STEWARDSHIP - HOSPITALITY: INVITING AND SHARING

You will find throughout the Spire pictures of pineapples.

Pineapples you say? This is the symbol of our 2010 Stewardship Campaign. In the weeks to come, we will be talking about Hospitality: Inviting and Sharing and just what this phrase can mean to our lives.

Pineapples and Colonial America
The pineapple took on symbolic meaning in
England’s American colonies. The colonies were
then a land of small, primitive towns and settlements where homes served as the hubs of most community activity. Visiting was the primary
means of entertainment and news dissemination.
The concept of hospitality - the warmth,
charm, and style with which guests were taken
into the home was a central element of the society’s
daily life.

In those homes where the pineapple was carved
over the front entrance door, no one would ever
be turned away. You see the pineapple was a
central symbol of giving food and shelter to the
wayfarer, or those in need. It is hardly surprising
that this communal symbol of friendship and
hospitality should become a favorite symbol of
artisans and craftsmen.

Here at First Congregational Church we will be focusing on the positive attributes of Biblical
hospitality as we move through the weeks of
autumn.

In Hebrews 3:1-2 we hear this good advice:

“Let mutual love continue.
Do not neglect to show
hospitality to strangers,
for by doing that some
have entertained angels
without knowing it.”

We can all be proud that the faithful stewardship
of our church members and friends has enabled our congregation to grow our ministries and programs each year.

Your Stewardship Committee

Sharon Geil, Tina Poet, Mohandas Orencia, Herb Knight, Bob & Brenda Swick, Mary Kay & David Skinnon, and Rayanne Montgomery