- Jul 17, 2009
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I signed up for them and really enjoy them. Here's today's devotional:
Room at the Table
Excerpt from Acts 15: 1-21
"They were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders."
Reflection by Susan J. Foster Who's in and who's out? Who is welcome and who isn't? From the founding of our Christian church, this has been a central question for God's people. Who will be allowed into God's presence -- and who gets to decide?
Just as Paul and Barnabas wrestled with this issue, so must we. On any given Sunday, a church may receive a phone call with a question: Is your church handicapped accessible? Is child care provided? Is there a safe place for my little one? Do you use microphones? Do you have a sound system that will help me hear? The underlying concern in all of these questions is the same. People want to know: is there a place for me among you? Are you prepared to welcome me just as I am?
Recently a woman called our church to ask, "I am a lesbian and I'm looking for a church. Will your congregation accept me?" It made me sad that she felt that she needed to ask. I was glad to be able to say, "Yes, come and worship with us. We are a church and denomination with an extravagant welcome for all of God's children."
People yearn to be included in our communities of faith. We cannot assume that people know that they are welcome in church. It is our job to open our doors -- and our hearts -- so that we too can bring "great joy to all believers " (Acts 15:3).
Prayer
Welcoming and loving God, help us to recognize another child of yours in the people we meet today. Let us offer to them the same compassion, forgiveness and care that you first give to us. Amen.
Room at the Table
Excerpt from Acts 15: 1-21
"They were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders."
Reflection by Susan J. Foster Who's in and who's out? Who is welcome and who isn't? From the founding of our Christian church, this has been a central question for God's people. Who will be allowed into God's presence -- and who gets to decide?
Just as Paul and Barnabas wrestled with this issue, so must we. On any given Sunday, a church may receive a phone call with a question: Is your church handicapped accessible? Is child care provided? Is there a safe place for my little one? Do you use microphones? Do you have a sound system that will help me hear? The underlying concern in all of these questions is the same. People want to know: is there a place for me among you? Are you prepared to welcome me just as I am?
Recently a woman called our church to ask, "I am a lesbian and I'm looking for a church. Will your congregation accept me?" It made me sad that she felt that she needed to ask. I was glad to be able to say, "Yes, come and worship with us. We are a church and denomination with an extravagant welcome for all of God's children."
People yearn to be included in our communities of faith. We cannot assume that people know that they are welcome in church. It is our job to open our doors -- and our hearts -- so that we too can bring "great joy to all believers " (Acts 15:3).
Prayer
Welcoming and loving God, help us to recognize another child of yours in the people we meet today. Let us offer to them the same compassion, forgiveness and care that you first give to us. Amen.
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