This weekend ORUMC begins a series based upon United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase's book FIVE PRACTICES OF FRUITFUL CONGREGATIONS.   Our topic this week is radical hospitality, or as we at ORUMC call it "Christ-like Hospitality".    Radical, Christ-like hospitality is inviting, welcoming and caring for people in Jesus' name.   It is offering a gracious welcome and showing acts of mercy to the stranger/guest because we have received the very same by Jesus Christ.   People need to experience first-hand and see in action Jesus Christ in flesh and blood every day reality before they will take a further step of trust into a Christian community.    Radical, Christ-like hospitality offers an opportunity and responsibility for Christians to be Christ to the guest....to the stranger....to the seeker.  It invites another to begin the journey of faith with a specific community of believers, who realize and affirm that they have been so blessed to receive from Jesus undeserved mercy and grace that they cannot help but share this same welcoming grace

Today marks an unimaginable tragedy in our country.    The mere mention of two numbers - 9 - 11 - and immediately everyone is on the same paragraph of the same page.  No doubt we all remember where we were and what we were doing on that fatal morning.   I was gathered with a group of community pastors for Tuesday morning Bible study at Rudy Hardy's home.   As soon as I returned from  Bible study and walked into the church office I was informed of the diabolical  terrorist acts.   We gathered around a television set at the church watching in shock and disbelief as camera scenes showed unthinkable destruction, carnage and human suffering.

This Monday we observe Labor Day...a time to give God thanks for work and thanks for those who work faithfully and consistently to make this country and the world a better place in which to live.     Let us also this Labor Day be mindful of those who are without work - those amidst the unemployed and underemployed ranks.   We also pray that God will lend them strength and encouragement as they are in this waiting period of their life and living and that appropriate employment doors may open in a timely manner.

As many of you know, I spent this past weekend in Chicago visiting my step sister.  We had a great time, and the city of Chicago was amazing.  I loved the weather, the sites, the Cubs game, and the food.  I got a chance to take a tour of the city on asegway.  That was an adventure, and I highly recommend it to everyone!