Through Stained Glass: Hospitable Pork

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.
~Henri Nouwen

Why do I love the annual pork bbq?

Simple: hospitality.

We open our doors (literally!) and provide our community with good food, excellent fellowship, and festive musical atmosphere.

Yes, it is significant that 100% of our proceeds go to our local missions.

            Food for Thought.

            Coats for Kids.

What I love more, though, is that we have been doing this (in some way, shape, and form) for over 40 years. That’s longer than the people of God wandering in the wilderness!

I am always impressed with how we come together and make it all happen. Of course, we have Debbie and Charlise (and their committee [Ken & Keith]) to thank! I love driving around town and seeing our signs. And I especially love seeing the photos of the delicious desserts. [It gets even better when all that goodness starts rolling into the church!]

You all—wow. I am grateful for everything ALL of you do.

As we prepare for the big event tomorrow (or today, depending on when you read this post), a story from the Bible that comes to mind is one we will read from this Sunday. We know it well. It is the story of Mary and Martha. Luke tells it this way:

10:38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.

10:39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying.

10:40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me."

10:41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things;

10:42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

A couple things here.

First—this text is not criticizing the Martha’s of the world. Instead, the opposite, in my opinion. Jesus is inviting Martha to enjoy her work. She has put in the hours and effort, all of which is important. Now, she needs not to worry about all the things: ticket sales, press releases, and dessert organizing. Those have all been completed and what will be, will be.

Next--what Martha needs to do, what Mary was doing, was enjoying the moment. Participating in the now. Jesus invites Martha to be present with the communion taking place. Like Mary. Jesus brings to the forefront of what life together is all about:

                                                            presence.

Which is why I love this event so much. It is our chance as a church to provide a reminder to all the people pigging out (see what I did there?) that they are loved.

But also, and this is important—that the Martha’s are loved too.

Yup, drinks will need to be refilled (especially the water since it will be a chilly 90+ degree night); yes, the coleslaw will need to be stirred; and yes, the garbage will need to go out. But tomorrow is also about being with those we may not always have a chance to break bread with.

I love our annual pork bbq.

I love being with the Martha’s and the Mary’s.

It is a pleasure to be present with everyone and seeing the Gospel embodied in our generous hospitality.