First Lutheran’s Welcoming Statement
Each person is a unique creation of God and, through grace, is a child of God. The people of First Lutheran Church welcome all because God welcomes all, without regard for race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status, physical or mental challenges, imprisonment, addictions, socio-economic circumstances, or anything else that too often divides us. First Lutheran Church is a spiritual community that celebrates the gifts of God that can empower us to engage in the struggles of life, to care for each other, and to serve Christ where we work and live. Our unity is in Christ.
During our Lenten journey this year we will delve deeper into our Welcoming Statement. You will be challenged to think about the statement, what it really means to you and how you can apply it in your life every day.
Slate Mathes
Many of us have forgotten the work and the conversations that eventually generated this important statement for our community. The most important learning we gained through the process was that we welcome everyone because God welcomes everyone. God is the one who welcomes us. And, God is the one who welcomes all.
In our weekly Lenten Wednesday worship services, we will think about how God welcomes us, how God welcomes everyone in our family and those who live with us, how God welcomes those in our neighborhoods, how God welcomes everyone in our city, how God welcomes everyone in our nation, and finally, how God welcomes and embraces everyone on the cross.
Let’s accompany one another on this journey through Lent and discover what welcoming really means for each of us.
