If we asked people in our community about Wesley Chapel, how would they respond? Read 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10. The Apostle Paul had only been in Thessalonica before being run out of town. Three weeks, however, were long enough to share the gospel and start a church. Paul sent Timothy to guide the young church along, and within a few months, the Church of Thessalonica had gained a reputation for having faith and love. According to Paul, that reputation had spread throughout Macedonia and beyond. My hope and prayer is that Wesley Chapel would have a similar reputation in our community, including being the church that loves God and loves people. Last week, I made a hospital visit and met a friend of the patient I was visiting. The patient told his friend, “Wesley Chapel accepts everyone.” Not knowing anything about the person, I followed up by saying, “All are welcome at Wesley Chapel regardless of the color of your skin, the color of your hair, or the color of your ink.” Then the patient showed his friend a tattoo of our “Rooted in Christ, Growing in Grace” vision logo. Wow! Tattoos tell a story, and for our member who was in the hospital, the story is about a loving church that accepted him as he is.

Prayer: Lord God of all people, may we continue to be the people of love and faith as we show hospitality and love to all people. May our reputation in the community reflect your values of love, compassion, and acceptance of all people. Amen.