Draw the Circle Wide and then wider still….

We are in a process at First Christian Olympia. We are discussing what it means for us as a congregation to officially claim and name ourselves as an Open and Affirming congregation. We already profess a theology of extravagant hospitality and welcome. The congregation is made up of people from all walks of life. We enjoy a tremendous spirit of fellowship and purpose as we walk together listening for God’s call, seeking to be all that means in this time and in this place in the context in which we find ourselves today. Not yesterday, not 50 years ago, but today. Some ask and wonder why it is necessary to be Open and Affirming when we are already welcoming. It is a good question. A question that begs for a response.

In the context of this time and place in our community, in our state, in our country, in our world it is more important than ever for those of us who understand the Gospel as good news, who have experienced first hand the restoring, healing power of being a part of a community that lives out the all inclusive love that Jesus professed and taught - to speak out, to reach out, and to fully proclaim it.

The world becomes more and more divided everyday. God’s vision for us is not divisive. God’s vision for us was not to live in fear and in hate. God wants us to live in the realm. The kingdom here and now. In order for that to happen we must reach beyond our fears and our misgivings, our judgements and draw the circle as wide as it needs to be drawn until there is no outside or in only God’s realm; love, justice, peace, joy, hope.

Being an Open and Affirming congregation means we welcome everyone, Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered, Bisexual, Heterosexual, Black, White, housed, unhoused, street people, the mentally ill , the lonely, the broken hearted, the angry, the conservative, the liberal, the questioning, the tatooed, the white collared, the blue collared……….the list is never ending and you may feel free to fill in more blanks…..My prayer for us is that we continue to draw the circle wider…..

Hospitality

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about hospitality. Often times in the context of church we understand hospitality as the act of welcoming a stranger. This translates into slapping a name tag on them as they enter to worship, saying hi and telling them about coffee hour following worship, or shaking their hand during passing of the peace. All of which can be acts of welcoming. But is it enough? Are we really taking the time to get to know each other? I’m wondering if we don’t need to examine our motivations. If our motivation is simply to get a person to return so that we may increase our numbers then I’m not sure it counts as hospitality.
When did Jesus ever teach that we should be gathering up people and convincing them to join a congregation. Perhaps the greatest act of hospitality is to go out into the world and live our lives in the manor Jesus taught. Making friends with everyone we meet regardless of social status, or political views, or sexual orientation. Loving our neighbors and taking care of each other so that the world is transformed into a just and hope filled place. This is the greatest act of hospitality I can imagine. It focuses our attention on God’s vision for the world rather than our own desire to count numbers on Sunday morning.
Don’t get me wrong….I love to have visitors on Sundays. I love a good presence in worship. Because it feels good to be in community with those who are faithfully seeking to understand God’s call as we experience through Jesus. But when we focus on numbers alone we miss the point. We cannot truly be open to listening to God. So…..I whole heartedly welcome anyone and everyone to come experience God’s presence through worshiping together, but I also invite you to then return to the world and truly live out God’s desire for hospitality. Loving your neighbors where ever you find them.

Hello world!

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to my blog and First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Olympia website, www.firstchristianolympia.org. I’ve given a great deal of thought as to what I might say as a way of introduction to this incredible faith community, and I keep coming back to the phrase we use on our outdoor sign: Open Minds, Compassionate Hearts, Welcoming ALL people.