A Safe Space Where Everyone Knows Your Name. What does that mean? If we’re honest, we all want real, authentic relationships that we can have with God and with one another. To know that we’re not being judged for our words, our skin color, the number of tattoos and/or piercings we have or don’t have. To know that we can be vulnerable with one another. To be known, warts and all, and still be loved. 

Jesus created that safe space wherever he went. Whether it was the synagogue, the Temple, the leper colony, or the red-light district, Jesus allowed people to be themselves, free of condemnation. He looked at them, as he looks at us, as God’s children, deeply loved by our Loving Parent who surrounds us. He didn’t expect us to clean up. Didn’t expect all our rough edges to be smooth. Jesus simply loved, and laughed, and even cried with those who followed him. We can come to him dressed in our Sunday best, or dressed in filthy rags. We can come to him as a registered Democrat, Republican, Independent or with no political party affiliation at all. We can come to Jesus with 6 figures on our paycheck or with a Social Security check with 3 digits. 

Still, the offer is to all. “Come to me, all of you who are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” “Ask, seek, knock, and I will open the door.” “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 

Our church is and will continue to be a Safe Space for all people to find Peace. To find Hope. To find Love. To find Faith. To find Christ.
Rev. Sheila