A Message from Pastor Erin On the walk from Jerusalem to the city of Emmaus, two people encounter a stranger. Those people don't know it's Jesus they meet on the road. They walk and talk. They invite the stranger they don't recognize to dinner. The people share stories and welcome the stranger (Jesus) into relationship because they are hospitable. Because they've spent some time with Jesus and learned what it means to invite others, these two know how to greet and welcome others. They practice what Jesus taught them. At Ravenswood Fellowship UMC, even though we can't meet in our building at this time, we can learn more about hospitality and welcoming strangers. After this is all over, after COVID-19 and sheltering in place are no longer our everyday norm, I expect people will be looking for places to find meaning, place of community, places of love. They will be looking for a place like us and we will be able to share with them the hospitality of Jesus. And so we must prepare ourselves for that day, when we open our doors and our hearts to say, "You are welcome here!" Join us tomorrow (Saturday, April 25) at 10 AM to learn more about why greeting well is a gift to share with others and how to do it effectively. Here is the Zoom link. Or you can call in at 312.626.6799 (Meeting ID: 911 2188 5039). |