Strangers in the Pew

I'm sure this is a good book on a raw, tough, serious subject. We do need to spend more time thinking about and doing what we can to help
"others." Thanks for letting us know about this book.

I appreciate you sharing this sweetie.

This is such an important subject. I heard Cynthia speak at Pepperdine many many years ago while she was fighting her illness. We do need to be alert to others who are hurting. Thank you for this reminder.
Blessings,
Charlotte

I'm glad you shared this today. If we don't care about the hurting that come to church, why are earth are we calling ourselves "Christian"? But it happens all often...I think even those that don't appear to be hurting are in their own way, at least at times. I'm so glad we have the Lord to run to when people disappoint us.

We need to be more aware of others and often repeat, "It's not about ME."

Ah very good--sooo true. We need to slow down and pray that God directs us to those in need. The book sounds good. I think part of the problem is that those in need do not open themselves up to others. They will say they are "fine" when they are not . Sometimes people assume others "know" about what they are going through --there needs to be some opening up. At our church the small groups have helped greatly with this.

I think it's all about being transparent with each other. We all have our masks on while the enemy tells us that no-one cares or understands. You're so right Ginger! We must reach out across the pews. Thanks for sharing such a great post!

What a moving post. I have been to a few different churches where I felt just like that. A stranger in the pew.

Wow ...yours is a powerful message, Ginger! Not only in the same pew, but in the neighborhood and workplace alike, I need to pause and ask myself if I'm feeling sincere and conveying sincerity when I ask someone, "How are you?".
I'm going remember this post for a long time.

Hugs,
Myra

Hi Ginger,
Sounds like a good book. Having spent time both in the pew and the pulpit, I know exactly what you are talking about. It's not all up to the pastor. We all play a part in ministering to others. Thank you for the reminder. Have a wonderful Sunday.

Blessings,
Sandi

I like to think that our parish does better than this, mainly because the town is the parish and the parish is the town, and we are small even though we fill the church at nearly every mass. Our priest always asks visitors to raise their hands and finds out a little about them so that the members of the parish can talk to them afterward. During the sharing of peace, we also have time to become acquainted with the people near us a little more deeply than one word -- and in the Spanish mass, this happens twice: once before the priest arrives (which is 4-5 minutes of time to talk to new folks). We also keep a list of people who need help: prayers, financial, eucharist in the home, other needs. Still, we could probably do better, and it is good to be reminded that the greatest needs may not be far away but right next to us.

"There is a homeless man that goes to our church, not all the time he comes and goes, and we can see his hurt. What about the members that are there every week, they look pretty, and well dressed, are they hurting? Just because they look perfect on the outside they may well be hurting inside. Are they a stranger to us? Do they need our prayers, our help?"

That's true. Like Daddy, we must not rely on looking at outward appearances for we can be deceived and miss that opportunity to help out or encourage someone that God has placed next to you, on that pew.

Blessings to you sister. Thank you for sharing that book. Have a great week!

I think you bring up an excellent point, Ginger. Not only should we ask God to lead us in ways we can reach out to hurting folks, but we need to be honest when we're hurting and not hide behind a mask. Today, a strong prayer warrior friend visited our church and during our greeting time, she asked me how things were going. I told her I need prayer; I'm in a huge spiritual battle and she encouraged me and promised to pray. Thank God for fellowship. It goes both ways.

Ginger, this brings to mind many things that I could be doing to make those "strangers in the pew" feel more welcome and a part of the church community. Thank you so much for the gentle nudge.

God bless.

Hi,
Sounds like a book that every christan should read. We do need to really see our brothers and sisters in Christ, it is so easy to just stay on the surface and not see who is really hurting ,or needs help or encouragement. Thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving the sweet comment.Have a blessed week8-)
~Myrna

We really need to be so aware of others and the pain and suffering that sits in the pew with us.

Bless you for making us aware.

My husband and I are the head of the assimilation at our church. We are trying hard to get people to greet others and my husband writes lots of articles for the church's newsletter encouraging people to be friendly and to reach out to others. We say that we are all ministers. The pastor cannot do it all. It is just not possible. Thank you for telling us about this book. It sounds really good.

Hello sweet lady....just wanted to stop in and say thank you for your sweet comment, and especially for your prayers, and your support for Ovarian Cancer Awareness*! ((hugs))
_Ashley*

Very well put! I am going to get this book. I want to make sure that I can do more so that others wont go through what I did. Part of the reason we left our church. not only was i a stranger in the pew when I asked a so called sister for help when going througn something really awful she said she did not have the time!!! This is a book we all need (including me). Thank you for sharing this!
God bless
Joy

Thanks for the visit at Family Fountain.

This looks like a good book. Believe I will order it. Thanks. wb

Ginger,
This is such an important subject and I thank you for bringing it to our attention. We all need to be aware of who is sitting near us who may be hurting.

Blessings,
Jean