On Monday I went to part of a Hindu wedding. Although I have been to Asian Christian weddings and Muslim weddings before, this is the first Hindu wedding I have attended. In reality it was only a small part of what was apparently a very long day for others, which was one day of three.
The daughter of our next door neighbours was getting married and we were invited to the reception. [As it turned out this meant that you turned up any time between about 6pm and 8pm, went straight away to eat - a served buffet of great tasting food - and then went to greet the bride and groom and their parents - and then leave when you were ready.] But having never been to a Hindu wedding we didn't really know what to expect. But we were warmly welcomed at the entrance to the hall, and after looking aimless and clueless for only a matter of seconds we were instructed that we should first of all go downstairs to eat. Again at the next entrance we were greeted and told which way to go. We were helped with our selection of food, directed to a table and one kind gentlemen even carried my tray for me as I had our 1 year old in the other arm.
Friendly faces greeted us back upstairs and helped us to understand what we were supposed to do and took the time to answer our questions, they offered to take photos for us, spoke with the children...
Going somewhere for the first time or doing something for the first time is always a slightly nervous experience. I think sometimes we forget, in our churches, how nervous coming into the building can be, especially if you've never been in a church before. Which way to do I go? Can I sit anywhere? What should I wear? Will there be chairs? Do I need to take my shoes off? When do I stand up? What happens when the offering comes around? What's communion all about?
Stewards are there to do so much more than simply give out the Bibles. They can make a person feel comfortable and at home within seconds. And all of us have a responsibility to be welcoming and helpful. It is the warmth of welcome and the friendliness of the people that may make more of a lasting impression than the quality of the sermon!
