by Lisa Hudson

What would Bethany’s worship services be like if we no longer had ushers? We could just toss a stack of bulletins on a table near the entrance and become a self-service church. If people had questions about bathrooms or children’s classes they could figure it out on their own. And couldn’t we just mail in our financial contributions instead of having an offering during the service?

If we had no ushers, I’m convinced it would change our worship experience. Each of our ushers provides that immediate, personal greeting that helps to set a welcoming and loving tone, and communicates to each person who enters our doors, “you belong here and we’re glad you came.”

Many of our ushers see this greeting time as a fulfilling experience for them, too. Nancy Guppy (5pm usher) says,

“I think making connections with people, even if it’s just a smile or a remark, makes the experience worthwhile. I always walk away from ushering feeling grateful.”

Candice Battle (9am usher) says,

“I especially love to greet new or visiting people to our church so they have a good experience as soon as they enter the door. I also love greeting people by name.”

Ruth Seidel (lead usher of 5pm services) became an usher with her husband because

“we enjoy the hospitality of welcoming people to worship and we can serve together.”

Our ushers also play the important role of door keeper during our time of worship. They remain in the entrance for the first part of the service to help late-comers enter at the most appropriate times. Also, the ushers sit near the back of the congregation throughout the service to be ready to help if folks begin to wander through the church. Our ushers greet them warmly, and redirect them into worship.

Chuck Gould (5pm usher) shares his experience:

“It is my practice on Sunday evenings when I usher to remain just outside the sanctuary doors. Once a person who was chatting very loudly on a cell phone on the front steps accepted my invitation to come in and join the service.”

I’m glad we don’t just mail in our financial contributions. In the words of John and Nanci Leonard (9am ushers):

“It’s a privilege to accept the offerings that our congregation so generously gives. There is something very sacred about walking down the aisle with the offering plates, praying and giving those gifts back to God.”

When Sally and George King (9am lead ushers) carry forward the tithes and offerings on behalf of the whole congregation, Sally feels “deeply touched by the Holy Spirit” as she prays.

“I have often heard from individuals how the prayers have touched their hearts. What beautiful opportunities our loving God gives us!”

What if we no longer had ushers? How would you answer that question? After observing, hearing from, and experiencing the ministry of Bethany’s ushers, I can confidently say, we would be deprived of the blessings God gives to them and to each of us, through them. Let us thank God for our ushers!

If you are interested in ushering please contact Lisa Hudson (784-6709, lisamakihudson@comcast.net).