WELCOME HOME!

John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us; and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”

One morning at church, John began his Faith Talk: “Welcome! We are glad you are here! If there were a better church, I’d be there!” How cool! John loves his church with all its idiosyncrasies, strengths and weaknesses. He is part of it and Faith Lutheran is a safe place to share his faith story with others. From this welcoming place, John invites others to come as well.

That is Jesus talk! When Jesus walked through towns, along the seashore, or trudged the hillsides, he was inviting others to join him. Jesus wanted those with whom he came into contact to know God and God’s tender, gracious, all-encompassing love. Jesus touched those who needed his healing, he challenged those who were in need of change, and lifted up those who were dragged down by unthinking neighbors.

For John and so many others, Faith Lutheran Church is a special place where God is invited to be at its center. It is a place where those who come can feel at home. We hear this testimony regularly. Welcome home, my friend. Welcome home where you can experience God’s presence.

Prayer: God, we know that you dwell with us. Help us to grow the circle around you to include so many more of your specially created people. Amen

Marty Haugen wrote the song that expresses this message. Called “All Are Welcome”, it is found in the ELW 641. The first verse:

Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live,
A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.