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“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:1-2

A lot can happen in 8 weeks. When I left for my sabbatical in early June, I had confirmed plans to enter into community in two very distinct settings. The first four weeks were spent up in the North Woods, near Brimson, MN, with Green Lake Lutheran Ministries at their Camphouse location. The last couple of weeks of my time away from CtK was spent in a very different setting, in Chicago, Ill. with the Global Mission staff of the ELCA.

I had a basic idea of what I would be doing in these communities, leading daily worship with and learning from other pastors and musicians, while having the space to take some deep breaths, embrace God’s creation around me, and be renewed by the incredible sense of community I encountered alongside mostly strangers. My time away from CtK forced me to slow down and settle into these communities, whether I liked it or not.

At Camphouse, there was no cell phone service and only spotty WiFi. I lived and worked alongside summer staff, mostly young adults, as we welcomed folks from many walks of life who came to the North Woods for all sorts of reasons. Despite the revolving door of participants (some people joined us for a week, some for just an overnight), each day had its own rhythm anyone could enter into at their own pace. These rhythms included devotions, worship, games, crafts, nature walks, kayaking, journaling, theological discussions, sauna, and delicious food. Because of the rustic nature of camp, we often found ourselves at the mercy of ever-changing, lake-effect weather patterns and swarming mosquitoes. Shifting our plans was the norm. Staying nimble and staying put helped deepen our sense of community each week. It was uncomfortable and annoying and beautiful.

Camphouse gave me the opportunity to accompany different musicians and learn from their experience and expertise. This led me to composing three new songs for worship in a style that was deeply influenced by the musicians I played music with and the nature that surrounded me. I’m excited to record and share these songs in worship at CtK.

My time at the ELCA corporate offices in Chicago provided a dramatic shift in setting. The hum of swarming mosquitoes in the North Woods was suddenly replaced by the buzzing traffic along Interstate 90 next to my hotel. In the first week, I joined new missionaries during their orientation as they prepared to be deployed to serve throughout the globe for the next few years. The second week welcomed close to 200 Service & Justice personnel of the ELCA, including former CtK lead pastor, Peter Hanson and his spouse, Sarah Grow. Most of our time was spent in large-group plenaries in an over-air-conditioned, windowless ballroom at the Q Center in St. Charles, Ill.

In the midst of these contrasting communities and settings, one thing has really stuck with me and continues to give me pause. No matter the setting, no matter the community, no matter your experience and background, hospitality is essential to forming community.

Because I found myself as a solo observer within these communities (I wasn’t a paying guest at Camphouse or a staff member of the ELCA’s Global Mission unit) I took notice of how simple gestures of hospitality gave me comfort, reassurance, and courage to connect with the people around me. Every morning, people greeted me with, “Good morning, Nate!” while we sipped coffee together. Every afternoon, there were snacks and time to take a nap. People who wanted to go on a walk, would ask other people to go on a walk, and then they would go on a walk! Back scratches and side-hugs were available, on-demand. I didn’t even know these people!

So, why does this give me pause? Because God’s presence unexpectedly grounded me amid the swirling change in setting and community through simple acts of welcome and hospitality offered without condition from complete strangers. I felt seen and noticed. I felt cared for and connected. I felt valued and loved. People showed up for me as themselves which freed me to return the same. For that, I give thanks to God.