Caring Conversations: The Hospitality of Faith

Over the last several weeks, in worship at Hope we have been making a home for faith. In our home we have a nursery where we are cradled and nurtured into faith - that is baptism - there is a dining room table where we are able to taste and see that the Lord is good - that is devotions - there is interior decorating which adds living color to our faith - that is rituals & traditions - and now this week, we're looking at somewhat of an intangible aspect to faith homemaking...HOSPITALITY.  Hospitality has to do with creating a welcoming space for those who live in a home as well as for guests. In a life of faith, caring conversations, taking time to listen to others, to sit knee to knee and walk shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Christ, creates a welcoming space for faith to be nurtured and trusted relationships to develop.

An explanation of Caring Conversations from Vibrant Faith Ministries (www.vibrantfaith.org) follows:

“Caring conversations express an interest in others: their hurts, their joys, their concerns and dreams, their values and faith.  Caring conversation requires time to be available to listen and to share.  Congregations are encouraged to help families and individuals identify the holy ground of their lives where precious, caring conversations take place and where lives are strengthened and nurtured by the love and mercy of God through the support, guidance and genuine interest of others.”

Has a trusted friend listened to you in a difficult time? Has a parent celebrated with you in a time of great joy? Has a brother or sister in Christ prayed with you at the loss of a loved one? All of these are ways that we experience God's grace through caring conversations. This week, take time to reflect on the ways that caring conversations have encouraged you and contributed to your faith? Join the conversation by sharing your story on this blog!

In Christ,

Chris Steubing

Making a Home For Faith

Greetings in the name of the Spirit of Hope!

During the season of Lent at Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, we are exploring the many ways that living a life of faith is like making a house into a home. Just as it takes intentional care and tending of the relationships and needs of the people that live in a house to really be able to call that place a home, it takes intentional tending of our relationship with God to make our daily lives hospitable environments for faith to grow. Each week we're exploring a different faith practice that contributes to nurturing faith in daily life.

Week 1 - Baptism: The Nursery of Faith
Week 2 - Devotions: Setting the Table for Faith
Week 3 - Rituals & Traditions: The Interior Decorating of Faith
Week 4 - Caring Conversations: The Hospitality of Faith
Week 5 - Service: The Chores of Faith

I am committed to the ideal that every sermon matters. Engaging in participatory preaching is one way to invite you to make the Sunday sermon matter to your Monday - Saturday life. This Lenten season, I invite you to share how you practice your faith with me and others? How do you make a home for faith in your daily life?

Thanks for blogging!

In Christ,

Chris