A couple of weeks ago as I was making a pastoral call at our local hospital, I happened to have the radio on to NPR, and heard a piece that captured my attention. It was on "Cowboy Church." You may want to listen, too: http://www.npr.org/2013/09/01/217268202/cowboy-church-with-rodeo-arena-they-do-church-different
That same week, I received notice of an article posted by the Episcopal News Service (ENS) regarding biker/motorcycle blessings. It may be found here:
http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/08/28/born-to-be-bikers-motorcycle-ministries-reach-out-to-under-served/
I was interviewed via telephone for this article because in one of my previous parishes, I celebrated a biker mass and blessings.
At another one of my parishes, I wanted to extend hospitality by hosting a monthly Tea and calling the program HospitalTEA. Each month the menu would vary according to the season. Monies raised would be donated to welcoming ministries. It remains just a dream, still, but perhaps something for my future
I've often heard it said that God loves you just they way you are, but refuses to leave you that way. As I ponder welcoming and hospitality, I also reflect on a God that bids us come . . .
"Just as I am, without one plea...
O lamb of God, I come, I come."
Welcoming gives way to surrender; surrender to transformation.
How does your community welcome--and whom do they welcome? What are your hospitality ministries?
Miss your updates. Isn't it time for one? How about a few pics of nature from up North where you are?
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