Entertaining Angels
by Mother Rebecca
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).
When was the last time you visited a church without knowing a single soul? What led you to make that visit: were you on vacation or searching for a new church home? How did you feel before walking in doors: were you excited about seeing a new place or anxious about whether it would be a good fit?
For many people, visiting a church as a first-time guest (or returning to a church after just one or two visits) can be daunting. The bigger the church, the harder these initial visits can be. Churches are like families: it seems like everyone knows everyone. It can be hard to make connections with people who already feel deeply connected with one another.
Aware of the bravery it can take to visit a church and the challenges that visiting a church as large as Transfiguration can present, on April 1 we opened a new Welcome Center. The Center is the result of the creative vision of Gabby Guion, our Minister for Congregational Life. Each weekend, she and team of greeters transform our library into a pop-up hospitality booth where visitors and newer members can connect with us in an intimate and cozy space.
For many years, we greeted newcomers in our Gathering Space just outside the nave. Recently, we’ve realized...
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