Drumnadrochit.
Today I went to church.
As a minister, this happens a lot. As a minster not working, this happens far less often.
Yesterday when I got off the bus in Drumnadrochit I got off a stop too early. Right next to a sign giving me directions to a Church of Scotland church (Scottish Presbyterian essentially). And out of nowhere I knew I was going to attend this church the next day.
So yesterday evening I went and found it, to see how long it would take me to walk there, and what time the services were.
This morning walking to church I actually felt nervous. It made me realize all over again just how hard it can be for those not accustomed to it, to simply walk in the doors of the church.
Once I reached the walkway I was greeted by a local who asked if I was visiting. He then introduced me to the greeters who were kind and warm and welcoming.
Once the service began it felt like home. Slightly different theology, but not by much. Different hymns, but familiar tunes.
It was after church, however, that I got a real sense of this community. One of the individuals I had met before the service encouraged me to come for tea or coffee. And before I even made it there a couple had come over, knowing nothing about me other than I was from Canada, and offered to have me over for lunch.
I was taken aback a bit, but went. And am so glad I did. They were wonderful. A true representation of Christian hospitality. They fed me, and told me about the town and after lunch even took me to an ancient burial ground. One of the local attractions no one really knows about.
And then home again for tea. I spent most of the day with this couple. We talked about our lives and churches and countries and families.
By the time I left I felt like I was saying goodbye to old friends.
This was a church and community that does hospitality WELL. And it wasn't because they had a perfect committee (although I'm sure they have one for greeters at least). Some of it is due to the fact that they get a lot of visitors and so a lot of practice. And some of it is simply that it's something they enjoy. It is part of their identity.
Welcoming the stranger.
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