The Prayerful Pause - October 12

We’ve been exploring keywords in Union’s Mission Statement for the last several weeks in our Midweek Update. We've paused to reflect on what these important words mean for us as a church family both now and as we move forward together into the future. Today, we come to the final keyword in our mission statement, "welcomes."

Called by God and led by the Holy Spirit, Union Christian Church is a caring community that learns and shares the stories of faith, serves within and beyond our walls, and welcomes all to gather at Christ’s Table.

Union is a welcoming church. Many of our recent guests have shared with me in detail just how welcomed they felt in their interactions with you. I have heard the Union family described as warm, welcoming, encouraging, and loving by newcomers and long-time members alike. Just as Christ welcomes each one of us into the Family of God, we seek to welcome all at Christ's table.

We find welcome, acceptance, and unity at the Lord's table as we remember Jesus' deep love for all people. I am so thankful that there is a place for everyone at the Lord's table here at Union.

In a world where discord and division are commonplace, the welcome and unity we find at Christ’s table is a precious gift. Yet, at times, we may still find differences of opinion or points of disagreement with each other in our life and ministry together. Like any family, we may not always agree, but we don't have to let our differences divide us. We can always lean on Jesus to help us welcome all, remembering that when we offer the warmth of welcome to others, we also welcome the presence of Christ in our very midst.