Holy Hospitality

Leviticus 19:33-34 Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. 34 Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

Law after law of the Old Testament gives foreigners the same protections reserved for the Israelites. Often, these come with the reminder that they too were once foreigners. This is the command of hospitality that applies every bit as much to us today. Each of us had the day as an infant, a child or an adult when we first came to church. What we have as a church family and facility is a pure gift from God and we cannot properly say that it belongs to us any more than the next stranger who walks in the door.

Our concerns for worship and the care and signage for the facility should be oriented around what would best serve tomorrows guests at least as much as our longest members. This means every questions of food in worship, style of worship, schedule of worship and sharing decision making should be considered in the light of what would be the most welcoming and loving. Even in those areas we disagree on the most loving way we need to be loving and hospitible in our disagreements.

We have made improvements to Ellis Hall, the Sunday School rooms and the nursury. More improvements are on their way. We ask for your feedback and ideas on how to best be welcoming in all aspects of our facility and worship.