Encouragement as Hospitality

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Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

There is a neat tradition at Heritage Christian Services. For over 15 years, the individuals at all of the day habilitation programs in the Buffalo, New York area set adise a day to intentionally go out and encourage someone in their neighborhood or faith community. This day of encouraging is in addition to routine volunteering that they do on a weekly basis in the community with Meal on Wheels, food shelters, animal shelters and much more.

One year each person made a care basket for their faith community leader with yummy cookies, music and gifts. The individuals at their work places boarded their vans and traveled to each of their faith communities. When they reached someone’s church or synagogue the person rang the door and handed the basket to their pastor, priest or rabbi. They shared with them how much their faith community leader had encouraged their faith and thanked him or her as they handed them a beautiful basket. One Pastor almost cried and said he had a difficult week and how much this act of kindness made his day!
Another pastor said she saw her friend walking up to the door of the church and felt like sunshine was coming her way. She had just lost her dog the day before.

There is nothing like surprising someone on an ordinary day and letting them know how much they mean to you.

This group of individuals were able to bring hospitality to the very people that share it with them every week and it was a delight!

After their day of encouraging the people from each day program got together with each other to tell their stories, share a meal, dance, sing and have a devotion of thankfulness together.

Contributed by Diane Sturmer, Spiritual Life Coordinator, Heritage Christian Services, Inc.

A Happy Heart Offers Hospitality

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“A happy heart makes the face cheerful” Proverbs 15:13a

Mark Bruinsma, one of the founders of Heritage Christian Services was an incredible example of hospitality in his faith community. Mark had Down’s syndrome and had an amazing impact on his faith community. He was a world changer. Even years after he entered heaven, I have met people that shared that Mark was the reason they came back a second time to visit the church.

Mark was known to take time to give a big smile and a warm hug to each person who came into the lobby of his church. He also took time to ask questions to learn about each person he met! He had a neat way of making people feel welcomed and valued. People said they wanted to experience more of the faith community that Mark represented.

This winning combination gave Mark the role to welcome new visitors for decades. This joy was also seen when he would lead the choir and congregation in his favorite song “How Great Thou art.” Many said that Mark’s happy heart and cheerful smile drew their hearts toward him and brought them into a closer relationship with God.

Contributed by Diane Sturmer, Spiritual Life Coordinator, Heritage Christian Services, Inc.

I Have to go to My Church

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We are delighted to welcome a guest to share a part of her journey where the intersection of ability and faith really hit home with her. Mary Lynn is the mother of an adult son with developmental disabilities. When she was invited to share a story about faith community and hospitality she related a story about the deep connection that her son (who lives in a group home) has developed with his church:

It still brings a smile to my face when I think of it. Mother’s Day was coming and I was talking to my son, David, about spending the weekend at my house. He seemed to be thinking it over, which had me puzzled. Finally, in spite of a serious speech impediment, he managed to tell me, “I have to go to my church, not Mama’s church, my church St. Paul’s.” Of course I agreed. The Pastor at his church had a sister with Down’s Syndrome. He and his staff, as well as many of the parishioners, are very welcoming and inclusive with David and his friends. It is truly the love of Christ in action.

Hospitality to Strangers

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Will Rogers, iconic American film actor from the 1950s said, “A stranger is a friend I have not met yet.” This stranger who is a potential friend could be the person passed on the sidewalk, the man or woman standing next to you at the bus stop, the new family that moved in down the road or the person seated in a wheelchair behind you at church. The basics of initiating a relationship include a smile, making eye contact and giving a greeting.

Let’s do some imaginary role-playing. Imagine that it is Monday morning and you are standing at the bus stop when a stranger stands beside you. Politeness requires a greeting. Hellos are exchanged, the bus comes and the day continues. Tuesday morning comes at the same bus stop. The stranger is again waiting for the same bus. Hellos are again exchanged, perhaps with a non-committal comment about the weather. Wednesday and Thursday the same greetings are exchanged. The Friday greeting includes a comment about the upcoming weekend. When the second Monday of the two people at the bus stop arrives the greeting is more natural and eye contact is established. What is happening? A relationship is developing. It may never be more than two people greeting each other at a shared bus stop, but it has the potential to grow into a connection, then an acquaintance relationship and possibly a full blown friendship.

Now let us imagine that the ‘stranger who is not yet your friend’ is the person who is sitting in a wheelchair behind you at church. Imagine that the pastor/priest says it is time to exchange a sign of peace or to greet those around you. You turn around to exchange a handshake with the person behind you and see that she is seated in a wheelchair. What do you do? In the matter of a split second your mind races around: It would be rude to ignore her; it looks like her right hand is pulled up next to her shoulder so how do I shake her hand; should I speak loudly to be sure she can hear me? Remember, she is just another person, just like the stranger from the bus stop. Start with a smile. If she cannot extend her right hand wait a brief second to see if she extends her left hand and if she does than follow suit. If she does not reach out to you than you can still make eye contact, smile and exchange a greeting of peace with her. Now imagine that the service is ended and she is still sitting behind you. How would you interact with her if she was not sitting in a wheelchair but was just a stranger behind you in church? Smile, make a comment about the weather or the sermon, exchange a handshake or hug and then go home for lunch. That is how you should interact with the stranger sitting in a wheelchair. To create a more comfortable environment for her you should sit down next to her or face back-wards from a seated position in your seat. This places both of you on the same eye level. Introduce yourself. It is very appropriate that part of the after church conversation includes asking the stranger how you should exchange the sign of peace with her next week if she sits behind you again. If she has a friend or family member with her it is polite to include them in the conversation as well, but remember that they are two distinct persons so do not address the friend and exclude the person in the wheelchair. Unless the person in the wheelchair shares with you that she has a hearing loss and needs you to speak loudly you should not speak loudly or exaggeraterate your enunciations. The need to utilize a wheelchair for mobility does not mean that a person has other disabilities such as deafness or intellectual disabilities. A relationship is developing. It may never be more than two people greeting each other at church, but it has the potential to grow into a connection, then an acquaintance and possibly a full blown friendship.

Hebrews 13:1-2 “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertangels agels unawares.”

Written by Lida Merrill, Director of Spiritual Life, Heritage Christian Services, Inc.

Undeserved Hospitality, A Reflection

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Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Have you ever held a door open for someone, whether it was at church, at the grocery store or anywhere out in the community? What about giving someone a smile that you didn’t know, giving up your seat, paying for groceries or a meal for a stranger? Daily we should be ready to show hospitality to anyone we come across. In Hebrews 13:2 it specifically tells us not to neglect to show hospitality to strangers because we could be entertaining angels.
In places of worship, greeters are placed at the main entrance to greet visitors and members of the services. They show hospitality by peacefully smiling and saying hello to those who enter in the building. Ushers lend a hand to those who need assistance coming in and for those who need to find a seat. Both positions in church are the eyes, hands and feet of Jesus. When he first met his chosen disciples, Jesus first greeted them. With perfect peace, he asked them to follow him. Then Jesus taught them in the way that they should live and how to treat others. Everything that Jesus instructed them to do was all in love. Being hospitable is also done in love. When Jesus laid his life down for us, he did the greatest, loving, hospitable thing for us even though we didn’t deserve it.
Contributed by Joe Starling, Spiritual Life Coordinator, Heritage Christian Services

Come Unto Me, A Reflection

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“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matt 11:28
What a wonderful spirit of hospitality Jesus offers to each of us. Jesus’s words let each of us realize how important it is to have a place that presents us with an opportunity to feel welcomed, loved, safe, peaceful and at rest from the cares of everyday life.
This is exactly how I feel when I spend time with the people that I support at Heritage Christian Services. There are lots of “Hello,” and “Glad to see you.” Hugs, hand shakes and offers of a seat also abound. Everyone extends hospitality to me: “Come join us.” “Are you staying for lunch?” “When can you come to dinner?” “When can we go out together?” “What’s new with you?” “Let me tell you about my day.” “Will you pray for me?” “May I pray for you?”
Yes, hospitality is truly a part of the environment here at HCS and I am so grateful to be a recipient of it on a daily basis.
Contributed by Gilda Goings Spiritual Life Coordinator

A Story about Neighborly Hospitality

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Two days of constant snowfall and freezing temperature made for a frigid wintery weekend. The neighbor was overwhelmed of the snowfall. As he continued to shovel his way out, his neighbor, Joshua, walked over to assist him. With much surprise, the neighbor looked up and said, “Thank you for helping me.”  Joshua replied, “I don’t mind, we’ve met before, but I don’t remember your name.”  The neighbor introduced himself as Bill. “ I’m Joshua, but everybody calls me Josh” Joshua said.

They continued to shovel and talk about the weather until they were finished. “Whew! That was a lot of snow we shoveled!” Bill said with an exhausted look on his face as he propped  his shovel in a mound of snow.  “It was a great workout while there’s sunlight!” replied Joshua. “Thank you again, but really, why did you choose to help me with shoveling my driveway and not finish the rest of your driveway?” Bill was still puzzled and wanted an explanation from Joshua. The only contact that they’ve had was a simple hand gesture by waving to each other while getting their mail out of the mailbox. Joshua replied with a smile, while shaking the snow off of his snow pants and boots, “It’s the neighborly thing to do sir. I really didn’t mind at all. Besides, my family and I will get outside in the morning and take care of our driveway since the little ones want to play in the snow and make snowmen tomorrow.”

As Joshua walked into his home, he remembered that he wanted to practice a scripture he read that morning. It was from 1 Peter 4:9-10 that says, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  Quietly he thanked God for the courage and opportunity to open up his heart to show hospitality towards his neighbor Bill.

Contributed by Joe Starling, Spiritual Life Coordinator, Heritage Christian Services, Inc.

Hospitable to Strangers

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Hebrews 13:2 “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.” NLT
Reading is one of the joys of life for a man who attends a day program at an agency that supports people with developmental disabilities. He expresses his joy of reading and love for books by reading stories to children at a nearby child care center. As I asked about his experiences he shared with me that he started reading to school children several years ago. He said that he has always been welcomed with open arms and has felt his efforts have been greatly appreciated. He doesn’t do this for the applause or the pats on the back he may receive. He does it for the smiles on the children’s faces. He does it with a servant’s heart and certainly enjoys being welcomed into their world. He does it in such a wonderful way that he is missed on the rare occasions he is unable to make it. Many parts of his story touched my heart but his comment on how welcomed he feels upon arriving was particularly inspiring. The excitement of the children as they greet his arrival, how each pair of eyes and ears are focused on the story being read encourages him. The enthusiasm of the children and staff as they welcome him as their guest motivates his heart. How my friend feels when soaking this all in is called hospitality.

Encarta dictionary defines hospitality as, ‘kindness to visitors; being friendly and welcoming; generous treatment offered to guests or strangers.’ This describes exactly what my friend feels each time he visits. That should describe how we respond when we come into contact with people in need whether they be guests or strangers. If done properly, with the right heart attitude you will provide for another’s need and you will certainly be blessed. Don’t do it for the applause or the pats on the back you might receive. Do it as unto the Lord, with joy in your hearts. Who knows, you may find that you have entertained an angel or at least turned a stranger into a friend.

Contributed by Larry Havlen, Spiritual Life Coordinator, Heritage Christian Services, Inc.

When God’s Children are in Need: Hospitality

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When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. Romans 12:13 NLT

Over the last few decades our culture has become increasingly isolationistic. Many people are uncomfortable saying hello to strangers; few people establish and maintain eye contact with others; eyes and minds are buried in smart phones and other mobile screens and most are not acquainted with their own neighbors. If you would like to be an agent of change in this area don’t lament the fact that it may be true for you and wallow in guilt. Trust God and choose to act upon this wonderful passage that reminds us to step outside our comfort zones and overcome cultural influence to actually meet the real needs of people we meet. We are encouraged to be on the lookout for those who have need of physical sustenance in the form of food or shelter. They could be fellow believers, neighbors or strangers that God has brought into our lives for no other apparent reason.

As Christ followers we are called to reflect His love in the world. The act of hospitality is a tangible way for us to mirror that love. In His earthly ministry Jesus showed His love for others by often meeting their needs when those needs were presented to Him. He gave sight to the blind, gave the ability to walk to the lame, healed the sick and fed the five thousand, just to name a few. But our ultimate need, to be reconciled to God, was met by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The need for that sacrifice was determined before the foundation of the world. He willingly gave His life to meet our need for a Savior. This gives us the opportunity, if we believe upon His name, to have a right relationship to our Creator.

So yes, for us to be hospitable some sacrifice of time and resources will be required as we reflect the love of Christ by meeting physical needs for food or shelter. Such a small price to pay compared to the joy one will receive when one helps a fellow human being in need. Develop the habit of ministering to other people and you will be blessed beyond measure.

Contributed by Larry Havlen, Spiritual Life Coordinator, Heritage Christian Services

Lent Then and Now

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I grew up in a faith tradition that observed the season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday our family went to mass and received ashes smudged onto our foreheads, on Fridays we had macaroni and cheese, we were expected to make extra visits to the confessional and, as we got older, we were asked to give something up for Jesus because he gave up his life for us. I liked Lent. It gave me something to do and I believed I needed to do something for him to get his attention so he could see what a good little girl I was. I gave up reading time for more prayer time. I gave up my favorite foods to experience sacrifice. I wore something blue everyday of Lent because I had heard somewhere that it was the Mother Mary’s favorite color and I thought that Jesus would notice me if I wore his mother’s favorite color. For me Lent was all about working to get God’s attention.

Somewhere in my teenaged years someone told me about grace. They shared that I did not have to do anything to get God’s attention, I already had it because he made me and he loves me. My head momentarily shut off so that my heart could listen. I was loved! I was wanted by God just as I was, no perfect behavior or extreme sacrifice on my part was needed! Unfortunately I threw out the baby with the bathwater, so to speak, and stopped honoring the Lent season. I did not see the richness that this tradition could bring into my life when observed from a viewpoint of love and acceptance instead of works and falling short of perfection. Fast forward a few decades in my life to a point where I was reintroduced to the beauty of a Lent season bathed in grace.

My adult Lent disciplines may mirror my childhood ones, but the motivation is completely different. The childish me sought to be good enough for God to get God’s attention. The adult me practices the discipline to get my attention on God.

My prayer for you this Lent season is that you will know the freedom of being unconditionally love and accepted just as you are.

Contributed by Lida Merrill, Spiritual Life Director, Heritage Christian Services, Inc.