The Journey
The Newsletter of Good Samaritan Church and All Saints in the Mountains
The August Message from Father Bill
Committee meetings don't frequently make the news, but I wanted to share something unusual with you. The Redevelopment Committee was meeting on a recent Monday evening when it started pouring with rain. In Gunnison, that's not so newsworthy. What was extraordinary was the following chain of events. We had just been discussing the gift of hospitality and how to prayerfully more effectively open the doors at the Church of the Good Samaritan, when the phone rang. It was a group of bicyclists who were traveling across country and wondering if they could find shelter in Babb Fellowship Hall. Briony responded by asking when they could be here. While the Committee discussed all the potential requirements and limitations and if we should really be providing shelter (as you know, this was a committee meeting), the phone rang again. It was another small group of bicyclists traveling cross country asking if they could please find shelter in the Fellowship Hall for the night. How could we refuse? In this particular case, there seemed little confusion about discerning the Lord's call. All these cyclists also happened to make wonderful guests, and were so appreciative of shelter for the night that one group left their card and a note on one of the bulletin boards in the Fellowship Hall. They said We Rock -- check it out the next time you're in Babb Hall!
We are not always presented with such blatant calls for hospitality. And, we are not suggesting that we begin providing shelter for every needy person. (One practical reason is that we have no showers.)
Given that God is working everywhere and that we are called to assist Him in His work, it is not that we need to create something, but to discern what He is doing in this area and how we might be able to participate in that work.
Hospitality is not only opening the doors and having a good time, but opening the doors, having a good time, and finding out what people's needs are -- and in the process, discovering our own. This equalizing process provides an opportunity for caring, discernment, and healing, as individuals, as congregations, and as a community. We do face the risk of anger of disappointment when other's responses do not meet our hopes or expectations. This allows us to experience some small measure of Christ's unconditional, ongoing love for us and to learn how to care for ourselves and one another.
At the suggestion of the Diocesan Missioner, The Rev. Canon Lou Blanchard, the Redevelopment Committee has been reading the book entitled Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler Bass. However, everyone might enjoy reading this thought-provoking book. If anyone would like a copy, please contact me.
Upcoming events will focus on resort ministries and the importance of hospitality. In September, Canon Blanchard will be here to lead a discussion of our spiritual gifts. (Details will be published in upcoming church bulletins.) The following month, from October 21-23, Canon Blanchard and I will be participating in a Resort Ministry Summit in Summit County, Colorado. Locally, we appreciate your input; always, we treasure your prayers.
Faithfully, in Christ, Father Bill
Click HERE to read Father Bill's Spring message.....