The Visit to Grace

It started as a discussion over a taco bowl and stack at Moe's in East Meadow. My friend and I were talking of our faith, our houses of worship, our perspectives on the world from a religious and cultural lens. We had grown up in very different circles, both of us knew little about the other's faith. It lead to a promise that evening: my husband and I would come and see a service at her church: the Grace Cathedral International in Uniondale.

From the moment we stepped into the lobby that Sunday morning there were two underlying themes to carry us on this journey: welcome and invitation.

Welcome from the ushers and parishioners who came to us to shake our hands, give us hugs, express their pleasure in our acquaintance. Kindness came from the young and old who basked in song and prayer. Children danced or sang in praise and there were teachings, readings and participation. Even our friend and we were acknowledged from the pulpit, and when asked, my husband explained the pronunciation of our three-letter last name.

"It's Lev – we like to keep it short, " my spouse said.

"Maybe I should remember that – to keep my sermon short too," Bishop R. W. Harris wryly remarked.

Invitation came in the Bishop's sermon, who spoke of the table and feast of blessings that all are invited to enjoy no matter who you are or where you've been. It was a reminder that we should not give up on ourselves, or others around us who are in trouble because there is joy, peace and faithfulness for all to share.

Hours before this service, I had spoken with a woman who had spent the last year helping her adult children and their 20-something friends in need to reach for better lives. She had offered these friends shelter and safety and even saw a vision in which she might build a place for abandoned young adults to deservedly get their second chance. It was as if she heard of this invitation — of the words of Bishop Harris and his community — and had taken them as her own, without ever knowing about Grace Cathedral International.

Maybe that's the point, no matter if, when or where you worship, "Tikkun Olam" or repairing the world is the noble calling. Wherever we go, if we seek welcome and invitation we can strive to deliver it too.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is an East Meadow resident and a direct marketing/advertising executive who teaches advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology/SUNY, LIU Post and SUNY Old Westbury.