A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to see the musical Come from Away at DPAC. The musical tells the true story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, which on 9/11 became the emergency landing spot for 38 jetliners that were forced to end their flights as quickly as possible following the attacks. Until U.S. airspace was opened several days later, the passengers and crews of the planes -- a total of more than 6,500 people from all over the world -- were forced to stay in Gander, nearly doubling the town's population. Rather than being overwhelmed by this influx of travelers, many of whom spoke different languages and all of whom were stressed and frightened, the townspeople did everything possible to welcome them. They opened shelters, invited them to stay in their homes, fed them, provided clothes and arranged for entertainment ranging from barbecues to sight-seeing and even moose-hunting. By the time the planes left, the passengers and Newfoundlanders had formed lasting friendships. This is a clear example of radical hospitality.

Radical hospitality is a concept increasingly emphasized in church communities, one that we at WFPC are working to embrace. In this sense, hospitality doesn't refer to merely providing warm greetings to newcomers (although our Welcome and Hospitality team does this magnificently!) and it doesn't require a crisis of international proportions like in Gander. Instead, it means doing whatever we can to truly connect with others, even those very different from us, and to join with them in meaningful ways. In an article posted on the United Methodist Church website, the Rev. Ryan Dunn puts it this way: " Radical hospitality sends a message beyond, 'you are welcome to join us.' It says, "We see you and want to join you, wherever you are.'" Like any other significant act of relationship building, radical hospitality isn't easy. It can be messy, uncomfortable, unsettling -- but the process represents the church in its purest form.

In the same article, Rev. Dunn provides his interpretation of the Biblical basis for practicing radical hospitality: " It is arguable that Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of radical hospitality. Christians believe that God created our universe and that the same God who created the universe showed up in human history in the form of Jesus Christ -- forsaking the God experience to have a human experience. God entered our story instead of simply demanding that we enter God's story. Perhaps that is what best defines radical hospitality: when we practice it we say 'I want to become a part of your story more than I hope you will become a part of mine.'"

If you want a chance to explore the concept of radical hospitality in a more detailed and creative way, be sure to attend the All-Church Retreat Saturday, March 7, on the WFPC campus. The Rev. Lisle Garrity, a Presbyterian minister and artist, will lead us in workshops and art projects based on this theme. It will be a great opportunity to join with one another as we take steps to widen our embrace of our neighbors both in Wake Forest and throughout the world. Hope to see you there!