Radical Hospitality Publication... Coming to Your Church Soon

Jesus said, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me."

The New York Annual Conference is pleased to announce the publication "Radical Hospitality."  Bundles of 5 magazines have been mailed to each local church, and should arrive between the 23rd and 27th of December.   Rev. Ann Pearson opens the magazine with the following:

Dear Readers,

We are pleased to offer this Radical Hospitality magazine as a resource for welcoming friends and neighbors to your church with a special focus on visitors. We encourage every church to have a hospitality plan - even though we believe that we are "a friendly church."

As conference staff, I visit a different church each Sunday.  I have a chance to be greeted and seated, and then escorted to fellowship after worship. I begin my visit by searching out the church web site for clear directions and opportunities that the church offers. I look for church signs as I get close to my destination, and a clearly marked entrance to the worship area.  I hope to be greeted by one who is genuinely glad to welcome a visitor.  I sense the energy of the congregation and probably make my decision about my welcome even before the prelude has begun.  Developing a culture of radical hospitality will be essential for each United Methodist Church as it strives to fulfill the goal of becoming a vital congregation.

So what's under your church welcome mat?  Do you have a hospitality plan - is it radical? Is it "drastically different than ordinary practice?" Please consider the articles and information in this magazine as you open your doors to those who do not yet know you, and yearn to know God.

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