God calls us to carry out our daily lives in a manner that benefits those around us rather than thinking first and sometimes only of ourselves. Sometimes when we are tired, lonely or a bit down in the dumps, our eyes find us thinking only of ourselves. Regardless of our age, many of us at one time or another can admit that in our self-serving way we have dreamed we were like those we admire so much. Perhaps we sometimes admit, "I wish I had the ability to play an instrument, or sew beautifully." Sometimes we are a bit envious of those with a beautiful home, a car that runs well, or a friend who finds it easy to earn good grades.

Each one of us has different gifts and abilities. But there is one gift that we all share in common. Each one of us can serve and help other people. We can proclaim in easy to understand words what it means to be a Christian. We each have our individual friendly way of telling the story of Jesus. And as those who follow Jesus, how important it is for us to warmly greet new faces, to visit them and get to know them. All 1100 of us are on the official welcoming committee!

We have a choice—we can choose to follow Jesus and shake a hand of a newcomer or play it save and remain in our comfort zone of staying in the background. And how would Jesus react when seeing a new member? I think he would most likely walk over to shake a hand and extend an open invitation to come to the Social Hall for a cup of coffee.

"Being new" isn't always an easy place to be in when one sees other members mingling and chatting with what appears to be their friends. It is great to have friends, but we are also called to meet and greet new people. So watch for someone new. Be so bold as to ask their name and invite them for coffee. You will be blessed!