All Are Welcome

Peace and grace to you. Tomorrow at Saint Peter’s we celebrate Welcome Sunday. Come receive a blessing of the backpacks and briefcases, enjoy a picnic together, learn about ministries, and perhaps ride a pony.

Saint Peter’s seeks to be a community that welcomes people with open arms, no matter their social status, background, profession, or family. We gather around God’s table. All are welcome.

Tomorrow we will hear a story of the Syrophoenician woman who bodly claimed her place at the table. Jesus had been trying to get away for some rest. She followed him into a house and asked Jesus to heal her daughter. At first, Jesus denied her request saying, “Stand in line. Take your turn.” (MSG) She refused to accept his answer. Moved by her courage, Jesus granted her request. This woman was not just bold, she may have even helped Jesus understand that his ministry was expansive. God’s healing is for everyone. God’s house is for all people.  

It is my fervent prayer that we are known by God’s expansive welcome that knows no boundaries. All belong to the human family. No one is outside of God’s love.

Tomorrow will also sing the hymn, “All Are Welcome.” Take a moment now, to read the words of the first verse. With those words on your lips and heart, prepare to come tomorrow.

Let us build a house
Where love can dwell
And all can safely live
A place where
Saints and children tell
How hearts learn to forgive

Built of hopes and dreams and visions
Rock of faith and vault of grace
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions
All are welcome, all are welcome
All are welcome in this place

Indeed, all are welcome.