Hospitality
By Alex Montes-Vela
In The Gifts of God for the People of God, Alex Montes-Vela draws on his childhood memories, and on words that we all have spoken innumerable times, to explore the concept of abundance in our lives, communities and faith. Thi…
By Charis Bhagianathan
What does practicing Christ-like hospitality look like? How can we work on improving our ability to provide a genuine welcome and invitation to all? Welcome that not only allows people to feel comfortable and cared for, but a…
By Daniel Vélez Rivera
Why do Latinos arrive to our doorsteps? What do they find? Why do they stay? What makes Latinos feel welcome in the Episcopal Church?
By Judith Doran
Dr. Alan Watton was ninety years old when he started coming to church, via a ride from our hospitality chairs (a husband and wife team). After the first service, he stopped on his way out and asked if I made home visits.
By William M. Kondrath
Scientists tell us that biodiversity is a key measure of the health of any ecosystem. Many of us suspect that diversity within our congregations would also be a sign of health, creativity, radical welcome, and the possibility…
By John Adler
One step which is often overlooked in our various incorporation processes is that of having a meaningful welcoming ceremony for our new members.
By John Adler
"Our purpose is to commission these persons in the Name of God and of this congregation into membership in Iona-Hope."
By Stephanie Spellers
Nobody knows just what Jesus Christ’s body looked like. But most of us have some inkling, some dream, of how the Body of Christ could look and feel.
By Toni Daniels
What would happen if we treated newcomers as Sunday morning guests, rather than as visitors?
By Peter Lane
“St. Paul & the Redeemer is growing because we are really clear about what we are about and that is welcoming everybody to this community: orthodox believer or skeptic, gay or straight, black or white, rich or poor, everyone …
By Charles Robertson
I am speaking here of that often overlooked hero in the New Testament book of Acts...
By Harold T. Lewis
The ministry of welcoming newcomers into our midst is arguably the most important evangelistic activity in which a parish can engage.
By Mary Parmer
Cultivating new practices of invitation, welcome, and connection that are rooted and grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ will transform our congregations...
By Louise Fortuna
Sharing our buildings with others can tax a congregation’s resources. “A Ministry of Space” by Louise Fortuna shares how, on a shoestring budget and without a sexton, this downtown church has become a true community hub.
By Sarah Barton
As we strive to serve all our neighbors in the love of Christ, upholding the dignity of every human being, may our lives be blessed by people with IDD as we together affirm boldly and faithfully: “I will, with God’s help!”
By Charis Bhagianathan
June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. In this, our second Pride issue honoring the LGBTQ+ community (find the previous issue here), we embark on a journey of understanding, inclusion and …
By Jamie Martin Currie
Is your parish a place where children are welcome? In Let the Children Come to Me, Jamie Martin Currie explains why it is important to provide intentional hospitality to children, and describes how paying attention to the nee…
By Charis Bhagianathan
Addressing the issue of hospitality in our churches requires us to first look outside our doors and begin these important conversations with our community and neighborhood. In this issue we share ideas on how to invite those …