In 2011, Creator's Congregation will be focusing on hospitality to others, not only within the Creator community but reaching out into the wider community.
In our process of becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation it was clear that Creator becomes energized when we expand our welcome. At its December meeting the council approved a plan called Creator’s Year of Hospitality. Hospitality certainly is Creator’s gift and during this year we will devote time and attention to the giving and receiving of that gift.
The ELCA states “God’s work, our hands”. Those simple, direct words are inspiring. They are not only about doing God’s work with our hands but receiving God’s work, as a gift, with our hands. Our ministry at Creator is captured in the words “Singing God’s song, Sharing God’s love, Serving God’s people”. It is self-evident how a year focusing on hospitality would promote “Sharing God’s love” and “Serving God’s people” but I didn’t appreciate how it directly served “Singing God’s song” until watching the “Living The Questions” study on Prayer in Adult Education. There was a powerful story about how we all participate in singing God’s song. It concluded with the thought that, as a church, we not only sing our part but we also learn each others’ songs so we can sing at moments when someone can’t until they are able sing again. A focus on hospitality can help us learn those parts.
Look for this Year of Hospitality focus throughout the year during services and monthly Adult Education sessions.
To print Year of Hospitality Schedule, follow this link:
Year of Hospitality monthly chart.doc
