Welcoming as Friends
Read: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
My Dad just turned 89 this January and my Mom will follow him in March. They made a decision over 15 years ago to move into an Oberlin Ohio assisted living facility that encourages independent living for as long as a person is able, then they are provided skilled nursing care when necessary. It has “been necessary” for the last year and a half … although they still have the ability to make an occasional excursion. They were able make a trip to Michigan a couple of weeks before Christmas to hear Sue and me sing with the Judelaires, a holiday season choir that performs 7-8 concerts in the month prior to December 25th.
What does this have to do with a Lenten Devotional? Well, when Mom and Dad came to hear our holiday choir, it was probably one of the last times they will be healthy enough to make trips. They enjoyed our concert and a great meal at one of the Nautical Mile restaurants.
But, one of the equally important activities, particularly appreciated by my Mom, was their attending GPUMC on the Sunday after the concert. The welcoming hugs and kisses from all our friends at GPUMC for my parents were warm and overwhelmingly inviting. The regular outpouring of affection to them was just a natural reflection of our Church and how we treat guests both new and from times past.
Thanks to all the members of our congregation for being the people who you are … welcoming both as Christians and as friends.
Let us work to continue to make our Church a viable institution where this welcoming approach will carry on for many years.
David DeWitt
Read: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
My Dad just turned 89 this January and my Mom will follow him in March. They made a decision over 15 years ago to move into an Oberlin Ohio assisted living facility that encourages independent living for as long as a person is able, then they are provided skilled nursing care when necessary. It has “been necessary” for the last year and a half … although they still have the ability to make an occasional excursion. They were able make a trip to Michigan a couple of weeks before Christmas to hear Sue and me sing with the Judelaires, a holiday season choir that performs 7-8 concerts in the month prior to December 25th.
What does this have to do with a Lenten Devotional? Well, when Mom and Dad came to hear our holiday choir, it was probably one of the last times they will be healthy enough to make trips. They enjoyed our concert and a great meal at one of the Nautical Mile restaurants.
But, one of the equally important activities, particularly appreciated by my Mom, was their attending GPUMC on the Sunday after the concert. The welcoming hugs and kisses from all our friends at GPUMC for my parents were warm and overwhelmingly inviting. The regular outpouring of affection to them was just a natural reflection of our Church and how we treat guests both new and from times past.
Thanks to all the members of our congregation for being the people who you are … welcoming both as Christians and as friends.
Let us work to continue to make our Church a viable institution where this welcoming approach will carry on for many years.
David DeWitt
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