If you're stressed out this holiday season and just want a friendly face - or a hug - White Lake United Congregational Church of Christ pastor Donna Morton is eager to provide both.
For "a few months now," she says, Morton has spent a couple of hours on Wednesday mornings (10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.) at Colby's Cafe and Brew with a handmade sign that says "Free Hugs," offering comfort and conversation to those who need it. She's not been especially busy at most of these visits, but to her, that's not the point.
"My board and I have talked about ways to reach outside the church walls, and Colby's Cafe just seemed like a natural gathering place," Morton said. "Everyone goes to Colby's now. We decided it was a good way to reach out to the community."
Morton said she gets maybe a couple visitors each Wednesday, and some days no one takes her up on her Free Hugs sign. But when she does get some company, it makes the whole effort worth it. She said one highlight of her recent ministry was when a Whitehall girls sports team - she was unsure which one - came into Colby's and, en masse, descended on her table for their free hug. She also regularly gives out hugs to Colby's staff members.
"I think (a hug) is better even than conversation, because sometimes it can be intimidating to talk to a pastor," Morton said. "I know I could use a hug sometimes."
Roger Wendt of the White Lake UCC noted that in a world that's more connected than ever, "social media is anything but social. Many are more isolated than ever before and would just like to sit down and talk with someone."
While Morton and the church emphasize all are welcome to worship there, she said there's no obligation to attend services if someone wants to spend a Wednesday with her at Colby's, and she's happy to take her usual booth there as long as people are interested in company.
"I'll keep going as long as I can get feedback," Morton said. "My hope is for people to come and engage from outside the church. That's why the hug is such a great thing, because people are more apt to hug than to talk right now."
