Or was it her grandmother? I say, “I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.” She says, “Thanks. Next is the woman who lost her grandfather. I can remember that because they are “ new in town.” Jill Townsend says, “We’ve lived here for years, but we’re looking at other churches.” OK, Townsend, as in “ not new in town.” I say, “Well, I hope you can stay for some coffee.” She smiles and says, “Not today, but I’m sure we will be back.” I look for someone to introduce them to, but they are out the door before I have a chance. Quick, file away their names before you lose them. But I need to stay focused on the new couple. almost a year? I wonder why she is back today. And then my mind lights ever so briefly on the person she is talking to, a parishioner I have not seen in worship in some time. Wait, was it her grandmother who died or her grandfather? Actually, I think it was her grandfather. My thoughts spin back toward the one who is next in line and I begin to second-guess myself. I need to be attentive to the new couple for at least a few more moments: “Are you new to the area or just new to us?” What is their name? Townsend! Whew. I give a nod in her direction to let her know that I want to speak with her, but not yet. But while I am chatting with the new couple I see out of the corner of my eye the person next in line, whose grandmother just died. Catch the names before they simply drop to the floor. So good to have you here.” I think, Focus on their names. Copenhaver, a Century contributing editor, recently retired as president of Andover Newton Theological School.
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