Monday’s Reflection
O GOD, just as there is a bit of the Prodigal in each person, the Elder Brother from the parable is too often present in the Church. It is no secret that some people hesitate to join Church because of the ways that some of us have treated newcomers.
- Safiyah Fosua
The Africana Worship Book, Year C
From p. 147 of The Africana Worship Book: Year C, edited by Valerie Bridgeman Davis and Safiyah Fosua. Copyright © 2008 by Discipleship Resources. Used by permission. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Think about the last time you were a newcomer to a place or situation. Share your reflections.
Today’s Scripture Reading
When [the prodigal son] was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him.
- Luke 15:20, The Message
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{ 6 comments }
When my husband and I first went to the church we now attend, we felt very welcome by some, but especially the pastor and his wife…they are very warm and welcoming people.
I know it’s silly, but there is this one lady that comes up to me and welcomes us every other Sunday, and ask our name. This sorta bothers me because we’ve been coming for the last six months.
But, I’m there to hear the word of God, so I can’t get wrapped up in who knows me and who doesn’t. My focus when I’m in church is to learn more about the Lord and to feel closer to Him.
Lord, thank you for guiding me as I moved into my new position at work. Help me to reflect your light and to use good judgement. Amen
Al Anon has taught me a lot about the importance of welcoming newcomers. They may often be reluctant, feel out of place or just need to connect. Being hospitable is impt. (isn’t there a scripture somewhere about this?)
I was recently elected to the Board of Directors of my local Emmaus community kind of by default after the actual person elected dropped out. I was made to feel both needed and welcome in spite of being a chosen rather than outright elected member. Even the veteran members went out of their way to make me feel wanted. I really appreciated the effort they made since I am pretty new to the Emmaus community itself not to mention being on the board so soon.
I looked up some Scriptures. 1Peter 4:9 “Be hospitable to one another without complaining.” and Romans 12:13 “…extend hospitality to strangers.”
I took my 4 children to a new church 30 years ago and the handshake greeting time came. The young adults in front of us turned and gave us a dirty look and jammed their hands into their pockets. One of my kids still has not gone back to church so it is important how we welcome newcomers. (My child is wrong to use this as an excuse, I know.)
Penny, your comment reminded me of my error in church. I greeted a newcomer and welcomed him only to be informed that he usually sits in the choir and that was why I hadn’t seen him in the pew before. Luckily for me he laughed as we shook hands.
One can be a newcomer to places such as school functions, doctors’ offices, stores, restaurants, church services, etc. and it makes a very big difference to be greeted warmly and as a valued human being. This is an important practice for all to follow.
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