Dear Friends,
I’m sure I’m not the only one who spent most of last week complaining about the hot weather. Perhaps I’m not the only one muttering about the rain this week, especially with the summer fair this Saturday. Sometimes I wonder if it’s possible to be British and be content with the weather. I can’t imagine living anywhere which didn’t have the changing of seasons and all that brings with it, I mean what would we talk to strangers about.
This Saturday, no matter the weather, we are opening wide our garden, church and centre to the local community. Lots of people we have never met will be welcomed warmly and we will have many conversations about the weather (other topics are available). We hope that everyone who comes along has a wonderful time; but more than that, that when they leave at the end of the day, we have become friends.
Jesus repeatedly taught the disciples and crowds to greet strangers, welcome them as friends, share what they had with them and show them love. Welcoming people we don’t know and providing hospitality is a hugely important part of our life as Christians. As we live this out on Saturday I pray that we all feel inspired by Jesus’ call to welcome strangers, and that the people we meet leave as friends knowing that they can come again anytime they like.
Emma
Emma Major, LLM