Amanda Foster shared this welcome to guests printed in an Order of Worship she received at worship in the UK. It is a touching and lovely look at what the Kingdom of God looks like. Enjoy.
We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, gay, confused, filthy rich, comfortable, and dirt poor.
We extend a special welcome to wailing babies and excitable toddlers.
We welcome you whether you can sing like Pavarotti or just growl quietly to yourself.
You’re welcome if you’re just browsing, just awakened, or just got out of prison.
We don’t care if you’re more Christian than the Archbishop of Canterbury, or haven’t been to church since Christmas, ten years ago.
We extend a warm welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet and to teenagers who are growing up too fast.
We welcome keep fit moms, football dads, starving artists, tree huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, and junk-food eaters.
We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted.
We welcome you if you are having problems, are down in the dumps, or don’t like organized religion.
We offer a welcome to those who think the Earth is flat, work too hard, don’t work, can’t spell, or are here because Granny is visiting and wanted to come to church.
We welcome those who are inked, pierced, both or neither.
We welcome those who are sick in body or mind, and those who are sick at heart.
We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down their throats as kids, or got lost on the high street and wound up here by mistake.
We welcome pilgrims, tourists, seekers, doubters…and YOU!