By Rev. Racquel Ray
When Jesus saw the great crowds, he had compassion on them. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
I’m reminded that this church has stood as a lampstand to this community for hundreds of years. And in the past year, we have really had the chance to give light to those around us!
I recently received a Thank You note from a community member who attended our worship service ONCE. She is a person with physical differences and joined us with her service dog. Our greeters and ushers were there to make her feel welcome and comfortable – and someone brought her Communion in the pew. She wrote that it was the first time that she had been welcomed to receive Communion – coming from a different denomination and being a person who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She has carried that pre-packed cracker and juice – the Body and Blood of Christ with her since. And, she thanks YOU, the congregation, for the hospitality that was life changing for her. 
The way we care for one another and the efforts we take to show hospitality matter – even for those we will only see once. Beloved, we are the light of the world, we are the light bearers. We often do not know how great of an impact we have had on others in simply shining the light for them.
As a big, anchor church in the East Bay, we often have the opportunity to share our light in this community. In the past year, we have hosted some very large funerals, several cultural events, a few large weddings, and two large civic rallies which opened our doors to thousands of guests. In addition, we shared our space with multiple organizations and community partners . How we welcome the stranger – regardless of politics, religion, age, gender, orientation, status, or ability – matters.
Our church staff has outdone themselves by helping me organize these large events. We often joke that we are here ‘eight days a week’ (quoting the Beatles song). I have heard stories of the BCCUCC history and heard that there were teams of volunteers that used to help with these large events and hospitality. Maybe it is time to revive that tradition?!
I wonder if we can revive the culture of a volunteer hospitality team? In our recent listening sessions, in our leadership visioning events, and in our Deacon’s meetings I have heard that the congregation would like to expand our visibility in the community, grow our membership, and provide more local outreach.
I believe it is important for BCCUCC to reclaim our position as the town’s Meeting House. In my communications with our local community partners, I am quick to offer our space for community gatherings. I believe we should open our doors to weddings, funerals, baptisms as is our sacred sacramental role in the community. And, I believe we should also open our doors for sacred secular events too like concerts, guest speakers, scouting, clubs, art, theater, and social gatherings. 
I would like to open our parking lot to the Town of Barrington during the town’s anchor social events: Memorial Day Parade, Barrington PRIDE, Arts Festival, Harvest Festival, and the Holiday Tree Lighting. I wonder if you will join me in offering a ministry of hospitality during these events? I would like to set up a refreshment table in the parking lot and while citizens are parking and waiting for the town provided shuttle to Town Hall, we say hello and offer drinks and snacks and maybe a small gift. I am thinking of iced tea and lemonade in the summer, warm cider in the fall, and hot cocoa in the winter.
Would any of you like to join me in further expanding our welcome, hospitality, and outreach? Any chance we could create a new [returning] hospitality team? And, would anyone like to join me outside to welcome the stranger and love our neighbors? What a wonderful way to share our light with others so that they may see the light and receive the love of Christ – perhaps giving Glory to God for your good work!