tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post6367405083602860811..comments2024-03-28T04:42:52.156-05:00Comments on Dancing with the Word: An Owner's Manual for MissionariesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-10862932498116994892013-07-02T05:52:51.957-05:002013-07-02T05:52:51.957-05:00Thank you, Pastor Janet! I have a good friend who ...Thank you, Pastor Janet! I have a good friend who is a School Sister of St. Francis. The traditional Franciscan greeting for welcome and goodbye is Pax et Bonum/Peace and all good (be with you). Another friend brought me a beautiful tile from Assisi, Italy with the words Pax et Bonum. It hangs by my kitchen door and is a reminder of what we are called to bring to the world. Thank you again for your inspiring message.<br />Pax et Bonum,<br />JanBensonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02224186564114062356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110197701822420036.post-37671187878821234412013-07-01T23:53:41.995-05:002013-07-01T23:53:41.995-05:00I agree that technology can be a wonderful tool, b... I agree that technology can be a wonderful tool, but we can't leave out the human contact! As an example of that, I visited a Lutheran Church in Santee, CA last Sunday. We found the church on the internet. My sister and her friend dropped me off in the parking lot. When I entered the church, I was given a bulletin by a smiling lady usher. During the passing of the peace, I asked the lady sitting in my pew if that was her home church. She said yes, and so I told her that I was visiting from Illinois. After the service was over, I shook hands with the Pastor and told him that I was visiting my sister in Santee, and that I was from Illinois. If I hadn't initiated the exchange of words both times, I feel that nobody would have spoken to me! I didn't think too much about it until I read your message this evening. I believe that we each need to do our part to welcome those who come into our midst; to smile, shake their hand, let them know that we are glad they are here! Invite them to join us for fellowship after worship. Ask if they are visiting, and if so, from where. If they have little children, show them the Sunday School rooms and let them know what time our Sunday School meets. Give them a copy of our latest newsletter so they can get a feel for our church. I don't mean that we should be a pest, but we do need to show hospitality! <br /> "The harvest is ready, but the laborers are few." Again, Jesus is urging EVERYONE of us to do our part to share His love and His message of salvation with those we meet. That doesn't mean only in our churches, but whereever we are and with whomever we meet. Just by being kind, sharing a smile, showing others that you truly care about them! Then pray that God will show you who He/She would like you to share your faith story with. Don't be afraid! God will show you who to talk to and will give you the words to say at that time. Just be yourself and be open to sharing your faith story. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com