Sunday afternoon, the Session gathered for a “time away” – a kind of mini-retreat, at Peace Lutheran Church. The centerpiece of our thinking was a presentation by the Rev. Tom Mellott, the pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Bowling Green. Rev. Tom helped us think about a topic that is becoming more and more dear to our hearts – our hospitality as a church. His point was that Jesus was radically hospitable – intensely concerned for all those whose path he crossed - and that we are called to do the same.
As the two of us thought it over, our minds went back to our home in New York when we were raising our boys. We didn’t do everything right by a long shot, but we did become known in our neighborhood as a significant, interesting and safe place. We were always conspicuously inviting to kids – at first with a little slide, swing and climber; then with a trampoline; then a basketball court; then a garage-turned-into-teen-den. There was one key rule: no one could come over and play when we weren’t home.
We became known for off-beat birthday parties; the meeting place of Cub Scout Den 4; a place where people actually sat down and ate dinner together (and said/sang a prayer!), with guests welcome. Because we were half-time each co-pastors, a parent was usually home, with a snack and an interested ear available. Halloween was always memorable, as was New Year’s Eve and the occasional tea-party or craft extravaganza. A few of the neighbors became interested in our church, though most did not. One troubled little boy’s life was completely transformed – “saved”, so to speak - because of his connection, first with us, and then with the church.
Adults of course knew that we were the Presbyterian ministers. This was considered a bit odd, but at the same time it helped them feel that their children/youth were safe over at our place, and that there would be some limits to the chaos allowed. And there were a few defining moments on the adult level – a picnic for a re-settled family from Kosovo who knew no English (except the name “Michael Jordan”), and a series of open-houses.
Looking back on it, we of course see the short-comings, and wish we could have some “do-overs.” But, over time, we at least took our best shot at being a truly hospitable home, well-known in the neighborhood as a trust-worthy, fun, welcoming place.
And this, of course, is what we all hope for at the church. Jesus calls us to be known and trusted by every person in our neighborhood – most especially the children and youth. We have a great start – we’re very conspicuous, and the Deacons Shop, the Pumpkin Patch, Boy Scouts, NA and AA, our music programs and the Deacons Party all bring folks into our doors for positive purposes. But Jesus calls us to know and be concerned for all our neighbors – to love them as He loves them. It’s a great agenda, and it will be great fun as we open ourselves up to being a radically hospitable church, doing what Jesus would do.
Yours in Christ,
Pastors Mary Jane and Gary Saunders
