Thank you for taking time to help us craft an Affirmation of Welcome that will be unique to Creator. This blog starts with supplied, sample texts from Affirmation of Welcome texts other churches have adopted.
Please comment on what language in these affirmations resonates with you, what doesn't, what feels like Creator and what doesn't. Please feel free to react to other people's comments. The comments will be moderated so if they don't immediately appear don't worry, they will.
If you have an Affirmation of Welcome you like and want to post, add it as a comment to this post with that request.
To record your reaction click on the comment link under any Affirmation you choose. When you comment you can enter either your google identity (if you have one or would like to set one up) by name (just fill in your name), AOL Instant Messenger (choose OpenID), or anonymously
From work, either done here or published here from other sources, we are planning for a draft Affirmation of Welcome to be written in August.
The entire congregation will be surveyed in September to provide feedback on how we are doing. If necessary, changes in the language will be made. The goal is to come up with an explicit Affirmation of Welcome to be voted on during the January, 2009 congregational meeting.
Thanks for your participation,
The RIC Team
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Holden Village; Chelan County, WA
You are Welcome Here
A diverse collection of couples, families and singles, young and old join in becoming a community of renewal and challenge. Holden welcomes people with diverse viewpoints and experiences, as it seeks to foster open and respectful dialog around challenging issues.
Holden enjoys a longstanding relationship with the Lutheran Church, and the Village welcomes all, regardless of denomination, faith tradition and spiritual path.
While Holden is rooted in the Lutheran Christian tradition, it draws many non-Lutherans as both guests and staff. A good number of non-Christians feel comfortable in an atmosphere of mutual acceptance and conversation. All visitors to Holden, regardless of faith background, make a commitment to worship together once a day at the community’s evening Vespers.
Holden affirms the right of each person to be treated as a child of God, and is committed to creating and maintaining a community free from discrimination, harassment, or insensitive treatment toward any person because of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical condition.
By the grace of God and the courage of past communities, Holden is becoming a safe and welcoming community for gay, lesbian, transgendered, and bisexual people.
The Village is also committed to becoming a more multicultural community, through self-awareness, recruitment, and broadening of its staff and leadership, as it works to realize its own mission, “celebrating the unity and the diversity of the church, all humanity and all creation.”
A diverse collection of couples, families and singles, young and old join in becoming a community of renewal and challenge. Holden welcomes people with diverse viewpoints and experiences, as it seeks to foster open and respectful dialog around challenging issues.
Holden enjoys a longstanding relationship with the Lutheran Church, and the Village welcomes all, regardless of denomination, faith tradition and spiritual path.
While Holden is rooted in the Lutheran Christian tradition, it draws many non-Lutherans as both guests and staff. A good number of non-Christians feel comfortable in an atmosphere of mutual acceptance and conversation. All visitors to Holden, regardless of faith background, make a commitment to worship together once a day at the community’s evening Vespers.
Holden affirms the right of each person to be treated as a child of God, and is committed to creating and maintaining a community free from discrimination, harassment, or insensitive treatment toward any person because of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical condition.
By the grace of God and the courage of past communities, Holden is becoming a safe and welcoming community for gay, lesbian, transgendered, and bisexual people.
The Village is also committed to becoming a more multicultural community, through self-awareness, recruitment, and broadening of its staff and leadership, as it works to realize its own mission, “celebrating the unity and the diversity of the church, all humanity and all creation.”
St. Mark’s; Pleasant Hill, CA
This congregation is committed to being a radically loving and welcoming community of faith, centered in the Good News of Jesus Christ. Therefore, in faithfulness to the Gospel and our Lutheran heritage, we promise to share programs, ministries, and pastoral care to all who seek God in this place.
All are expected and encouraged to share fully in the sacramental and general life of this congregation. All are expected and encouraged to engage fully in the nurturing, care, and support of each other and of our congregation.
Grace is for everyone or it isn't grace. It's that simple. It's that amazing.
All are expected and encouraged to share fully in the sacramental and general life of this congregation. All are expected and encouraged to engage fully in the nurturing, care, and support of each other and of our congregation.
Grace is for everyone or it isn't grace. It's that simple. It's that amazing.
Christ Acension; Philadelphia, PA
A particular word of welcome. We proclaim that the Gospel is God’s gift to all people, to be shared unconditionally, without regard to age, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic or family status, physical or mental abilities, or one’s appearance. We know that the world is often an unloving place and that the experience of alienation is all too common.
To those who have felt excluded here and elsewhere, we ask and pray for forgiveness, and extend a particular welcome in Christ’s love. We rejoice that because of our baptism, diversity has enriched, nurtured, and challenged the life and ministry we share as members of the body of Christ and workers in God’s world. We are a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation.
To those who have felt excluded here and elsewhere, we ask and pray for forgiveness, and extend a particular welcome in Christ’s love. We rejoice that because of our baptism, diversity has enriched, nurtured, and challenged the life and ministry we share as members of the body of Christ and workers in God’s world. We are a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation.
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church; North Hollywood, CA
We, an inclusive congregation of the people of God:
Acknowledge:
That we, as people, are sinful by nature in thoughts and actions which we cannot fully understand, but which are all known to God;
That we are called upon to minister to all the people in our world which is frequently a hostile place, a place of alienation and brokenness;
That Christ brings us to reconciliation and wholeness;
That Christ admonishes us that as we fail to minister to one of the least of His brethren, we fail to minister to Him (cf. Matthew 25:45);
That we are challenged to be agents of his healing within our community and our society;
Affirm:
With St. Paul, that in Christ, "There is neither Greek nor Jew, Bonded nor Free, Male nor Female" (Galatians 3:28);
That Christ has made us "as One" in Himself;
That, herein specifically, as with matters of culture, ethnicity, and gender, Christ's inclusivity extends to those whose affectional orientation is toward a person of the same sex;
Because Gay and Lesbian people are often subjected to hostility in society, and feel alienated from the Communion and from the Community of the Church, we further:
Declare:
That gay and lesbian people share, with all others, the worth that comes of being created, unique and individual, the children of God;
That gay and lesbian people are welcomed to the Communion and to the community of this congregation upon making the same affirmation of faith which has defined our beliefs since the Ecumenical Council of Nicea in a.d. 325;
That as members of this congregation, gay and lesbian people are encouraged to share in the sacraments of the Church, and in the general life of the congregation;
That we are set free by our faith to celebrate the diversity and the commonality which binds us to one-another; to the greater Church, and to the whole people of God;
Pray:
That, by the power of the Holy Spirit, God will increase in us the true knowledge of Him and of His will, of ourselves, and of true obedience to his Word;
That as we flee for refuge to His mercy, we may be guided to true and full love, acceptance, understanding and support of all our brothers and sisters in the true faith that, "to all who believe in His name, He gives power to become the children of God, and bestows upon them Him Holy Spirit";
That by God's grace we may be reconciled to His will, to ourselves, our brothers and sisters, to our Church, our community and our world.
Reconciled in Love . . . Reconciled in the Gospel . . . Reconciled in Christ.
Acknowledge:
That we, as people, are sinful by nature in thoughts and actions which we cannot fully understand, but which are all known to God;
That we are called upon to minister to all the people in our world which is frequently a hostile place, a place of alienation and brokenness;
That Christ brings us to reconciliation and wholeness;
That Christ admonishes us that as we fail to minister to one of the least of His brethren, we fail to minister to Him (cf. Matthew 25:45);
That we are challenged to be agents of his healing within our community and our society;
Affirm:
With St. Paul, that in Christ, "There is neither Greek nor Jew, Bonded nor Free, Male nor Female" (Galatians 3:28);
That Christ has made us "as One" in Himself;
That, herein specifically, as with matters of culture, ethnicity, and gender, Christ's inclusivity extends to those whose affectional orientation is toward a person of the same sex;
Because Gay and Lesbian people are often subjected to hostility in society, and feel alienated from the Communion and from the Community of the Church, we further:
Declare:
That gay and lesbian people share, with all others, the worth that comes of being created, unique and individual, the children of God;
That gay and lesbian people are welcomed to the Communion and to the community of this congregation upon making the same affirmation of faith which has defined our beliefs since the Ecumenical Council of Nicea in a.d. 325;
That as members of this congregation, gay and lesbian people are encouraged to share in the sacraments of the Church, and in the general life of the congregation;
That we are set free by our faith to celebrate the diversity and the commonality which binds us to one-another; to the greater Church, and to the whole people of God;
Pray:
That, by the power of the Holy Spirit, God will increase in us the true knowledge of Him and of His will, of ourselves, and of true obedience to his Word;
That as we flee for refuge to His mercy, we may be guided to true and full love, acceptance, understanding and support of all our brothers and sisters in the true faith that, "to all who believe in His name, He gives power to become the children of God, and bestows upon them Him Holy Spirit";
That by God's grace we may be reconciled to His will, to ourselves, our brothers and sisters, to our Church, our community and our world.
Reconciled in Love . . . Reconciled in the Gospel . . . Reconciled in Christ.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Central Lutheran; Portland, OR
Welcome!
In response to the call in Romans 15:7 to "welcome one another therefore as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God", we, the members of Central Lutheran Church, join hands with all our sisters and brothers regardless of race, age, gender identity, marital status, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientation, national origin, or economic status. We celebrate both the diversity of God's family and our unity as God's people.
In response to the call in Romans 15:7 to "welcome one another therefore as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God", we, the members of Central Lutheran Church, join hands with all our sisters and brothers regardless of race, age, gender identity, marital status, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientation, national origin, or economic status. We celebrate both the diversity of God's family and our unity as God's people.
United Lutheran Church; Eugene, OR
You are welcome at United Lutheran Church!
We are a congregation united in our desire to provide a hospitable and welcoming environment for ALL people to join us in worship. We especially affirm:
That all people of all sexual orientations and identities, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, are welcome to worship, and that we extend our welcome as a congregation participating in the Reconciling in Christ Program.
If you are Latino, Asian, black, white, Native American, or multiracial …
If you are single, married, divorced, separated, widowed, or partnered …
If you are male, female, or transgendered …
If you are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or questioning …
If you are 3, 33, or 103 years old …
If you have addictions or a criminal record …
If you own your home, rent, live with your parents, or are homeless …
If you are fully abled or differently abled …
You are welcome at United Lutheran Church!
For in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith … There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer male or female; For all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:26, 28 NRSV)
We are a congregation united in our desire to provide a hospitable and welcoming environment for ALL people to join us in worship. We especially affirm:
That all people of all sexual orientations and identities, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, are welcome to worship, and that we extend our welcome as a congregation participating in the Reconciling in Christ Program.
If you are Latino, Asian, black, white, Native American, or multiracial …
If you are single, married, divorced, separated, widowed, or partnered …
If you are male, female, or transgendered …
If you are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or questioning …
If you are 3, 33, or 103 years old …
If you have addictions or a criminal record …
If you own your home, rent, live with your parents, or are homeless …
If you are fully abled or differently abled …
You are welcome at United Lutheran Church!
For in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith … There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer male or female; For all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:26, 28 NRSV)
Grace Lutheran; Corvallis, OR
Grace Lutheran is an RIC congregation, welcoming gay and lesbian believers to become members and to share in the sacramental and general life of this congregation. We affirm that we welcome all persons regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age or national origin.
Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church; Brampton Ontario
RECONCILING IN CHRIST
Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church is an inclusive Christian community, in Brampton Ontario, whose people proclaim the word and celebrate the sacraments. We invite and welcome all to share our confession of faith. Following Christ's invitation, we proclaim the word of God in our lives through many activities. These include worshipping, learning, healing, witnessing and serving.
We enthusiastically embrace and join in Christ's mission: To preserve and redeem all of creation.
Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church is a family and community centric church in Brampton Ontario.
Who is welcome here?
If you are Asian, Black, Hispanic or White...
If you are male, female or transgender...
If you are 3 days old, 30 years old or 103 years old...
If you've never set foot in a church; or if you are a Roman Catholic, Jew, Muslim,Hindu, Sikh, agnostic or are a lifelong Lutheran...
If you are single, married, divorced, separated or partnered...
If you are straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual...
If you are a Liberal, Conservative NDP, another affiliation or don't vote at all...
If you have or have had addictions, phobias, abortions or a criminal record...
If you own your home, rent, live with your parents or are homeless...
If you are able-bodied, disabled or a person of differing abilities...
You are welcome here!
This congregation is committed to being a radically loving and welcoming community of faith, centered in the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Therefore in faithfulness to the Gospel and our Lutheran heritage and to the best of our abilities we promise to provide programs, ministries and pastoral care to all who seek God in this place.
Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church is an inclusive Christian community, in Brampton Ontario, whose people proclaim the word and celebrate the sacraments. We invite and welcome all to share our confession of faith. Following Christ's invitation, we proclaim the word of God in our lives through many activities. These include worshipping, learning, healing, witnessing and serving.
We enthusiastically embrace and join in Christ's mission: To preserve and redeem all of creation.
Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church is a family and community centric church in Brampton Ontario.
Who is welcome here?
If you are Asian, Black, Hispanic or White...
If you are male, female or transgender...
If you are 3 days old, 30 years old or 103 years old...
If you've never set foot in a church; or if you are a Roman Catholic, Jew, Muslim,Hindu, Sikh, agnostic or are a lifelong Lutheran...
If you are single, married, divorced, separated or partnered...
If you are straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual...
If you are a Liberal, Conservative NDP, another affiliation or don't vote at all...
If you have or have had addictions, phobias, abortions or a criminal record...
If you own your home, rent, live with your parents or are homeless...
If you are able-bodied, disabled or a person of differing abilities...
You are welcome here!
This congregation is committed to being a radically loving and welcoming community of faith, centered in the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Therefore in faithfulness to the Gospel and our Lutheran heritage and to the best of our abilities we promise to provide programs, ministries and pastoral care to all who seek God in this place.
Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran; New Hamburg, Ontario
You are welcome here
Whatever your country of origin or ancestry,and whether you are religious or not, Christian or not, or Lutheran or not,you are welcome here.
Whether you are male, female or transgendered, young or old,straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual,you are welcome here.
Whether you are single or partnered, married, widowed or divorced,you are welcome here.
Whether you are wealthy or poor, own a home or rent, live at home or are homeless,you are welcome here.
Whatever your political views,--whether to the right, to the left or to the centre--you are welcome here.
Whatever your strengths or weaknesses,gifts or challenges, they will be honoured, for you are welcome here.
Trinity Lutheran Church is committedto being a loving and welcoming community centred in the Good News of Jesus Christ.
In faithfulness to the Christian Gospel,in reflection of our Lutheran emphasis on grace, and in celebration of our shared baptismal journey, we promise to enter into ministry with all who seek God here.
We invite you to join us for worship and to take up your place with us in ministry for you are welcome at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Whatever your country of origin or ancestry,and whether you are religious or not, Christian or not, or Lutheran or not,you are welcome here.
Whether you are male, female or transgendered, young or old,straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual,you are welcome here.
Whether you are single or partnered, married, widowed or divorced,you are welcome here.
Whether you are wealthy or poor, own a home or rent, live at home or are homeless,you are welcome here.
Whatever your political views,--whether to the right, to the left or to the centre--you are welcome here.
Whatever your strengths or weaknesses,gifts or challenges, they will be honoured, for you are welcome here.
Trinity Lutheran Church is committedto being a loving and welcoming community centred in the Good News of Jesus Christ.
In faithfulness to the Christian Gospel,in reflection of our Lutheran emphasis on grace, and in celebration of our shared baptismal journey, we promise to enter into ministry with all who seek God here.
We invite you to join us for worship and to take up your place with us in ministry for you are welcome at Trinity Lutheran Church.
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