Pastor’s Corner 8-31-2025

Hello church friends!

We have spent a lot of time discussing hospitality at Spirit of Life. We see that Abraham and Sarah practice radical hospitality in a dangerous setting (Gen 18). We observe Christian hospitality in the work of our friends at the Dandelion House. We practice this radical Christian hospitality through our shelter at the Thiessen building. In this Sunday's New Testament reading, we find another clear call to practice hospitality. The letter to the Hebrews reminds followers of Christ to "show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it" (Heb 13:2). An encouragement toward empathy follows this (Heb 13:3), along with honest relationships (Heb 13:4), showing that the following elements help foster hospitality toward strangers.

When we support the work of the Thiessen shelter—through time, relationships, and resources—we are following a clear biblical command. The light kindled by this work shines through in the personal lives of those involved. Research shows that spiritual health, relationships, and self-esteem improve when people are engaged in hospitality work. To everyone involved in hospitality work—whether through the Thiessen shelter or in other ways—I honor you and encourage you to continue shining your light, for your benefit and for the world's.

More often than not, we are entertaining angels. 

Faithfully,

Rev. Joshua Kingsley