November’s theme revolves around being a community of story. What story do you hope people will tell about visiting the UU Church of Nashua? What story would you tell about the first time you walked through the doors here at UUCN? Was it a friendly experience? Were you relieved or alarmed to see someone wearing a button that said “Free Hugs”? Try to remember how you felt.

New Englanders may be stereotyped as insular and unfriendly, and UUs may claim to be introverted or shy. Visitors may experience us as aggressively friendly. What story do you hope newcomers will tell about this church – this church that promises personal growth and new ways of being in relation to one another? Might you dip a toe out of your comfort zone and be a part of a visitor’s story?   I invite you to begin your Sunday morning story by trying a few of these:

• Smile! A warm and friendly smile means so much.
• Consider sitting in the front few pews or in the middle of the pews, leaving more comfortable and accessible seats for newcomers. Newcomers often feel most “safe” sitting along the aisles or in pews near the rear.
• Sit next to someone rather than leaving an empty seat. It is generous to ALL who arrive after you to leave open seats near the aisles.
• Notice when you make an assumption about someone based on their appearance — and then question that assumption. Rethink how to be curious and friendly, simultaneously.
• Wear your name tag!

Both the visitor and you might be surprised at how their story begins.  Next week, I will introduce ideas for starting a conversation and relationship with visitors and newcomers. It may feel new or a bit uncomfortable, much as the discomfort a visitor may feel. You can practice regularly in the safety of your church.

“Once upon a time, a visitor stepped out of their comfort zone to visit a church called the UU Church of Nashua…” we all contribute to writing what happens next.

With gratitude,
Lori Lerude

Membership Coordinator