Welcome

27Jul
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.Greet also the church in their house……. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
- Romans 16:1-5…16


In these opening words of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he is introducing some of his friends to the church in Rome, encouraging the church to welcome them. Sunday mornings finds modern day churches working hard at being welcoming, beginning with greeters and ushers, the exchange of peace during the worship service, and providing opportunities for fellowship at coffee hour. But churches are also welcoming at other times and in other venues.


For years my mother spoke to me of her dear friends in New Orleans, and when my husband and I moved to New Orleans those very friends were instrumental in welcoming us and in making sure I was stitched into various communities both in Trinity itself and in groups peripheral to the church. This past February I was in an Uber on my way to meet such a group for our weekly coffee klatch when I was in a bad accident. I didn’t make it to the coffee shop on that morning, nor since. But I know that every Thursday morning those women gather as each of their circumstances allow, dragging another table or two and more chairs together as others walk into the shop to join them. Room is always eagerly made for new arrivals. Each person is warmly welcomed, and together through laughter and tears, they celebrate good news, help to shoulder burdens and sorrows, provide encouragement and inspiration, and often collaborate on efforts to aid those in need. This group has an almost 50 year tradition of meeting for early morning coffee. Their open and joyful acceptance of newcomers and their shared stories of cherished members now missing from the table form connections that defy both the passage of time and geographic separations. The time spent together feels both sacred and missional – it is one of the most deeply loving and faithful communities of which I have ever been a part. I think an expansive group of loving friends repeatedly drawn together to love and support each other is what Paul envisioned when he was writing letters to churches all those years ago. 

 

I dearly miss Thursday mornings with these inspiring women. But as my recovery thankfully continues here in NJ, it has occurred to me that I could invite someone to join me each Thursday morning to sit together and share a cup of coffee, an appreciation of each other and gratitude for all that God has created.


Musical Reflection- God id love and swhere true love is - members of the St. Columba Singers


Lord, may we in all our walks of life be proclaimers of the Good News, may we love and welcome those around us; may we share with each other our love of Christ, that all may know the joy of loving you and of loving each other. Amen.

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