Defining Hospitality

By R. Preston Price*

If I were to define hospitality, I would simply say, “Des Moines United Methodist, Des Moines, Washington.”

Before Bishop Jack Tuell died, he and his wife, Marji, made the clear decision that his service was to be held at Des Moines United Methodist Church, Des Moines, Washington.  It was less than a mile from where they were living and, most importantly, it was their home church – a place where they had participated for more than a decade.  So, when Bishop Tuell died, an invitation went out to Church members to help.  Over 50 showed up at an orientation meeting.

Prior to the service, members worked for days sprucing up the Church building and grounds and clearing out rooms of accumulated items.  Permission was obtained to use the nearby elementary school for parking so members could park there and visitors could use the Church lot.  On the day of the service members in reflective vests (bought for the occasion) were deployed to all the parking lots to direct traffic.  Two youth in those same vests were stationed at the curb drop-off to help people get off shuttle busses and out of cars.  A youth opened the outside doors whenever someone approached.  There was a team of greeters just inside to offer a warm welcome and point out restrooms and coat racks.  Another set of volunteers were at tables handing out Orders of Worship and Remembrance Cards.  A full corps of ushers was in place in the sanctuary and two overflow rooms.  The head usher had developed a timed duty list for all the small things that make a service go well such as closing curtains and removing reservation ropes over pews.  Rooms for the family and the bishops were in perfect order with coffee and water.  A special rack was placed in the bishops’ room for coats and robes.

Meanwhile, another group was preparing the fellowship hall with drink tables in all four corners of the room and mostly homemade cookies including labeled sugar-free and gluten-free varieties.  There were members in every hallway to point out restroom locations and answer any questions.  Another team prepared video recording and live streaming capabilities with at least three cameras.  A combined choir was rehearsed and robed.

As the hour for the service approached the eulogist, Bishop Grove, was to wear Bishop Tuell’s robe (video of the service can be found below; the eulogy begins the 21 minute mark).  But it had been stored in a suit bag and was horribly wrinkled.  One word of concern led to opening the wedding hostess’ closet to set up ironing board and iron.  Within minutes Bishop Grove had a fresh robe.  At the same time, ushers were handling numerous walkers and wheel chairs – storing them nearby prepared to retrieve and deliver them at the end of the service.

Family from many states, eighteen bishops, and many others flew and drove to the service.  They were welcomed with graciousness and care.

There was no barking of orders or harried running around – just a loving, creative response to welcome visitors and honor the family they had come to know and love.  They were a living, breathing definition of purposeful, creative hospitality!  May their tribe increase!

R. Preston Price is a member of California-Pacific Annual Conference and Verger for the service.