Hospitality: Betty Nethery

The idea to host a simple reception following funerals originated with Reverend Mary after a particularly sad and challenging funeral service for all attending and participating.  She recognized the need to provide a venue for people to come together and comfort one another after the memorial service.  Linda Nevitt and I, to some extent, morphed into being the “Cookies and Punch Ladies” and had the daunting task of following Cherry Richardson in this leadership role.  

I am writing this blog on the day following the service for our beloved Frank Burkett.  During the “Cookies and Punch” time a church member hugged me and thanked me for helping with this Hospitality event and we both agreed, “There’s a lot of love in this place today.”  That statement is precisely and unequivocally the strongest and most compelling description of the purpose of the Hospitality Receptions.

The Hospitality Receptions have quickly expanded to other occasions such as the three Christmas Concerts and the Service of Healing and Hope.  Being a part of these events in times of great joy during Advent and of great sadness during grief is simultaneously humbling and inspiring.

From the minute the first request for cookies goes out, until the volunteers come to greet, serve and clean up and the AHUMC members participate in the event, sharing the Love with one another and others is what we do best as a congregation.  It is a simple  process by which we embody the Love of Christ and share it both among ourselves and to the visitors who attend these events.  It is so much more than “punch and cookies.”  It is knowing and experiencing “There’s a lot of love in this place today.”