A deeper welcome (Jeremiah 28:5-9; Matthew 10:40-42)
“Be welcoming!” Jesus says. Yes, we've got this one covered.
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In recent decades, hospitality has jumped to the top of the “favorite Christian virtues” list in many mainline churches. We boast of our open doors. We build wheelchair ramps and install listening systems. We hang rainbow banners, informative electronic signs, and “refugees welcome” placards in half a dozen languages. We equip teams of parishioners to pounce on visitors (in the kindest and least-threatening way, of course), providing them with name tags, fair-trade coffee, and a seat on the faith formation committee.
