During dinner service at my restaurant, I would schedule a host to greet guests and show them to a table. I would generally try to keep one eye on the door and host stand all night long, as the simple function of creating a sense of welcome for our patrons was so critical in setting the stage for the experiences we were hoping to provide. Sometimes, if we didn’t start things off in the right way, there was just no recovering.
“The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them and bowed down to the ground. He said, ‘My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.’” Genesis 18:1-5
Abraham understood the value of good hospitality. His eager welcome of the three strangers has always impressed me. It should be no surprise then that I chose to have this passage read during my ordination in hopes that its model for hospitality might continue to be a guide for me in ministry.
What are the signs of hospitality that you appreciate? When you’re entering into unfamiliar settings, what sort of welcome puts you at ease? When you invite people into your home, what are your go to habits for showing warmth and generosity?
In the community we hope to build around Prince of Peace, giving good attention to our practices of hospitality are just as important as the attention we give to good music, faithful teaching, or proclamation of some good news. How do you think we do on this front? What are our strengths? How might we improve our efforts?
Lastly, I encourage you to consider how you might be equipped to assist in the church’s ministry of hospitality. Would you be a friendly face for a stranger, willing to answer questions, and make sure folks have what they need to fully participate in what’s happening? Would you be more inclined to work behind the scenes, making sure we’re ready to welcome newcomers and have the necessary resources at hand? There is a way for you to help us improve all the ways we welcome the stranger – let us know when you’re ready to lend a hand.
May’s God’s hope embrace you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… Gracious God, just as Abraham rushed out to welcome the strangers, help us to eagerly greet the newcomers in our midst. May the welcome we offer reflect your love. Amen.