In Conclusion
This may, or may not, be my last entry. A brief recapitulation of thoughts follows:
My observation-based suggestions to you can be summarized in two words:
Hospitality
Transparency
The rest, as they say, is commentary.
If you wish to subscribe to any more periodicals, I'd recommend highly "Sojourners" and "Christian Century." They both offer great information, inspiration, and insight.
The February issue of "Sojourners" reminds us,
The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) required public spaces to accommodate disabled people by providing ramps, designated parking, and wheelchair lifts. Yet Christian churches and schools lobbied against the bill, claiming the cost of these features would represent government intrusion into religious affairs... Christians stood alone against access for disabled people...[which prompts this reflection] "Disabled people didn't leave the church,...The church didn't even leave us. No, we were never welcome."
Hospitality requires intention, effort, deep conversation, and resources.
On Sunday my final report will be available to all of you; in it I offer several suggestions as well as some encouragement. Please get a copy.
Finally, on Sunday I will be speaking on the theme, "Live Your Vision." Your vision changes over time. Nevertheless it requires a living-into action in order to make it real; only by such effort will you be aware of how things must continue to change. Blessings on that endeavor.
- Rev. Dennis Alger