Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

The out-of-town guest decided to make a visit to the church to surprise her daughter-in-law and family. But she wasn’t sure what to do with her constant companion, a poodle mix named Phoebe.

She entered in the undercroft and encountered our daughter. “I see you have a nursery for children,” the guest said. “Do you have a nursery for dogs?”

Apparently our daughter thought about the question for a moment, then shrugged. “We can.” 

She took the leash and pointed the guest to the nave.

The guest was, I’m sure, mostly joking when she asked about a nursery for her pet. But I thought the response was a lesson for all of us. So often we are caught up in our way of doing things that we don’t make space for any other options. 

The line for coffee hour always starts here. We always sit in that pew. We like to see children. Not hear them. 

We slip easily into a this-is-how-we-always-do-it mode that creates insiders and outsiders. 

This is where we learn from our children. I’m pretty sure that most adults would have looked at the guest like she was crazy when she asked about a dog nursery. And of course, I am not suggesting that churches start a new ministry of pet watching during worship. 

But there is the possibility of beginning a new way of thinking, of looking at obstacles and responding with “we can” instead “we don’t.” About moving beyond ourselves to thinking of others first, whether it fits in with our practice – or not. 

This new way of thinking creates a space of hospitality and warmth, making it easier to welcome the stranger … and her little dog too.