Positive, radical hospitality!
Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Happy July! Summer is a time when people are searching. Still Waters has many guests during the summer, and it is our responsibility, as disciples, to minister to them -- to show them radical hospitality.
As I think of my experience visiting churches for the first time, and as I’ve listened to many others who have made first time visits, there seems to be a common thread in all the stories; that is the ability of a first time visitor to connect to the worship service. The warmth of the welcome experience directly impacted it.
I hear time after time that Still Waters is a welcoming congregation, has a great spirit, and exudes love to one another. When a guest is given a warm welcome, an openness and ability to engage and comprehend the experience is present. That allows a greater connection to our congregation during that stage of the guest’s spiritual journey.
Vibrant, fruitful, growing congregations practice Radical Hospitality. Here at Still Waters, our Impressions Ambassadors have begun to focus on radical hospitality both within the church and outside the congregation.
But we are all Ambassadors, and you’ve proven that! Let us always keep our awareness of how we minister to all God’s children, not only in this place, but outside our walls as well.
Christian, radical hospitality refers to the active desire to welcome, receive and care for all God’s children; so that they can develop a spiritual home and develop, for themselves, a personal relationship with a living, loving God! That’s another way we live out our mission to “Find the lost, release the captive and develop disciples of Jesus.”
Pastor Jeff
July Health Notes
Sunlight and Your Eyes
Many of us have been made more aware of the risks of sunburn and skin cancer from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But did you know UV and other radiation from the sun also can harm your eyes? Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths on the eye surface that are both unsightly and cause problems with the cornea, including distorted vision.
Anyone who spends time outdoors is at risk for eye problems from UV radiation. Risk of eye damage depends upon a number of factors:
Geographic location - UV levels are greater in tropical areas near the earth’s equator. Further from the equator, the smaller the risk.
Altitude - UV levels are greater at higher altitudes.
Time of day - UV levels are greater from 10am - 2pm.
Setting - UV levels are greater in wide open spaces, especially when highly reflective surfaces are present, like snow and sand. In fact, snow can double the amount of UV exposure.
Medications - Certain medications, such as tetracycline, diuretics, tranquilizers, sulfa drugs and birth control pills increase sun sensitivity.
Cloud Cover - Your risk can be quite high on hazy and overcast days as UV levels are not significantly affected.
To best protect your eyes from the harmful rays, always wear good quality sunglasses when you are outdoors. Look for glasses that block 100% of the UV rays. The amount of UV protection is unrelated to color and darkness of the lenses. Remember to wear sunglasses even when you are in the shade and to protect kid’s eyes from the sun too.
Enjoy the outdoors and the sun, knowing how to be equipped with the right eye protection!
