Be Our Guest!

Be our guest! Be our guest! Put our service to the test. Tie your napkin 'round your neck, cherie, and we'll provide the rest...

Beauty and the Beast

This chorus, from the Disney animated film, “Beauty and the Beast” speaks to the radical hospitality demonstrated by the clock, teapot, and candelabra, to the protagonist, Belle, who was held hostage by an arrogant prince.

This chorus is one that the church can learn from, especially on this Family and Friends Day. People enter our church from an often hostile world, beat down by the arrogance of insecure people and unjust systems. As disciples of Christ, we have the responsibility of making people feel at home, comfortable, and safe within our fellowship--to be our guest. As those who have been welcomed by the expansive and enveloping love of God in Jesus Christ, our ministry is to extend that same love to others as a witness to the transformative power of Christ’s love and to do so without asking our guests to jump through unnecessary hoops...tie your napkin ‘round your neck, cherie, and we’ll provide the rest.

Some of you may be saying, “Pastor, you’re reaching...are you really suggesting the church learn from a singing clock, teapot, and candelabra?”

Yes, however if these words do not move you, perhaps these will: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). Whether you are inspired by the Bible, Beauty and the Beast, or both, I invite you to welcome our guests today with open heart and open arms as angels sent from God.

Growing in Christ,

Pastor Donna Olivia Owusu-Ansah