The Power of Invitation: Stories of Connection and Community
There’s something special about invitations. They break down barriers, create connections, and open doors to new relationships and experiences. Recently, I was reminded of this while traveling. A month ago, I met a woman on an airplane, and our divine encounter would lead her to a meaningful community at Orchard Hill Church.
An Unlikely Encounter
As we sat next to each other on our flight, we struck up a conversation. She shared her name and was curious about my travel plans and life in Pittsburgh. I learned that she had been searching for a church community to belong to because she had recently started reading the Bible with her boyfriend. I felt a sense of urgency and excitement as I invited her to the Women's Christmas Brunch at Orchard Hill Church, where women gather for laughter, conversation, and the joy of connecting in community. To my delight, she accepted the invitation and soon began attending our Strip District Campus where she has since been connected.
A Sisterly Invitation
That experience echoed the “God at work” moment for two women hosting a table for the Women’s Christmas Brunch at our Wexford Campus. They were not just nurturing their own connections; they each took bold steps to invite their unchurched sisters to join them. These sisters live in the same community, and neither had been to an Orchard Hill Church event before.
Traveling together to the brunch, these women were not only welcomed by the festive decorations and delicious food but also by the genuine love and acceptance of those around them. It was a beautiful display of how the simple act of inviting can alter the course of someone’s journey. Through their shared experience, they began to explore faith in a safe and nurturing environment, making connections that enriched their lives.
Biblical Invitations: Mary, Martha, and the Disciples
The theme of invitation is deeply woven into the fabric of our faith and scripture. Take, for instance, the story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus visited their home, inviting them to sit at his feet, he offered them the chance to learn, grow, and experience the depth of his love. This invitation remains relevant today, reminding us that we are all welcome to draw closer to Him, to learn what it means to follow Him.
Similarly, the disciples experienced a powerful invitation as seen in John 1:46, where Philip invites Nathanael to "come and see" this Jesus from Nazareth. This call encapsulates faith as a journey of exploration and discovery. When we invite others to explore who Jesus is, we are encouraging them to embark on their own spiritual journey, filled with wonder and transformation that can only be found by saving faith in Jesus Christ.
The Challenge of Invitation
As we reflect on these stories of connection and community, I’m reminded of how crucial it is to embrace the art of invitation in our own lives. This Christmas season let’s open our hearts and homes. I challenge all of us to extend invitations—invite people into our homes for a meal, invite them to our Christmas Eve services at Orchard Hill Church, and encourage friends and family to join groups in the new year.
Each invitation holds the potential to change a life. So, let’s carry forward this spirit of invitation, creating a ripple effect of connection and belonging. Who will you invite this season?
Together, we can create a tapestry of stories where each invitation leads to new relationships, deepened faith, and a sense of community that reflects the love of Christ. Let’s embrace the power of invitation and come and see what Jesus has done!
