The season of Advent is the time for getting ready. We get ready to welcome Jesus when he returns to the world and we get ready for Christmas and the entertaining and gift giving that usually involves most of us. And most of us do the second better than we do the first. Getting ready is an important part of a vital congregation. A simple thing like a newcomer-friendly service leaflet is one way of getting ready. It might be weeks before the first newcomer enters the door but when they do the leaflet will be there, ready to welcome and invite and interpret their experience to them. Just as it is difficult to wait for Christ to come again it is difficult to stay ready for that newcomer. After a while we stop hoping and return to our old ways — often, just at that crucial moment, a new family in town steps in just to see what church is like in your parish.

It is important to be both persistent and consistent in preparations, even when people say they don't need all that information and explanation in the leaflet. We can gently explain that it is for the newcomer, not for the folks who already belong; it is part of the welcome we try to offer.

One important thing to do is to step outside the building and ask yourself questions. Take a video camera or a still camera if you have one available. Ask yourself how a stranger would locate the church. Ask how they would know how to find the entrance to the church (sure you know); recently I tried three different doors before I gained access to a parish hall. There were signs, but the signs were not accurate. Are yours? Does the church building look well maintained? A newcomer will notice.

You can do the same thing inside the church. Are there signs pointing to the washrooms and nursery? Is the space clean or cluttered? What might someone see that needs a little explanation?

Harold Percy makes the point that it takes a great deal of emotional and spiritual energy to go to a house of worship for the first time, especially for a person who is new to faith or exploring the idea of faith. Taking the extra care to make the space easy to navigate and welcoming might make it possible for that newcomer to return and even become a member of the community. Stay ready, so that those who God sends to you can find a spirited welcome.

Healing Mission Herbert O’Driscoll

By Pat Simons

The Penticton Chapter of the Order of St. Luke held a two day "Healing Mission" on Friday evening October 3 and Saturday October 4 at St. Saviours Anglican Church, Penticton B.C.

The Theme was "Called to be Healers," presented by Herbert O’Driscoll. This event was a very successful time together, attended by 69 people from all over B.C. Herbert O'Driscoll spoke on "Living Christian Spirituality Today," as well as "Getting Serious about Prayer." His insights and humour were very lively, after about half an hour on each topic we broke into small groups for discussion.

The Reverend Virginia Briant opened the event with prayer and welcomed all. The Venerable Peter O'Flynn led hymn singing throughout the seminar.

On Saturday there was a lovely lunch served by Cindy and Dick Ryley, members of our Church community. The conference ended with an induction and healing service for new associates and full members.

All the OSL members of the Penticton Chapter are now looking forward to the 2010 International Conference to be held in Kelowna.