A quarterly publication presenting news and stories of Living Hope Native Ministries, a partnership dedicated to serving the First Nations of Ontario.
Hospitality in Church
By Lila Graber
What does it look like to show hospitality at church? Life experiences are good teachers. Jesus’ words come to mind, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” I’ve appreciated warm welcomes when I’ve been a visitor. Less often, I’ve had those awkward, uncomfortable feelings of being an outsider when others either didn’t know how to engage or didn’t want to. Those experiences are important, too.
Years ago, when my sister was in the hospital being treated for cancer, I went to be with her for a week. On Sunday, I looked online for a church to attend. Since I was in a completely unfamiliar community, I chose one that was on the route to the hospital. I’m sure it was a good service, but the most distinct memory is that afterward, people gathered in clusters to visit. It was not a large church, but no one spoke to me or greeted me. At the time, it seemed most comfortable to leave. Another memory is the kindness of strangers who invited our family to their home for a meal after the service on the first visit to their church.
At The Lighthouse, our goal is to be friendly, welcoming and truly interested in the people that come. A smile and warm “Good morning!” are not hard. If there is an opportunity to visit with a first-time guest before the service, we like to let them know about Sunday school or anything else they might have questions about. We don’t want anyone to leave without at least being greeted with a sincere, “I’m glad you could be here”, or some other statement acknowledging their presence. Our monthly barbeques or lunches after church are a way of giving more and providing a place to form stronger bonds of friendship. It’s encouraging to know that whenever we reach out in love, seeking the comfort of others above our own, we honor the One who reached out to us and loved us first.
By Lila Graber
