The news site of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland: nourishing and connecting our faith community

Hospitality

Sunday September 24

Rublev's famous early 15th century icon showing the three Angels being hosted by Abraham at Mambré (Andrei Rublev, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Welcoming the stranger

“The idea of welcoming the stranger continues to find resistance today in so many ways. In the face of that resistance, our faith urges us toward building a more inclusive world, enriched by encounters with those who are different,” says The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Catt

Mark and Jenny talk about their 40 years of being foster carers

“Whether it be for a year or three months, you’re making a difference. You fall in love with them, you know, and they’re part of your family,” say Anglicare foster carers Mark and Jenny

Cannon Hill Anglican College students and staff connected with Anglicare Children and Families Roma team members in late 2022 after a call out for stationery supplies

Cross-commish connections as school, Anglicare services and parish gather in Roma

The Cannon Hill Anglican College community is still buzzing from their outback tour late last year, especially their visit to Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Children and Families team in Roma

We are “all children of God”

“It is common in Christian churches, including in the Anglican Church where I serve, to find a wide spectrum of understanding about human sexuality and gender. For some, this is a sensitive topic. However, what remains paramount is the absolute necessity to create an environment that enables all people to feel safe and to flourish,” says Bishop Jeremy Greaves, Chair of the Anglican Schools Commission

“If there is smoke in your house, make sure there is smoke in your neighbour’s as well”

“Every time a family meal is prepared, it is essential that extra is made to have ready for anyone who might come to visit unannounced, so there is plenty to share. Our children are taught this from a young age and are expected to always make extra if they cook. It is a great embarrassment to not have enough for visitors. It does not matter when they arrive – there should always be something to share,” says Resource Church Specialist, Bishop Daniel Abot

Church, community, chicken, chalk art and Christmas cheer

“One of the most important ways that we will continue to welcome people to our inn is by greeting and introducing community meal guests by name, just as God calls each of us by name. People’s faces light up when they are welcomed by name, as doing so affirms their God-given dignity and uniqueness,” says The Rev’d Tania Eichler from the Parish of Maroochydore, as part of our ‘Being Together This Advent’ social media initiative

Hospitality: How well does your church do it?

“It is natural for people who have been going to their church for a long time and formed many friendships to think that it is a warm and welcoming place; however, we must put ourselves in the shoes of the newcomer to really evaluate our level of hospitality,” says Dr Stephen Harrison