Perhaps you have heard faith communities say All are welcome. However, when you show up, being your authentic and true self, you don’t feel welcomed. You don’t fit in.
Over 30 years ago, a brave young man asked St. Matthew’s to show where it was written, that he, as a gay man, was welcomed into the life of our faith community, where he was welcomed at God’s table and where his contributions in the community would be valued.
The community realized they did not have that welcome in writing. The next year, through the power of the Holy Spirit the faith community wrestled with that truth and sought to see what they might do about it. As Christians, it seems appropriate that we wrestle with our own truths and ask God to help us with those truths.
In our Scripture on Sunday, Jesus tells us, “For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37). The truth is that God’s kingdom offers for all God’s extravagant hospitality, welcome and grace.
We hope through our story of wrestling with our own truths, you will hear God’s welcome and love.
If you ever want a companion in wrestling with your own truths, reach out to me at pastor@stmatthews-elca.org or join us for worship online or in-person.
St. Matthew’s Welcome Statement: https://www.stmatthews-elca.org/about-us/our-welcoming-statement