space as far from the building as your feet will comfortably carry you. Those of us who can make the hike from the upper lot, or the far corners, let’s do so as an act of love towards those for whom mobility is a challenge.

To make things flow smoothly, let’s all try to get to church early, rather than at the last minute. Move up closer than usual. You can move back next week, trust me there will be room! Move up toward the front and sit in the middle of your row. Sitting in the middle makes it easier and more inviting for others to join you. Make an effort to learn the names of everyone who comes within 10 feet of you. Lead with your name. “Do you know who I am?” Or “Do you remember me?” can be off-putting, to say the least. It should be true all the time, but particularly on Easter, everyone is on the greeter team. You might not be assigned to a particular entryway, but consider where you sit to be your assigned station. Make sure your section is well greeted.

They all will not come back, at least they haven’t yet. They haven’t all come back, but some have. Some have worshipped on Easter and found their way back. It might be your effort, your willingness to change seats, to sit in the middle and make the introduction that is the thing that leads to their return. Simple, practical actions that could bring an individual, a family, and generations that follow into the Vineville family and into a more meaningful relationship with Jesus.

See you in church.

Peace,

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