Hospitality

1 Peter 4:7-11
Be hospitable to one another

The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen

At CRLC (like most churches) the end of August brings a time of preparation.... the rhythm of the activities is still fairly predictable--summer is ending, school is starting, families are returning to their fall routine, which includes church (for most). So the various ministries of the church (Education and Faith Formation, Fellowship, Serving, Evangelism and Worship) are setting dates, assembing supplies, and gathering "staff" together for orientation.

There is a visible escalation of midweek activity at the church -- folks are dropping in to put up posters, to receive curriculum shipments, or to touch base with the support staff regarding this or that.

It is a time when we try to anticipate possible train wrecks.. and when we attempt to complete many "final touches" ...

All of these are acts of hospitality. We want to be ready to welcome old friends and new ones. We want to have the red carpet of Christian faith rolled out... yes, even all the way out to the end of the driveway. Our hope is that CRLC will shimmer with an inviting "Welcome!!!!!" to folks who drive or walk by.

There is more involved than welcoming people to a place or a program, though. We also seek to walk and speak in ways that communicate the joy of loving and serving others. It is helpful every once in a while to take stock of our countenances and ask the question: Are we spilling over with sheer joy? If strangers were to "eavesdrop" on our discussions or actions (the ones going on behind scenes) would they know beyond any shadow of a doubt that faith...and abiding love and trust in the Lord are at the center and root of all that we do? Would they be attracted by how we are as they see what we do?

Our hospitality is more than our actions...it is the total environment created by being Christ to others.

Something to think about.... something to pray about....