[Magdalen] Calvary, Pittsburgh

[James Oppenheimer-Crawford]

I would not be sure what to do either, since I've run into people who are
interested in anonymity in church, and actively don't want anyone to
intrude on them. And there are those who are put off if they are not fully
greeted.  It's the luck of the draw, but no matter what we do, we can't
win.  And with a general hesitation to approach strangers, the average
person is probably going to get a less than hearty reception.

I sometimes wish they would just put badges at the door.
"I would love to be greeted" in bright green
"God's peace to you, but please leave me in it." with a black band around
the badge.

James W. Oppenheimer-Crawford
*“A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved,
except in memory. LLAP**”  -- *Leonard Nimoy

On Sun, Jun 14, 2015 at 5:38 PM, ROGER STOKES <roger.stokes65 at btinternet.com
> wrote:

> Following recommendations from listren I went to the 11 o'clock Eucharist
> at Calvary this morning, and I have to admit some disappointment. I know
> it's Summer and I don't know if the Pittsburgh Pride Procession had
> anything to do with it but I felt the service was distinctly low key.  The
> bulletin said the Curate would be the celebrant but in fact the Assisting
> Priest doubled in that role as well as being homilist.
>
> There were just two other robed people in the altar party, one of them
> being the crucifer.  At the end of the service he followed the priest and
> the other server to the West End of the church rather than preceding her.
> A few people did say "Good Morning" to me but nobody invited me to Coffee
> Hour.  A stranger in a clerical collar sitting in the congregation,
> wouldn't you assume they were a visitor and somebody would strike up a
> conversation?
> Based on that experience I would not return if I were to be in Pittsburgh
> again.  I will see what happens when I roll up at a different church next
> Sunday.
> Roger
>