Dear Friends of Longview Chapel,
Some people have a special way of helping others to really feel welcome and at home. It’s that extra touch on the shoulder, or having that special treat ready that they know you love, or the smile when they see you walk in the door that welcomes us. For others that welcoming spirit might come through a listening ear or having patience as we struggle to figure something out. Or it might come in the form of a helping hand. There are all kinds of ways to help others to feel welcome. Even little children instinctively know when they’re welcome in a place or when they’re not. Is there room for them? Are there things for them to do that interest them? Is the environment a pleasant one? What makes you feel welcome?
Our church tagline has been for several years now, “Welcome Home.” One of the ways this past week that we are creating a more welcoming place for teens and children is by adding to the staff our Family Minister, Rev. Patrick Landau. Patrick has already jumped in, and I know that our children and youth are going to feel even more cared for and welcomed because of the time he and Ashley Davis will share with them each week. In addition to the two of them, we have lots of volunteers who are engaging our children and youth, too. We look forward to all kinds of beautiful shared moments in ministry together.
We sometimes joke that the phrase “Welcome Home” also means that things can be bit crazy or messy now and then when we are home. That’s part of home, too. The welcome part, though, stands out whether things are crazy or whether things are easy whether things are hard or whether we’re in the midst of a celebration. How will we continue to strengthen our spirit of welcome to people of all ages and backgrounds as we love, grow, and serve together in ministry at Longview Chapel?
1 Peter 4:9: “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
Pastor Donna