​Entertaining Angels

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2

As part of my work for the Commission on Ministry, I recently traveled to a church in our diocese on a Sunday morning to lead a training. I came home in tears.

After meeting with the group of parishioners I was training prior to their Sunday service, I was left alone. Not one of the six people in the meeting offered to guide me to the sanctuary or sit with me during worship. I ended up seated all alone in a pew. During the sermon, the visiting preacher asked congregants to talk amongst themselves for several minutes to discuss a question he had posed. Not a single person offered to converse with me. I was completely ignored. After several minutes of feeling left out and awkward, I stood up and left the church. I did not receive Eucharist, and I did not provide an offering.

This was a real wake-up call for me about the importance of hospitality, especially in a church setting. I felt so lonely, and sad, and left out, and if I had been a visitor looking for a new church, I would never go back. It made me think about those who walk in the doors at St. Cross who may have had this same experience at some time. We think of ourselves as pretty welcoming, and in general, we are. But when was the last time you saw someone you didn’t know sitting alone in church and just sat next to them? It takes no effort. You’re just sitting, maybe saying hello, and offering the peace before communion. If you’re really feeling it, maybe you introduce yourself!

We don’t know why people are coming into our holy space. Perhaps they are new to town and are looking for community. Maybe they have just lost a loved one and are hoping for some comfort. Maybe they’re church shopping for a new place to make their spiritual home. Whatever the reason, we as Christians have the responsibility of providing hospitality, and to make those who enter feel welcomed. This is one of the reasons the clergy and I are always encouraging you to wear your name tags.

I love my job as the Connection Coordinator here. I love to meet new people. But I’m just one person. On the Sundays when I’m not at church, what happens to those people who are new or visiting? Are they feeling as alone and sad as I did at that other church?

The next time you come to St. Cross, look around. Is there someone who looks unfamiliar or is sitting alone? Be there with them, if only with a smile, a nod of your head, and a sense of your presence. You never know, you may be entertaining an angel.

Cameron Johnson, Connection Coordinator