Lessons from Hospitality

SERMON TITLE:   “Lessons from Hospitality”
SERMON TEXT:    Luke 10:38-42 (Children’s story from Genesis 18:1-9)
PREACHER:           Rev. Kim James
OCCASION:           July 28, 2019, at First UMC
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
                Yes, I was gone from you the past two Sundays and the weeks that preceded them.  I went to Northwestern Montana, got my mom, and we went on a 3000-mile road trip together.  We had a great time and enjoyed the hospitality of many friends, relatives, and professionals along the way.  
                Thanks again to all of you who pitched in and made ministry happen here while I was gone.  Thanks to those of you who worked in the yard and cleaned the church so that it would be a pleasant environment.  Thanks to the Youth and their leaders who led worship on July 14, sharing about their mission trip to Atlanta.  Thanks to the United Methodist Men and David Barron who led worship last Sunday.  Thanks to those of you who unlocked the doors, turned on the lights, greeted and ushered, made the coffee, and served the fellowship refreshments.  Thanks to those of you who attended worship, prayed for the sick, welcomed the visitors, carried on conversations, and made sure everyone felt like they belonged.  Hospitality is an essential ministry of any church.
                Hospitality has always been an important issue for God’s people.  The Old Testament story that I read to the children about Abraham and Sarah welcoming their three visitors is an ancient example of that.  The New Testament scripture Lori just read for us is another example.  This morning I invite you to consider with me this story from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10.  What are its lessons from hospitality?

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