Hospitality Is Seeing with Your Eyes and Your Heart

In his recent presentation at our parish, John Poitevent from the Parish Catalyst
organization encouraged Epiphany members to see with both their eyes and their hearts all
those persons whom we encounter in our church. Our vision enables us to greet and
acknowledge those familiar to us as well as visitors in attendance at church services and parish
functions. We can see if a person’s facial expression and body language are happy or sad,
relaxed or stressed, and respond accordingly. Often we are distracted and hurried, and may
pass by the less familiar person, parishioner or guest, to greet those with whom we know and
habitually socialize.
We should be mindful that our church community is brought together in Christian
fellowship through the power of the Holy Spirit. This great enabler empowers us to be
genuinely welcoming to all, transforming our parish community into people who strive to love
as Jesus loved, selflessly, and see the value in all persons.
To create a welcoming environment, Poitevent encourages parishioners to be positive,
compassionate, and nonjudgmental. Be present and responsive to those around you, and
always willing to invite persons to become more involved in our church. Our ultimate goal as
disciples of Jesus is to accompany one another on our shared journey in becoming closer to
God.
~Stewardship Committee, Epiphany Parish