Hospitality

In San Francisco, where “self-sufficiency” and “tolerance” are touted as human virtues, the idol of autonomous individualism has failed to produce a just and interdependent society. Rather, what many individuals, particularly recent immigrants, experience is a fragmented, inhospitable system where people and bureaucracies are busy looking after themselves. It is in this place where the Church is called to embody life as God intended, living communally with one another and extending that hospitality to others.

Kaleo

Kaleo, which in Greek means to “invite” or “call,” is a church-based ministry of hospitality where adults and parents in the community can find mutual encouragement, support, and assistance in the day-to-day challenges of living in the city. Congregation members also come and offer their skills, whether in teaching English, computer literacy, parenting or budgeting. Participants have access to materials and Internet resources to look for jobs, housing, or various social services. Kaleo is the Hawaiian word for conversation, an apt description for the relationship building that takes place at each Friday night gathering. See the Photos