I believe one of Jesus' gifts was this same ability to help people to believe that they were wanted, loved, and important. Richard Gerth did it at WDW, but who do we have in our churches who has this gift? I've known a few in my lifetime, and they helped their churches immensely. Who has that natural gift of hospitality? Who can help new people connect with established members? Who can help them find their place? Who helps them feel important? Sure we can cultivate those people, but it's much easier if they have the gift and it comes naturally. How much different would our witness to new folks and potential members be if they felt loved, cared-for, and important the minute they walked in the door?
God of grace, you have gifted each one of us with abilities we can use to build up your reign here on earth. We can welcome people into the church, we can preach, we can teach, we can bake cookies, we have good financial know-how, we can fix things when they break. No one of us has it all, but together we can accomplish good things for you. Give us the grace, and the courage to tap into our gifts, and offer them up to be used as you see fit........Amen.