A Message to Proclaim: 

Radical Hospitality

Jesus became who we are that we might become what he is.

Irenaeus

Soon after his testing in the wilderness, Jesus preached in his home synagogue:  "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:18-19).

At the heart of these words is the call to extend the radical hospitality of God. Jesus both taught and modeled with his life that it is in the space between the stranger and the self that the divine is encountered.

As he told his disciples: "When I was thirsty, you gave me water [...] as you did to the least of these..." (Matthew 25:45). Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Jesus proclaims the radical hospitality of God, which beckons all the excluded, disabled and powerless with the promise of healing and wholeness: Shalom.

At first the words seem to welcome Jesus' neighbors and the synagogue warms with pleasure. But, with sickening rapidity, it grows cold as Jesus makes clear that he knows that they do not really understand or truly welcome him. In no time at all, the congregation turns into a lynch mob and Jesus narrowly escapes with his life.

Henri Nouwen talks about the challenges of practicing radical hospitality, born of the acceptable time of the Lord: "Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines."

Our unity, then, is found in Christ. But there is danger here: there will be change. Part of the spiritual practice of radical hospitality is to learn to recognize our internal reactions to people whom we consider "strangers." It is to name our fear of change and make a conscious decision to "let go." To whom do we find it hardest to extend hospitality? What of our past will be the hardest to "let go" of that there might be space for "the new" born of God's call? The answers for each of us are probably different.  Yet, we do well to remember that Jesus became who we are that we might become what he is.

Radical hospitality is more than welcoming the stranger in our midst.  It is an ongoing spiritual practice that challenges each one of us to look beneath superficial differences to engage the holiness that is the foundation of every person. Like every spiritual practice, it is meant to change us until we come to bear the image of Christ.

With Blessings,

Debbie Rundlett

General Presbyter 

Holy Habit: Hospitality

"I was a stranger and you invited me in." 

Jesus, Matthew 25:35b.

How is God calling you to practice radical hospitality?  Often, hospitality is understood to be synonymous with "friendliness." While not mutually exclusive, hospitality calls us to a deeper investment of self than simple friendliness demands. Hospitality calls us to share our stories, with both laughter and tears. Hospitality pulls us into a deeper relationship with God and one another. Jesus makes clear that offering hospitality is a moral imperative (Matthew 25), and that our fears do not excuse us from welcoming the stranger in our midst. It is interesting to note that the word for "stranger" in Greek (xenos) also means "guest" and "host." In fact, the New Testament word for "hospitality" (philoxenia) literally translates as "a love of guests or strangers." How might our lives change if we dared to greet each person we meet as Christ in the stranger's guise? 

Where is the 2014 Prayer Partners List?

from Candice McMath 

2014 Updated Terms of Call Forms

Can Now Be Submitted!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Candice at the Mission Center by calling 330-339-5515 or emailing at Candice@MVPJourney.org.

The Illuminated St John's Bible is now on view at Canton Museum of Art

http://www.cantonart.org/the-saint-johns-bible 

Below is the illuminated "Four Horseman of the Apocalypse" by Donald Jackson, from the exhibit.

From Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton

Gold and Ivory: Concert for Flute and Piano

February 9, 2014

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of great music! Sunday, February 9, 4:00 pm at Christ Canton will be "Fold and Ivory: Concert for Flute and Piano" feature Dianne Williams and Brent Schloneger. Music lovers will appreciate the duo's classical pieces, featuring compositions from Bizet, Debussy, Taktakishvili, Beethoven and Brahms.

The concert flyer can be accessed here, as well as a full schedule for Christ Canton's 2014 Church Concert series.

From the Office of Immigration Issues, PC(USA)

Invitation to Trainings regarding Immigration Issues

The Office of Immigration Issues is providing trainings to help the denomination respond to issues regarding immigration.

Further details are available at this link.

From First United Presbyterian Church of Clinton, IA

Presbyterian Cookbook Project

The FUPC of Clinton, Iowa is beginning a nationwide Presbyterian Cookbook project. Details and contribution information are available at this link.

From Rev. Robin Swinsburg

Choir Robes Available

Free for the cost of shipping.  60 choir robes (blue)  Only a couple of years old and only worn one year.  

If you are interested, please contact The Rev. Robin Swinsburg at 941-748-2848

From Massillon Central Presbyterian Church

Seeking an Organist

Central Presbyterian Church of Massillon has an immediate opening for a quarter-time organist and accompanist. Instruments are a 2002 Allen Renaissance 80-stop, 3-manual digital organ with MIDI and a Steinway six-foot grand piano.  The individual filling the position will be responsible for one Sunday morning worship service, weekly rehearsal (September-May) with a twenty-five voice chancel choir, special liturgical services, weddings, and in-church funeral services.  

Position reports to the Director of Music Ministries. Compensation will be negotiated and based upon commensurate experience.  A full position description is available upon request. 

Interested persons are asked to contact Larry Lalama at 330-832-7455 or cpcp@sssnet.com.

From Lynn Thompson Bryant 

Orwell North Presbyterian Church Seeking a Pastor

The Orwell North Presbyterian Church, a spirit filled, "country" church, is looking for a full-time covenant pastor.  Our church is located in the Village of Orwell in southern Ashtabula County Ohio.  The church was established in 1831.  It has a membership of 110 members.  

We are looking for a pastor who reflects God's abiding love and the peace and joy that following Him brings.  If you feel that our church would be a good fit for you please contact us with your information and we will provide our pastoral information form in its entirety.  We look forward with great anticipation and joy to meeting the new pastor God has chosen for our church.  

Orwell North Presbyterian Church

135 N. Maple Ave.

Orwell, OH  44076

(440) 437-6677

From Jerry Norton, Christ Church

1990 Hymnals available

Due to a recent upgrade, the 1990 version of the hymnals previous used at Christ Church are available for churches in need. 

• Regular Hymnals (with music):         470
• Large Print Hymnals (words only):    120

All the hymnals are in good condition, as Christ Church got them in 1999, so they have only been used for 14 years.  They are boxed and available to ship immediately on a first come- first served basis.

Save the Date: May 1, 2014

Re/Entry: Rebuilding Productive Lives, Post-Incarceration

A Policy Coordination and Training Symposium for Professionals

From Alice Phillips, Creston Presbyterian