Sample Welcome Statements

Rejoicing in God’s abundant grace, we at Gethsemane Lutheran Church extend a special welcome to all in a world that is all too often an unloving and unwelcoming place. We welcome all who are seeking God’s love and grace. We welcome all because God welcomes all, regardless of race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or relationship status. We welcome all without regard to addictions, physical or mental health, imprisonment, socio-economic circumstances, politics, or anything that too often divides us. Our unity is in Christ.

At Treehouse, we celebrate that each person is of sacred worth. We embrace all people, affirming the gifts of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and faith. We are a community that is committed to working for racial equality and equality for all. No matter where you are on your journey, and regardless of race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or relationship status you are welcome here.

Celebration is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. This means we welcome, affirm, and celebrate people and households of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in every part of our life as church together. We recognize the wonderful blessings that
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) people contribute through gifts for hospitality, teaching, administration, service, leadership, music, and ministry, and support the expression and development of these gifts within our community and the larger church.

Kids are welcome and grandparents are welcome. You and your same-sex partner are welcome. If you have never been to church before, you are welcome. Whether you live in a high-rise condo or on the street, you are welcome. We are a “Reconciling in Christ” community – a formal way of saying that people of all races, genders, gender identities, abilities, sexual orientations, fashion sense, and political leanings are not only welcome, but embraced.

We are called by Jesus to love God and one another, to practice radical hospitality, and to serve all without stipulations. We welcome you to join us, no matter your race, culture, ethnicity, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, socioeconomic position, family status, background, or where you are in your faith journey. You are a unique and beloved child of God. You are accepted and affirmed just as you are – with all your differences and all your gifts. We commit ourselves to embracing the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care. We invite you to join with us, as through Christ, we joyfully and inclusively love and serve our community.