Welcoming Place

This is for a conference tomorrow on discovering new ways to care and support congregations.

Five symbols of welcoming are used: bowl of water, towel, bible, bread and wine. Each are placed in a central place in turn and together they form a cross.

Here is water,
heaven’s symbol of welcoming
for all those on tired journeys,
and who need a place to rest.
Come now,
shape this space with us:
a welcoming place,
filled with God-light.

Here is a towel,
heaven’s symbol of hospitality
for all whose wounds need bound,
and need the hands of the servant to hold them.
Come now,
shape this space with us:
a healing place,
filled with God-light.

Here is a story,
heaven’s symbol of unfolding truth
for those who have been silenced here,
yet know their story is heard in the corridor’s of the Almighty.
Come now,
shape this space with us:
a living place,
filled to God-light.

Here is bread,
a symbol of feasting
for all who are hungry
for food and for justice.
Come now,
shape this space with us:
a changing place,
filled with God-light.

Here is wine,
a symbol of covenant
for all who seek out God’s dream,
and long for the community’s renewal.
Come now,
shape this space with us:
a thirsty place,
filled with God-light.