Pastor's Corner

Being A Welcoming Church

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)
"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." (Rom.12:13)
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." (I Peter 4:9)

Grace and peace to you all, members and friends of St. Ansgar Lutheran Church. I am excited and very hopeful for the future. I was kind of wondering what story to share with you as we venture into spring. Then I came upon this beautiful story, which I think will help illustrate the point of our being a congregation of Hope in this community. Hope is born out of Faith and Faith is a gift from God. The story goes like this:

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its’ hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

'And what do you want?' The pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question. 'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's really, really sick...and I want to buy a miracle.' 'I beg your pardon?' said the pharmacist.

'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?' 'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little. 'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.'

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?' ' I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.'

'How much do you have?' Asked the man from Chicago 'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audibly. 'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.' 'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. ' He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro- surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. 'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?' Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost….one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child.

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. We all need miracles in life don’t we? And I know you'll keep the ball moving! A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends. But the treasure inside for you and me to see is the treasure of friendship God granted to us.

Among the events that have taken place in our community of faith lately, there is a theme I believe God has laid on my heart for some time and that is “Openness to practice hospitality” and the emphasis is on hospitality. As most of you who have known me can verify, that I speak a lot on things I have experienced, and this is one of those experiences.

I also love to speak about individuals who have contributed in shaping my life and faith in God.

Truly as the saying goes: To the house of a friend the road is Never long. St. Ansgar’s was blessed with sixteen new members this past month, nothing short of a miracle. We rejoice with these sisters and brothers who have chosen St. Ansgar’s as their place of worship. I know they will bless us with their spiritual gifts and talents as we reach out in mission for others.

There is still good in our world, but the opposite is also true, there are hurting people in our world, and it is my prayer that St. Ansgar will continue the tradition of being a welcoming Church, a place where individuals will find acceptance, love and friendship with God. In the desert of hatred, there is always the oasis of love. Our homes, our congregation (as small as we are) can become a ministry tool as we seek ways to make our guests feel comfort. As they experience our love for them, they would be drawn to the Creator of Love - God.

May there be a precious lesson we can all learn from this little girl Tess, that one dollar and eleven cents.... plus the faith can go a long way. May God help us to see our home, our congregation as a ministry to those who will be guests at any given time. We pray that they will be drawn to God as they experience godly hospitality in our home and congregation. Be blessed.

Best wishes from your friend and pastor,
Pastor Samuel King-Kabu

Web Page prepared by:
Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2014/03/04
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal