The sun was streaming through the windows as we sat around the table in the newly renovated “common house.”  We talked through the terms, policies, and many details of the housing agreements to be signed.  And then it happened.  Signatures were added to the documents and, boom, we created a new expression of community, in partnership with this collection of folks and all whom they represent.

Michael, Kristin, and I were there to represent Prince of Peace.  We were joined by Gabrielle Clowdus, visionary and co-founder of Settled, the ministry partner helping us create an interim “Sacred Settlement” to provide supportive housing for the homeless in our midst.  Valerie Roy, who came to stay on our property in July, was there too.  So were Misha, James, and Avia Beary, the resource family selected to move in alongside Valerie. 

And Valerie is no longer living in an old school bus or her even smaller minivan.  She has a home that is warm and cozy and giving her a new sense of stability and a confidence that tomorrow is worth looking forward to.  She also has Misha, James, and Avia, who have intentionally joined with her in this adventure to build a community in partnership with this church, for the time-being.  On Tuesday, all four of our new neighbors were tucked into their homes for the first night.  On Wednesday, I’m not sure who had the bigger smiles on their faces, Valerie, the Bearys, or me.

“While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7

There’s no mention of an innkeeper who becomes the architect of a holy maternity ward.  But I don’t think we’re wrong to imagine a sympathetic host trying to make the most of what they have to meet the needs of these strangers at the door.  What this newborn child will grow up to teach, is already embodied in the act of a problem-solving innkeeper.  Use what God has provided and serve your neighbor.  In doing so, create relationships that give life and connect even more deeply to God’s promises.

On the eve of this Christmas, I am so proud of my innkeeping church.  Let’s keep being creative with what God has given.  And trust that God will keep showing up.

May God’s hope embrace you today.  -Pastor Peter

ps. Join us to bless and celebrate this new ministry on Jan. 15. More info here.

Let us pray… God of welcome, you bring life into the world and fill it with so many delights. Lead us to be gracious hosts, creative problem solvers, and supportive neighbors. Inspired by your story, may we continue to be a place of welcome and new life. Amen.