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Table of Contents: Summer 2006

Editorial - Richard Kauffman

Features

Guess who’s coming to dinner by Nina B. Lanctot
We want all who come to feast at the banquet of congregational life to make a costly commitment to Jesus. Yet Jesus’ own example means erring on the side of inclusion.

We’re just one part of the body of Christ
by Andre Gingerich Stoner
Mennonites have much to give to and receive from other Christian traditions. But we have to get to know them first—and at the local level.

The new neighbor next door
by Brice Balmer
We no longer have to go overseas to meet people from other religions. They’ve become our neighbors. But how do we share our faith with them and be hospitable?

Something old, something new
by Sue C. Steiner
In A Generous Orthodoxy Brian D. McLaren argues that each denomination should bring its own gifts to the table so “we can all enjoy the feast of generous orthodoxy—and spread that same feast for the whole world.”


DEPARTMENTS

Editorial facing page
Pastoring God’s People – Throwing a party
by Jim Loepp Thiessen
Guiding Worship – Welcoming words
by Cindy Massanari Breeze
Forming Faith – Welcoming newcomers into Christian education
by Sandi Hannigan
Tending Body Life – Safe and sound
by Kimberlee Greenawalt
Managing the Church – Hospitality and the church office
by Charlotte Epp
Engaging the World – Hospitality in the missional church
by Lois Barrett
Snapshots and leader tips: Extending the table at worship; Gathering for prayer and ice cream; A leap of faith; The joy of serving others; Caught in the web; Usher them in; From guests to participants
Worship resources: Becoming bread: A five-part series; Serve one another with the gifts God has given: A two-part series; A service of thanksgiving
Resources for leaders