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In the ancient world, it was not only “nice” to entertain friends and family, it was a matter of life and death. In a world before text messages, phone calls, emails, or even the US Postal Service, often there was no way to know when family, friend, or stranger might suddenly arrive in need of a hot meal, a warm bath, a cool drink, or an overnight stay. Turning away an unexpected visitor was to risk their very life. Remember, there was no Marriott Hotel, Burger King, or Quick Check along the way.
Hospitality was an essential aspect of the Hebrew faith that Jesus was born into. For this reason, hospitality is reflected in a number of parables Jesus tells—the Good Samaritan, the Wedding Feast, the Parable of the Tenants, as well as his teachings in Luke 14:12-14, Luke 14:7-35. Jesus himself also lived these teachings—washing his disciples feet at the Last Supper, and cooking fish for them on the beach, following the resurrection. Jesus invites us to participate in his heavenly banquet, and gives us the sacramental feast of communion with him, at the Lord’s Table.
Clearly, to be a hospitable host is to serve in the same way Jesus served us, and we are all called to serve in some capacity.
While Coffee Hour may seem like an insignificant thing, in reality it is not. It is both an opportunity to practice serving others, and a vitally important part of our church’s fellowship and the building up of our community. At coffee hour, we listen to one another’s stories, share one another’s joys and sorrows, practice our faith, welcome new people, send clear messages that time spent together matters!
Coffee hour is not hard to do, but oh, so very important! So, if you have been looking for a way to serve Christ that matters, sign up to serve! Just click the link (below,) to sign up. Need help getting started, or a partner to serve with? Reach out to Julie Haarman or Dan Daily . They’ll be happy to help you! After all, it’s all about hospitality!
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
—Romans 12:11-13
Click here to sign up online to host Coffee Hour
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