What’s in a Name?

A few weeks ago at church, we arrived to find name tags waiting at the greeter’s table. This might sound pretty normal, but for this congregation, it was something genuinely new and exciting. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is a re-start congregation that began meeting regularly during Advent. They gather in a building that was recently returned to The Episcopal Church after a schism and required extensive work. The main sanctuary is closed for renovations so they meet in a former office and library that has been transformed into a small chapel.

It’s a scrappy congregation that has dealt with a lot in its short history, averaging twenty-five to thirty people for a Sunday evening service. Because of its non-traditional service time and style, the congregation is a wonderful mix of people: those who come from other congregations, those who work on Sunday mornings, those new to religion, and those from other denominations curious about what’s happening in this space. While some people know each other already, most are just starting to form relationships.

The name tags were magnetic, with names printed on sticky labels. As each person came in and found their name, their faces lit up like little kids. I don’t know if your name was something you could always find on the keychain or mini license plate racks in souvenir shops, but Andrea was hard to find. When my name was on the rack, I was giddy. It was that same feeling. The people felt known in that space. They felt welcome in that space. Some mentioned it felt like they had been given a gift; some clutched it to their chest like something precious. It truly is a special gift to be called by name.

As Isaiah 43:1 says, “I have called you by name; you are mine.” It is a powerful declaration of God’s personal ownership, intimacy, and protection over God’s people. A name represents your identity. God sees you and knows you as an individual. In Isaiah, God says this as the people of Judah were being deported from Babylon. It points to hope for the future after their hardships—not to say that they wouldn’t have any more hardships, but that God would be with them.

When I was a Christian Formation Director, I started a practice of reaching out to the children of the congregation when it was their saint’s day. I would tell them a little bit about their saint and wish them a happy saint’s day. I remember one of the first kids I did this for was named Matthias. They were a new family to the congregation. His family was so touched that we would think of their son on that day. It is another way to say, “God has called you by name, and you are mine.” They knew that their whole family was welcome in that space and truly part of the congregation.

Saint Matthias’ Feast Day

Saint Matthias’ feast day is today, February 24. Not much is known about him as he joined the disciples after Judas’ betrayal and death. Peter wanted to choose a twelfth disciple, someone who had witnessed Jesus’ entire ministry from the Baptism of John to the Ascension. They drew lots to see if it would be Matthias or Joseph Barsabbas. Matthias probably preached in Judea and Cappadocia or Ethiopia and is believed to have been martyred, either by stoning or crucifixion. Just as St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is filling a gap by offering a place for worship and community at a different time and place, Saint Matthias filled a gap to continue the disciples’ ministry.

To be called by name is not just a courtesy; it is a holy act. It echoes God’s promise to be present in seasons of rebuilding and uncertainty, and also in seasons of great hope.Whether through a name tag, a remembered feast day, or a simple word of welcome, we participate in God’s ongoing work of calling people into belonging. To be named is to be known—and to be known is to be loved.

Reflection Questions

How does it feel to be “called by name” in a community or by God?

The practice of celebrating “Saints’ Days” helped a new family feel connected. What small traditions or gestures could you start to help others feel they have a “place” in your faith community?

How can we practice “calling others by name” to ensure everyone feels like they are part of the community?