Next Sunday of course is Easter. While every day and every Sunday should is transformed by the truth that our Lord lives and reigns, we set aside this particular Sunday to focus on the resurrection. And we know it is one Sunday that many will attend and participate in worship. How can we best prepare and be hospitable on Easter Sunday? Here are some assorted thoughts.

• I anticipate our parking lot will be full. So, we will have additional parking on the grass near the playground. Plan to be efficient with vehicles, or park on the grass, so spots are left for visitors.
• I also anticipate seating will be tighter than usual. So, we will have overflow seating and the service streaming in the basement. We will even have communion elements available, so all can participate from the basement. It would be great if a few long-term CBCers would be willing to sit in the basement and open seats up for guests and visitors.
• Alternatively, sit toward the front and middle, and leave the outsides of rows for others. A great way to be hospitable to guests and those who arrive later (especially those with large families) is to take seats closer to the front, and leave seats open toward the back (and ends of rows) for others. Unless you have medical/biological reasons, you can handle being closer to the front. Remember what Jesus says about taking the best seats. In this case, I think Christian charity and hospitality calls for leaving the most accessible seats for others. Honestly, I would like us generally to be more collectively thoughtful and hospitable in this regard. There are probably many of us who have forgotten what it’s like to attend a new church and feel awkward as you try to find seats in a crowded room.
• Come ready to worship. Get rest. Make worship a priority, and come with anticipation and joy. Joyful worship communicates to others that our Lord is worth devotion and celebration.
• Remember that, in worship, we ultimately serve an audience of One. While we want visitors to feel welcome, more than that we want all who attend to know God. So let us prayerfully plan to point to Him. And remember that He calls us, and we gather, for the purpose of giving Him the praise due His Name. He Is risen!