20th
On My Heart and Mind - Pastor Matt’s Weekly Email
Come One, Come All
At last week’s SOUP+SOUL we discussed radical hospitality as one of the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. We had a great time in conversation about our church and how we can become more radical in our invitation and welcome to others. During our time, Jesus’ “Parable of the Wedding Banquet” was mentioned. In this story about the Kingdom of God, Jesus tells about a king who throws a great feast, but all who were originally invited came up with excuses and did not attend. The King then sent his servants out into the streets to gather in the poor and outcast to partake in the feast.
Church life can be a bit like that. Leaders and pastors do all sorts of planning and preparation, but those who receive the first invitation often do not attend—we know our excuses: “we’re busy,” “we don’t like such-and-such person,” “someone else will do it.” There are others in our community, though, who are starving for this feast of Good News, community and opportunity for service. We as a church need a heart for those outside our walls who should be part of our Lord’s feast. Bishop Robert Schnase, the author of Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, reminds us that welcoming the stranger is an act of welcoming Jesus, who said: “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).
Tonight I invite you to SOUP+SOUL, where our topic will be “Passionate Worship.” Soup will be served at 6pm, with a devotion at 6:45 and program from 7-8pm. Our kids are invited to join Maria for a rehearsal of GODSPELL songs from 7-8pm.
Another important invitation is to the “Leap into Spring 2008 Talent Show.” The event will be held on Friday, Feb 29th at 7:30pm in Halstead Hall. We will have a great time with performances by church members and friends, as well as snacks and desserts. Thanks to Tine Johannessen and Ross Porter for coordinating the event.
You’ve been invited, will you accept the invitation to the feast? Below is a contemporary translation of the parable.
Announcements:
1) This Sunday’s worship service is at 10:15am and focuses on the “Woman at the Well.” Catherine Nesbit will be filling-in as our musician and special music will be offered by Heather Kent and Elizabeth Eggleston. See you there!
2) My open office hours tomorrow (2-21) will be from 1:30-5pm and I will be at a clergy cluster meeting in the morning in Shrub Oak.
Peace,
Pastor Matt.
Luke 14:15-24 (The Message)
The Story of the Dinner Party
That triggered a response from one of the guests: “How fortunate the one who gets to eat dinner in God’s kingdom!”
Jesus followed up. “Yes. For there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, ‘Come on in; the food’s on the table.’
“Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. The first said, ‘I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.’
“Another said, ‘I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.’
“And yet another said, ‘I just got married and need to get home to my wife.’
“The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, ‘Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.’
“The servant reported back, ‘Master, I did what you commanded— and there’s still room.’
“The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.’”
