I was asked if I would share the readings and blessing, I delivered at the BATS dedication ceremony this past Saturday. I began by acknowledging that the new BATS barn is built on what was once farmland and that the ancient Israelite law requiring farmers to leave the edges of their harvest crop for the "sojourner" amongst them seemed to be a fitting descriptor of the mission and purpose of BATS. In a similar spirit, we, the Bryn Athyn community, dedicate this building with the intent to share our bounty with the stranger, the sojourners in our midst.
READINGS
"If a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not mistreat them. But the stranger who dwells among you shall be as one born among you, and you shall love them as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."
Leviticus 19:33-34
"When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the Lord your God."
Leviticus 23:22
"With regard to sojourners, it is several times commanded in the Word not to make a distinction between the 'native of the land' and the sojourner sojourning with them. The reason why was that gentile nations from whom sojourners came are just as much received into heaven as those within the church are..."
Secrets of Heaven 8013
NEW BATS BARN BLESSING
May this barn welcome travelers, near and far.
When visitors cross its threshold,
May they be greeted,
With a smile,
With a helping hand,
With the sure knowledge that they are welcome.
May the people working here,
Be blessed with love and warmth of heart.
May their work never be a burden.
May they be happy to serve,
Happy to be helping those in need.
May this barn be a safe place
Full of understanding and acceptance.
May it be a peaceful sanctuary for the weary,
For the brokenhearted.
May it be a space where you can be as you are,
Where title and rank do not matter.
May laughter, friendship and graciousness fill this barn,
Whether that be the thrill of a bargain,
Catching up with an old friend,
Or giving a listening ear to a perfect stranger.
May the Lord be a blessing to all who cross its threshold.
And as these travelers leave,
May they take with them a sense of belonging.
May they know that they are loved.