Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. —Romans 12:10-13

Each Sunday we receive God’s hospitality at the communion table. We remember that God sought us out when we were far off; he died for us while we were enslaved to sin; he continues to welcome us into his family, into relationship with him. As people of God we want our life together to embody and display that same hospitality. We also recognize that our primary ministry is to welcome people into the body of Christ, and hospitality is one of the best ways of fulfilling our call.

We want our lives to be about hospitality both in our attitudes as well as in the work and practical tasks that hospitality requires. We recognize that hospitality comes in many forms, whether providing emergency housing, welcoming those interested in church community, hosting our friends and family and children, and welcoming one another as beloved children of God.

For more on our desire to have hospitality be at the center of who we are in Jesus, see Debbie Gish’s sermon on Hospitality and Prayer.