February 2007

“A Place to call Home”

"Where do you want this box Sue?" I shouted, as I struggled through the narrow door. Sue called back "What number is on it?" "35" I yelled, above the din of all the unpacking. "The Basement" came the answer. My heart sank. Not the basement again. The last 5 boxes I picked off the moving truck all went to the basement. I'm too old for the basement. I want the kitchen. This moving is too much work! So goes the fatherly whining. I think I've got it down to an art. Moving is hard for almost everyone, and in fact, I think everyone has a great and exciting moving story. It may not be all that much fun, but it's the first step in settling in and making your house or apartment your home.

I feel that we are just coming to the end of the unpacking phase after the building project. We are settling into the new space but still seeing how it feels. We are trying out closets and fixtures. The youth are finding new places to hide. We are seeing a few small projects that need attention sometime this year, but we have moved in and are making it our spiritual home.

When we settle into our actual home, we think of ways to use each room. In the great room, we envision family gatherings and neighbors coming over for coffee. In the back bedrooms, we imagine children, yet to be born, jumping on the beds. It can be the same way at church. When we walk the halls and enter rooms, we know we are making this a spiritual home for people we have yet to meet. Some, who will become a part of the family, may come next week for the very first time.

Every month, each of us meet people who are looking for a place to call home. Situations in life have left them feeling lost and wounded. They are longing for a home. They have never felt the love of Jesus Christ. With all those who are spiritually homeless in our world, it is my prayer that we will welcome them into our family and home. Our home can be a place where people can rest, grow, and be both challenged and encouraged. Isn't it wonderful when we put the coffee pot on and bake some cookies and welcome them into their new home.

I remember a simple prayer that tells us the hope for our church:

O God our Heavenly Father,
Make the doors of our Church wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship and a Father's care, and narrow enought to shut out all envy, pride, and uncharitableness. Here may the tempted find help and the sorrowing receive comfort; Here may the careless be awakened to repentance, and the penitent be assured of thy mercy; and here may all thy children renew their strength in thee and go on their way rejoicing; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus welcomed us all in to his home in Matthew 11:28:30

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

It has been exciting to see how we extend Christ's invitation through our youth, our drama, and on every Sunday? Let's continue to creatively think of ways to open our doors to welcome those who need a spiritual home.

Pastor Craig