But I need to stay focused on the new couple. I think, It’s been, what… 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. The woman of the couple responds, 'Good to meet you. I say, 'Good morning! I’m Martin Copenhaver.' By my manner and my tone of voice you might think that I am greeting long-lost friends, rather than introducing myself to these people for the first time. In front of me is a couple I do not recall seeing before. Worship is over and I am standing in the door way shaking hands. The word has been spoken, so now it is time to listen to what the responses and needs of the listeners might be. The preacher can learn a lot while shaking hands at the close of worship. Current articles and subscriptions information can be found at This material was prepared for Religion Online by Ted and Winnie Brock. Copyright by the Christian Century Foundation used by permission. This article appeared in The Christian Century, April 8, 2008, pp. Copenhaver is a pastor at Wellesley Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Wellesley handshaker