Really welcome.

Abraham said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” --Genesis 18:3-5a

This Sunday, October 20, marks the anniversary of the date our congregation joined the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). RMN is committed to welcoming, loving and accepting all people into our churches. No ifs, ands or buts. All are welcomed, as we believe all are welcomed into the Kingdom of God.

This made me remember a time when I was young and my family moved to a new neighborhood. And the Welcome Wagon came to-- well, to welcome us. (I wasn't even sure Welcome Wagon still exists any more, but a quick Google confirms: They are still out there.)

Not long after we moved in, a Welcome Wagon hostess showed up at our door, smiling and bearing gifts. There was a goodie basket filled with things from local merchants in our new town: a toothbrush, perhaps, emblazoned with the name and phone number of the local dentist; a doggie squeak toy from the vet down the street.

And there were coupons, of course, for discounts (or even freebies) at local merchants. All designed to help make our new house feel more like a home. And it was all gift. All we had to do was say, "Thank you!" (That was easy.)

Welcome has changed over the years, as society has changed and grown more diverse and geographically widespread. We no longer invite our guests to wash their feet, as Abraham did. We are more likely to offer a glass of ice cold lemonade on a hot summer day, than to head out to kill the fatted calf. 

Life has changed. But the principle of hospitality has not. Someone shows up for a visit, we smile and seek to make them feel at home.

One of the reasons I am so pleased to be a part of University Circle United Methodist Church is because we still understand this. 

You show up on Sunday morning, we will shake your hand and help you find your way. If there is a potluck after worship, we will make sure you don't go away hungry, even if you've brought nothing to share. 

You are invited to share in Holy Communion if you desire, no questions asked. After all, it's not our Table; it is the Table of Jesus the Christ. Who are we to turn anyone away from the Lord's Supper?

Got questions-- about our church, our family, our beliefs? We may not have answers, but we are willing to listen, to share without judging-- and we are not afraid to tell you, "I just don't know the answer."

At the heart of our Christian walk, we believe that God truly loves each and every one of us. God does not pick and choose, or suggest that some are more worthy than others. We are all God's children, made in the image of the Divine.

And because we believe we are here to be a part of ushering in the Reign of God here, on earth, in this place-- as part of that task, we are here to make you feel welcomed.

We no longer kill fatted calves for feasts. We have brought our worship indoors, but after worship, if you desire to sit under one of our beautiful trees and simply rest for a bit-- that is just fine with us. And if you choose to return along the path that brought you, to keep going on your journey, we send you with God's blessing and the knowledge that you may return to us any time and you will be welcomed afresh.

We believe this is the way of the Christ. 

So while the Welcome Wagon may be a distant memory from my childhood, each Sunday (every day, really) I have the chance yet again to offer the same grace and smiling acceptance to whomever crosses my path. And if you need a listening ear or a shoulder to lean against, you will find one in this place.

You are welcome here. (Yes, you.) May the blessings of our generous God surround you, wash over you and comfort you, today and each day.

And if you are ever near University Circle in Cleveland on a Sunday morning-- worship is at 11:00. All are welcome. No jacket required.