HELLO!

I was delighted to see many familiar faces, and a few new ones, this morning. As predicted, Labour Day weekend results in one of the smallest turnouts in the Christian year. But I also know, because many of you wrote me emails this week to let me know you would be absent, that a lot of our regulars were watching from home (not feeling well), away or at their cottage. I promised to wave to you and I did. Thanks to the AV team, we can extend our Sunday morning worship community to whoever tunes in to our YouTube channel. If you missed the service, here is the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdma4hT-DTw

Later on Sunday I traveled to rural Nova Scotia to attend a family gathering, Kim’s family to be more precise. One of the first things Kim and I noticed about each other was the different ways our respective families offered hospitality, and it is also the first thing I notice when I attend a church as a visitor. How does a faith community express its version of hospitality? I gave this a lot of thought this week and here is my own definition, I hope these words are also consistently lived out in the way I offer hospitality. 1) Welcome those who walk in the door. Are visitors welcomed as valued persons, is there a sense their presence is noticed, celebrated, that someone is taking the time to inquire as to some of their story, 2) Make room for newcomers, there is a chair for them to sit or a space for them to stand with others. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 and 3) The sharing of stories in small groups/cluster/table that are interesting and accessible to all those gathered. All of us have stories. Which ones are most likely to resonate and allow for input, from the circle? At social events, you can easily tell, from looking at people’s eyes, whether the story being offered is capturing our imagination or whether the story is so specific the only one engaged is the person who is speaking. Those are my “essentials” when it comes to hospitality. What are yours? Hospitality and welcome are THE most underrated ministries in churches. People will never forget how they were greeted when they first arrived at a church. Peace, Kevin