All are welcome. If you look at that simple sentence, it doesn't seem that there is much there but the two important words in this phrase say a lot. Welcome is a word that we use so much---on our doormats, over our front doors, even to acknowledge thanks--- "you're welcome". But if you have ever felt not welcome, you know the weight it carries, the gift that it bestows. It says come as you are, our door is open, be yourself, stay for a while. It is the very definition of hospitality.
To me the most important word is "all". There is no disclaimer, no fine print, no additional clauses to decipher. Everyone regardless of race, age, culture, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, previous religious affiliation or socioeconomic status is welcome here. That truly covers all of us. And for those who have not felt welcome in a church this is a magnificent blessing of gigantic proportions. Here and everywhere, God sees us, knows us, loves us and wants us to feel at home, welcome. And here, we are.
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