“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality.” ~ Romans 12:13 (NIV)
Participating in the Lent group at St.Peter’s these past five weeks has been both thought provoking and inspiring.
More generally, in terms of helping to make the implicit become explicit. We all have notions (in this case we have been exploring hospitality in a Christian context) that we implicitly understand. But it is often not until we make those notions explicit and investigate them further that we appreciate their full significance. The group has certainly helped me in that regard.
More specifically, I have felt that I have had my own views challenged and horizons widened and have acted differently in my daily life as a result. The differences have perhaps been relatively small in the grand scheme of things, but I hope that those small differences have been helpful – and more hospitable – for others.
I am thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of the journey that the Lent groups from St. Peter’s and the Methodist Mission have taken together this year.
oOo oOo oOo
On a different – but related – note, I popped in to Church today and had an impromptu conversation with a visitor there. I was heartened to hear that this person was thrilled by the fact that St. Peter’s was open so much of the time. The person went on to describe how – more often than not – they would arrive at a Church to visit, only to find the building closed up and inaccessible, or the hospitality lacking. Whilst clearly not delighted that the visitor’s experience of many Churches has been a cold or unwelcoming one, it was great to hear that their experience of St. Peter’s hospitality was so positive.
Long may our tradition of warmth, openness and accessibility – truly being a Church in the heart of the town – continue.
I once met a 92 year old who bought a new television with a five year warranty. She was a very positive and was determined to see out the ‘special offer’. I seem to recall she managed and some.
Impressions from St.Pete's 