Anyone who has moved to a new community will likely have felt like an outsider. An established community has shared stories, experiences, lingo, friends, and more. Even if welcomed, a new person can feel like an outsider, like an intruder. Much of the non-church going population, the “nones” (people who are religiously unaffiliated with any faith tradition) and the “dones” (people who used to participate in a faith tradition but no longer do), view congregations this way.
Communities say they are open for newcomers, and even want newcomers, but often do not welcome them as they are. This week’s scriptures help the congregation explore the ways by which it embodies God’s grace of welcome for all people. Will our response be to shrink in the revelation of who we are, or will it be a dance and song of joyful abandon?
Personal Reflection:
Jesus and the Holy Spirit guide to bring us back into right relationship with God. This is a gift of grace from God: when we place our faith in God, God’s salvation –or health and wholeness –is ours.
This week, ponder this question: When do you feel a close relationship with God?