Don’t leave: On Sunday, after worship, after you’ve
had your coffee and visited with friends, don’t leave. Stay for an hour and
walk the halls listening, watching, taking in all the activity. I think you’ll
be amazed at how busy our building is long after our worship services have
ended.
On a recent Sunday I walked by the Choir Rehearsal
Room, where our children were busy learning a song they’ll soon be singing for
God and us in worship. Across the hall, our Middle School Youth Group were
having a wonderful time laughing and learning together. Down the hall, the
members of our High School Youth Group were in the Sanctuary with Matt and
Melissa preparing to lead us in worship on November 9th.
Crossing over to the office wing, a family had
gathered in room 36 for a joyous luncheon celebration following the baptism of
the newest member of their family. The
Nominating Committee was in the Associate Pastor’s office checking in with one
another as they continued their vital work discerning and reaching out to those
whom God has called to serve our church in the coming year as elders and
deacons. They finished their meeting and the room quickly filled with members
of our newly-formed Technology Committee as they continue to evaluate all of
our technology needs, from staff computers, to building-wide WiFi, to
audio/visual needs in classrooms and the Sanctuary.
Our building is busy 7 days a week all year long! Our
building hosts men and women, boys and girls, members and strangers, church
groups and community programs. Our building provides a safe, warm, comfortable
place for all who enter our doors. The roof keeps out the rain and the snow,
the winds, and the blistering heat of the sun, topping this place of
hospitality, this place of welcome, this place of respite, this place of
comfort, this place of renewal, this place of joy, this place of filled with
the presence of Christ. Even the roof is part of our ministry.
In the book of Acts, Paul spoke of the exemplary
hospitality shown by the people of Malta when he and his group found themselves
on that island: “The
people showed us unusual kindness. Since it had begun to rain and was cold,
they kindled a fire and welcome all of us around it.” Strangers showed Paul hospitality. Our building helps us to show the
same warm hospitality to all who enter our doors.
Grace & peace,
Pastor Skip
