I don’t know about you, but I’m always genuinely impressed and affected by a positive welcome when visiting a place for the first time – this includes church as well. It got me thinking. How do we welcome folks in our church? Well, after looking around for some examples I found this from Brentwood Christian Church in the U.S.A. I like it!

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here:
If you are young or old, you are welcome
If you have brown skin, black skin, white skin, or any colour skin, you are welcome
If you are married or single, you are welcome
If you are gay or straight, you are welcome
If you are transgender, you are welcome
If you are a man or a woman, you are welcome
If you cannot hear or see, you are welcome
If you are sick or well, you are welcome
If you are happy or sad, you are welcome
If you are rich or poor, powerful or weak, you are welcome
If you believe in God some of the time or none of the time or all of the time, you are welcome
Come with your gifts, your pain, your hope, your fears
Come with the traditions that have helped you and hurt you
Come with your experiences that have made you and broken you
Come with a mind, ready to engage, and a heart, open to discern
Come and listen for the sacred Holy Spirit that calls you to love your neighbour wholeheartedly, seek justice, create peace and practice compassion.
You are welcome here! 

Brentwood Christian Church