This is the title of one of my favorite resources for worship liturgy. The book was complied at the turn of the century when the subtitle \u201cProclaiming God\u2019s Grace in an Inclusive Church\u201d was a new and radical idea for the church. I use this resource often for ideas and wording that reflects the inclusive nature of our congregation and the worship we share.<\/p>\n
![\"Kids](\"https:\/\/bayviewumc.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Kids-Hands-copy-150x112.jpg\")
The intentional act of welcoming, as a church movement, began in the 1970\u2019s with the focus on the shaping of liturgy for worship as the true work of ALL the people. Our worship, our ministries, our very lives proclaim God\u2019s radical grace and our desire and need to be in right relation with ALL of creation. This is living out what it means to be the body of Christ.<\/p>\n
We are blessed here with a history that values and practices active, radical hospitality to ALL as a Reconciling Congregation. This intentional \u201clabel\u201d assures everyone is welcome to join in the worship, education, fellowship and ministry outreach of this congregation. And to YOUR credit, many of our visitors and new members cite the \u201cfeeling\u201d here and the great hospitality of this place as being the primary plus\u2019 of their continuing connection and commitment to Bay View UMC – marvelous evidence of a great gift!<\/p>\n
Beyond the label Christine Pohl says, \u201cA life of hospitality begins in worship recognizing God\u2019s grace and generosity\u2026it is first, a response of love and gratitude for God\u2019s love and welcome to us.\u201d\u00a0 This quote gets me to thinking \u201cinside\u201d the acts of welcome we share to the deeper motivation of our historic and on-going openness as a congregation and for each of us as beloved of God.<\/p>\n
As our church continues in ministry together we get tired, stressed even as we are blessed. Ensuring longevity of spirit and preservation of gifts as a part of our stewardship the year \u2018round infuses my vision as we move forward into another program year. We have such an ease in our hospitality, no matter the event, size or timing. What a blessing for friends, family and visitors who come through our doors to worship, meet, grieve and\/or celebrate! Thank you, dear friends!<\/p>\n
For us, worship is that place where we strengthen our collective heart of hospitality and for the ministry God is calling us into together. We need to take care of each other AND prepare to serve others: in business terms it\u2019s the \u201cwork\/life balance\u201d that will keep us vibrant as a congregation.<\/p>\n
In the coming months, I want to bring intention to the worshipful inspiration and the inclination of our body to follow Christ\u2019s model of radical and inclusive hospitality. I\u2019ll be looking at our space and our experience. Are these being crafted to fuel, celebrate and offer enough space for God driven hearts to heed the call of the Spirit toward a \u201clife of hospitality\u201d (review definition above)?<\/p>\n
The shaping of sanctuary brings wholeness to the body, energy to the ministry and blessing to each of us as we strive to be God\u2019s people.<\/p>\n
Pastor Kelly<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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