Hospitality

Joyful Hospitality
Opening your home in joyful hospitality is an effective way
to build bridges to those who need Christ

My dear friend, Lois Eger wrote a birthday poem and called me a "party girl." It's true! I love a party. I like getting people together - not only for fun, but also for a purpose. I like to see people enjoy themselves, relax, laugh, develop friendships, feel important and loved, and most of all, to be introduced to Jesus Christ. When they are blessed, I always feel rewarded. And I've discovered that one of the most effective ways to reach out to others is through joyful hospitality in our homes, in our neighborhoods, and where we work and play. - Vonette Bright

Be open to your neighbors (start a conversation, wave and say "Hi!")
Make a point of meeting them (take over homemade goodies, walk their dog, baby-sit their children)
Examine your house, make it inviting to encourage friendship (Do you answer your door with a smile?)
Go a step further and invite your neighbors over for a casual dinner or BBQ (Use common interests or experiences to relate as one friend with another)
Plan a Children's Party, Ladies' Tea, Holiday Party and use the JESUS Video
As you build bridges to your neighbors, plan events for life-sharing & follow-up
*********HOSPITALITUDES!********* - "Happy are those..."

I think when I feel welcomed and comfortable in someone’s presence, no matter what the setting—that is Christian Hospitality. - MaryC

The death of hospitality in our culture is one we do not mourn enough, mainly because we don’t understand how much we’ve lost. Being at home full-time has made it possible for us to reach out to others. I’m not talking about formal dinners or elaborate parties; I just mean through the simple act of having people in for a simple meal and conversation. Our society is full of hungry, lonely people. When busy, harried lives give us no time for them, where will they find hope? It is so important to have the time and to use it for Christ. - Jennie Chancey, co-author of Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God

I once was in a Bible study that defined biblical hospitality as providing meals/lodging/whatever to non-believers. They strongly felt that hospitality was for those you were trying to reach, not just entertaining “ourselves.”Having said that, I usually keep it simple when I have people over. They are more comfortable that way. - PeggiB

Holiday Gatherings

Check out: Christmas Gatherings by Joyce Bademan
Christmas is a wonderful season to share Christ's message in a meaningful way. People's hearts are unusually open and warm to spiritual thoughts and to being together.

Tea Parties

Show your mentor, best friend, or pastor's wife how much you appreciate her
by hosting a special afternoon tea party called "Three for Tea at Two"

Looking for a new way to reach the women in your church and community?
Try A Hearts of Honor Tea or use the ideas to create your own theme.