We are to welcome one another as Jesus has welcomed us. Read Romans 15:1-7. Rhonda and I had been married for a year, both still in our early twenties, when our pastor retired and moved to Florida. Rev. Rhoda was the reason we chose the church we attended. He had brought a work team to church camp when Rhonda and I were staff members. He was great with the youth and uncharacteristically caring and sensitive to the staff. When Rhonda and I woke up the first Sunday morning when there was going to be a new pastor at our church, we debated on whether to go back or to try to find another church. As I sat there on the edge of the couch, the person that I thought of was Maude. Lawson and Maude had been married for more than 50 years and sat near the back of the church. Every Sunday after worship, Maude made her way to the front of the church to Rhonda and me to say hello and ask how we were doing. Maude had been so loving and friendly, I just couldn’t leave the church. So Rhonda and I went back to listen to the new preacher. The real demonstration of Jesus’ love came after the last song when Maude came up to us and greeted us. She welcomed us as if Jesus himself were welcoming us. If we want to build a warm community for young people at Wesley Chapel, we start by greeting young people who are here, learning their names, and giving them encouragement. Perhaps you will be the name they remember 40 years from now when they look back on their early church years and how one person cared enough to make a connection.
Lord God, as you have welcomed us into your kingdom, let us welcome our young people into our church so that they might find faith in you. Help us to provide a warm community for all. Amen.
