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- Apr 25, 2006
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Come and Stay
Scripture Reading — Acts 16:11-15
“If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.”
— Acts 16:15
The door of our church can be opened by pressing a “Push to Open” plate, and on Sunday mornings a greeter stands there to welcome people coming in. As they approach, he delightedly pushes the button to open the door, and there are lots of smiles as a conversation begins. Before they even enter the building, people feel welcome. His deliberate actions make the atmosphere inviting for so many people.
Lydia knew how to open the door of her home to others. Her insistence to Paul and his companions showed that she was someone who understood hospitality. An echo from Luke 10:5-9 shows up here: when you find a person of peace (someone who is open to God’s love and the work of his kingdom) stay there, hang out, and work together.
When we do that, the kingdom of God comes near. When we emulate the posture and actions of Jesus, we lean into what it means to share together the good news of life with him.
What does hospitality look like to you? Are you a door opener? Are you ready to share the good news with someone who is looking for a way to spread the story to others?
A prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi begins, “Lord, make me a channel of your peace . . .”—and this can be paraphrased to say, “Lord, let me be a person of peace who invites someone in your name.”
Dear God, thank you for each person you bring into our lives to engage with. Thank you for the opportunity to share your story. Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
Scripture Reading — Acts 16:11-15
“If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.”
— Acts 16:15
The door of our church can be opened by pressing a “Push to Open” plate, and on Sunday mornings a greeter stands there to welcome people coming in. As they approach, he delightedly pushes the button to open the door, and there are lots of smiles as a conversation begins. Before they even enter the building, people feel welcome. His deliberate actions make the atmosphere inviting for so many people.
Lydia knew how to open the door of her home to others. Her insistence to Paul and his companions showed that she was someone who understood hospitality. An echo from Luke 10:5-9 shows up here: when you find a person of peace (someone who is open to God’s love and the work of his kingdom) stay there, hang out, and work together.
When we do that, the kingdom of God comes near. When we emulate the posture and actions of Jesus, we lean into what it means to share together the good news of life with him.
What does hospitality look like to you? Are you a door opener? Are you ready to share the good news with someone who is looking for a way to spread the story to others?
A prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi begins, “Lord, make me a channel of your peace . . .”—and this can be paraphrased to say, “Lord, let me be a person of peace who invites someone in your name.”
Dear God, thank you for each person you bring into our lives to engage with. Thank you for the opportunity to share your story. Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
