Scripture: Matthew 10:40-42
I really believe that one of the most important lessons from Jesus' life has to do with hospitality. Jesus broke all the social taboos of his time and reached out with care, healing and friendship to people who were outcasts of his day. Some of the folk that Jesus accepted were rejected by everyone - the lepers and demon-possessed. Others were looked down on by many, but most objectionable to the Pharisees who believed that the way to God was through exacting obedience to the holiness code. They felt God called all of Israel to purity and separation from contact with foreigners and with anything that might prevent a person entering readily into the temple's inner court.
Jesus saw a very different path to God. His vision was of a world without such social divisions; where what was on a person's heart was more important than what they touched or the diseases they might have. God's love reaches out to all and Jesus' hand was extended to all also.
Hospitality begins at church with simple acts, like wearing a nametag, greeting an unknown person, serving as a greeter, smiling at people. It takes another step as we be sure that a newcomer can find the nursery or the restrooms, can follow the order of worship without getting confused, feels welcome to take communion when offered, is included in the fellowship after worship, is spoken to and thanked for coming as they leave. Charlene Smith, Minister of Evangelism for Church Development and Vitality of the United Church of Christ, challenged attendees of the Association Meeting this spring to start a block or so away from the church and approach as if for the very first time. Look at signage and the appearance of the building, the entry, the way you and others are greeted and the experience all the way through the service. (Make a point of going to a service elsewhere if you travel this summer. It can help you see things you might otherwise take for granted.) Look at what you see in the gathering space, on the bulletin boards, in the sanctuary. What does it all tell a newcomer about Zion? Does it fairly represent who we are and what we do?
There is a lot more to hospitality. As pastor, I send letters of welcome to newcomers. (Notice I am avoiding the term "visitor." Visitor implies a short-term, one-shot presence. We have visitors, relatives and friends who come for only one week or so, but even those should be treated as friends and potential members of the church community.) Some congregations take welcome gifts - cookies, or a loaf of bread - to newcomers. Newcomers who return need to be incorporated into the church community by being invited to fellowship events, small groups, mission projects, etc.
As important as all this is, it is only a part of the larger question of welcoming the stranger. Welcoming all that Jesus loves is easy when we wait for people to appear at the door and those that do have a lot in common with all of us. But what if the person who arrives looks like they've slept under a bridge for a month? Or talks back during the sermon (positively or negatively)? Or is a flamboyantly gay couple? Are we as welcoming?
We are called to make disciples, to be active in inviting people to the fellowship of Christ. That requires invitation. Who do we invite?
How do we respond to a released prisoner or sex offender? What would Jesus do?
[Note: The above question is theoretical. This congregation has policies in place to ensure the safety of our children. These are of first order and these questions are not intended to imply any threat or danger to anyone.]
More about welcome on Sunday. See you then.
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