I have been thinking a lot about the phrase “All are welcome here” recently.  Our church is in the middle of a period of transition and it has resulted in a lot of self-reflection for me. When Slatersville Congregational Church became Open and Affirming (ONA), it often came up that we were already a welcoming church so why do we need to define it. During our conversations, we realized that our understanding of “welcome” varies depending upon our own personal experiences. No doubt, we have all had times in our lives where we felt excluded but not all of us routinely feel excluded based upon who we are.  I know I have not.

Churches often talk about being welcoming but for some that means you are welcome to hear our message about why we are right and why you should be and believe what is felt to be “right”. It means you can sit among us but cannot share in the sacraments. Or you can donate to us and share fellowship with us but you cannot take a leadership role with us because of who you are.

Slatersville Congregational Church, a UCC church,  pledges to be different.  When we say “All are welcome here” we mean it.  The United Church of Christ feels that “No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome” and we intend to live this. All can participate in a way that feels right to the individual. All are welcome to participate in the service, and to share in sacraments. All are welcome to become members and to become leaders based upon their interest and experience.  I am not going to say that we have perfected making everyone feel welcome but I do feel we want to continue to grow and change to become increasingly welcoming to all who want to worship God and Jesus.

So, if you feel welcomed to be yourself at one of those other churches, I am happy for you.  If you do not feel welcomed to be yourself, please join us for a Sunday or several. I hope you will find us truly welcoming.