Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7

When you visit Nazareth, chances are that the first person you meet will be our very own “Welcoming Saint,” Lenny Senn. Lenny and his wife Amelia have been stalwart members at Nazareth for many years, and Lenny has been our Lead Usher for longer than most folks can remember. He has all of the attributes of a great usher: a warm smile, a heartfelt greeting and perfect handshake to welcome visitor and member alike. 

While all these years of service alone speak very highly of Lenny, I believe it is his dedication to the task that makes him a Saint. Paying attention to detail is a fine example of being committed to a cause greater than yourself. For all these years Lenny not only has ushered, he has worked the sound system when no one was there. He fills and washes the Pastor’s water glass, and always has a quick comment for the Pastor at the end of service that makes her laugh. 

Lenny ushers every Nazareth member’s funeral without having to be asked! This struck me as odd at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how special it is that Lenny assumes that responsibility. Nazareth is a special place, and I think it’s fitting that the same person that opened the door each week and welcomed you into the sanctuary is the same one that opens the door when you leave for the last time and bids you Godspeed as you enter the Kingdom of Heaven. If that’s not a Saint, I don’t know what is.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray today that you guide us to welcome others into our presence in the same manner you welcomed us: and in doing so, allow us to be a blessing to those we welcome.

Jeff Hayes

About the Contributor

Jeff Hayes has been a member at Nazareth for six years and was ordained as an Elder in 2013. He is the Director of Grounds, Assistant Football Coach, and Boys Golf Coach at Oakbrook Preparatory School.