Welcoming -- Yes? No?

Join Pastor James as he reflects on Jesus’ call to genuine welcome and hospitality. Contrasting today’s guarded, fearful world with the openness symbolized by an old screen door, he reminds us that Jesus also lived in a time marked by danger and rejection. In today’s Gospel text, we see that true hospitality is more than friendliness or polite church language; it means receiving others as Christ receives them: as beloved children of God. This is especially true for “the little ones” – the vulnerable, rejected, poor, new to faith, or considered outsiders. When we welcome others as Christ’s messengers, we welcome Christ Himself, and even small acts of mercy, such as offering a cup of cold water, are precious to God. The church is called to treat “the little ones” as honored guests, to mean its welcome sincerely, to see Christ in everyone, and to actively share God’s love.

Before you begin watching the livestream service, you may want to open the bulletin so you can follow along.

Please also fill out and submit our "virtual welcome card," which you will find by clicking here.

May you be blessed as you worship at home today and in the coming days.

JUNE 28 WORSHIP MATERIALS

A link to this, and other, recorded services can be found in our Recorded Worship Services. The recording of the 9:30 a.m. service will be available on Sunday afternoon.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

A web version is available here. Be sure to check out current Community Service news on the last page. There is a lot of information about ways you can help others right now. And take a look at the Serve page for more opportunities.