This Sunday is the first sermon of a five-week sermon series on Practices of Fruitful Congregations. I will be speaking about hospitality.

 

Hospitality happens to be a practice I greatly value, because without the practice of hospitality, life becomes self centered and hopeless.

 

Hospitality is the practice of giving oneself away for the sake of others.

 

Many years ago I was the recipient of radical Christ-like hospitality on a cold and icy winter night. An ice storm covered Nashville in a two-hour period. I became stranded on Hillsboro Road unable to make it home. There was a co-worker who lived roughly 10 miles away from where I parked my car, so I set out to walk to my friend’s house. The ice made the deserted roads even more treacherous for walking.

 

As I started out on my cold journey without proper winter attire, along came a man, with his young son, in a Jeep who asked me if I needed a ride home. I said, “no sir, there’s no way I’ll make it home over the hills I have to travel…it’s too icy”.

And then he asked…”would you like to spend the night with us?”

 

I’m not sure who were entertaining angels, but mine had shown up in a four-wheel drive Jeep with a heart for hospitality. After I climbed in we pulled up to a two-story historic farmhouse off Tyne Boulevard.

 

I was given my own bedroom with gown, robe, slippers and toothbrush. The next morning I was nourished by Irish oats, English crumpets, hot coffee, and orange juice.

 

The ice began to melt and the roads cleared. I left my angels and drove home.

 

I have more stories of how hospitality has touched my life. For each encounter, I am grateful for those who took a chance to live out passionate Christ-like hospitality. It has made a difference in those times of need.  I know it’s made a difference in your life too.

 

There are many opportunities for you to show the hospitality of Christ.  When we gather at the table our host reminds us of the communion we share with those around us…and all are welcome at the table this Sunday.

 

Liberty offers hospitality in big and small ways. I hope you have seen it and experienced it for yourself. God has that in mind for you!  God’s desire is for you to share it with others.

 

Life is Prayer,

Regina