This cheery way of doing business can put you in a positive frame of mind to start the day.
‘You’re welcome!’ -a phrase we see at sports and leisure facilities, in shops and indeed more personally as something we say when we invite others into our own homes.
Offering hospitality- it’s such a great way to foster relationships, to build up community, to give value to each person. But, to go beyond using, ‘You’re welcome’, simply as a pleasantry, for it to become the genuine article there has to be a matching of the outward form- the smile- the cup of tea- with the opening of the heart. That authenticity is picked up so quickly by those who are at the receiving end of our hospitality.
The model Christians follow is that of Jesus who was a guest in many homes but was supremely also the host because of the way he totally opened his life, indeed gave his life, to us. This wasn’t a case of just offering hospitality, important though that is, Jesus is hospitality! Jesus’ life, his death, his resurrection and the sending of the Holy Spirit is an invitation for each person to know the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit every day of their lives.
The Church, which is the body of Christ , is learning, day by day, to follow Jesus’ example and to be just that! To become the hospitality we offer. So, if you pop into All Saints Church or join us for worship or if you meet any of us in the village- be assured- ‘You are very welcome!’