Long before the church had pulpits and its baptisteries, it had kitchens and dinner tables.
As a matter of fact one of the very first statements made about the early church, is that the disciples/apostle’s were spending too much time waiting on tables…and not enough time sharing the good news…
So seven men of good repute were called upon to take their places…they called them, “Deacons!”
And of course you know, that even a casual reading of the Early Christian Writings unveils that the “house” was a “primary tool” of the church.
People met in “homes.” They worshiped in “homes.” They prayed in homes. They had fellowship meals in “homes.” And, they strategized in “homes.”
The primary gathering place of the church was in a “home.” Home churches they were called.
Consider if you will, the genius, the pure genius of God’s plan.
The first generation of Christians was “a tinderbox” of contrasting cultures and backgrounds.
According to the book of The Acts of the Apostles’ at least fifteen different nationalities heard Peter’s first recorded sermon on the Day of Pentecost.
Jews stood next to Christians. Greeks next to non-Greeks. Citizens of Rome against to a whole host of other nationalities… Women stood next to men…and children were scattered throughout. Slaves and their masters alike came to hear “the word” about Jesus of Nazareth.
And the question then, as well as now was/is, “Can people of such varied backgrounds and cultures get along with each other?”
We wonder the same exact thing today. Can Hispanics live in peace with Anglos? Will Democrats ever find common ground with Republicans? Can a Christian family carry on a civil friendship with the Muslim couple down the street? Can divergent people just plain get along?
It is possible you know…and this great country was at one time referred to as being “the Melting Pot of the world.”
We know – that the early church somehow made it work…and they did so without the aid of sanctuaries, church buildings, clergy or seminaries. They seemingly did so through the clearest of messages (the Cross) and the simplest of tools (the home.)
Not everyone can get up and preach. Not everyone can be a missionary on foreign soil. Not everyone can teach. Not everyone can lead a relief effort. Not everyone can volunteer in a downtown meal program.
But who can’t be hospitable? Who can’t be welcoming?
It has been said, if you have a front door, if you have a table and chairs, if you have bread and meat for sandwiches—you possess everything that is necessary for one of the most ancient ministries of the church: namely, hospitality!
If you can offer a hand and a smile, if you can invite someone to hang around for coffee, if you can introduce someone new – to someone else – you are being hospitable. If you can show someone “new” where we are in the liturgy – you are practicing hospitality.
Is it any coincidence that the word “hospital” shares the same root word? Both have to do with care and concern…and healing.
I tell you, something “holy” happens around a dinner table, or at a Midweek potluck supper, or at a Senior Luncheon or at a Funeral Luncheon or at a council meeting or right here at the altar as we share bread and wine together. There is something about our coming together. There is something about eating and drinking together. There is something about the sharing that takes place.
It has been said, that hospitality – opens the door to an “uncommon community.” That is why a communion table has to be open, rather than closed.
When you open your door to someone, you are sending them a very specific kind of message. You are welcome here.
Our doors and our hearts remain open to you! You matter to our God and you matter to us. You are one with us. You are accepted here. We welcome you!
Then there is the story of the pastor who felt that his church was becoming a bit too stuffy – and that it needed a dose of friendliness. So he announced that the following Sunday they would start a new custom of shaking hands and greeting one another. At the end of the liturgy a man turned to the woman behind him and said, “Good Morning!” She looked at him with shock at his boldness and said, “I beg your pardon! That friendliness stuff doesn’t start until next week. What can you do, while you’re here? Try being hospitable! Amen!