Summertime Peculiarities

Rodney Clapp's book Peculiar People  describes some of the "peculiarities" of Christ's people. We're peculiar, Clapp argues, not in the sense of being strange or weird (Ok, some of us are slightly daffy) but because of our language and our practices. We use, for example, words like hospitality, and mission to describe what we do in church.   When we say we engage in practices of hospitality, what we do goes far beyond serving lemonade and donuts.  Hospitality is a way of mirroring the  sort of kingdom Jesus envisioned.  When we pray for those who are sick, when we support causes which the world may see as unpopular, when we reach out to those who are hurting, it is all because we are practicing our peculiar brand of hospitality.  
 
As an act of hospitality and mission, Woodlawn Chapel is collecting school supplies for the children at Presbyterian Children's Services Farmington manor. Click here for details about PCS and the good work they do. 

Items needed by August 8:

• Hand held calculators (inexpensive, solar powered)
• Loose leaf notebook paper
• Composition theme books (black & white marbeled cover used for journaling)
• 2 pocket folders NO METAL brads or pieces
• Ink pens
• Construction Paper

The following items are not needed now: spiral notebooks, glue, pencils.

The hope is that by engaging in this peculiar act of discipleship, we can be an offering of love and hope to kids who have seen the worst life can offer.  It's an act of hospitality--we're inviting them to feel at bit more "at home" in themselves.
 
Coming up in August, we'll engage in another summer ritual at Woodlawn Chapel.  "Faith and Films," our annual movie series will include a selection of films, both fun and provocative, that illustrate significant aspects of faith.  Look for a list later this week.
 
That sound peculiar? To some, perhaps, but to  others -- it's just the way we do what we do!

Peace, Chris