It is a joy to be finding our way back into our historic church building on Green Street, after so many months online. When you next have the opportunity to visit our building, I invite you to take a moment for the following thought experiment: consider what our building looks like through the lens of someone with mobility challenges. 

If you were a visitor who uses a cane, walker, or wheelchair, would you know from the outside of the building which door you should enter? If you were not able to navigate stairs, how welcoming would our entryway be, either from the North doors or from the South parking lot? If you can, take a test ride in the elevette and reflect on how easy or difficult you find it to operate. Once in the sanctuary, if you were with a walker or in a wheelchair, where would you elect to park? If invited, could you get to the pulpit to speak?

These questions aren’t intended to be accusatory or depressing, but are an invitation to look at our beloved church space with new eyes. The gradual return to in-person gatherings are a perfect opportunity to expand our perspective and live into our commitments as a truly inclusive and welcoming community. 

Watch upcoming E-News for one more reflection on this topic, leading up to a January 23rd Sunday service and a post-service talkback session on Zoom. Start reflecting now on what experiences and questions from your own life you bring to this topic, and we hope to see you on the 23rd.