Last Sunday, in response to the story of Jesus and the Canaanite Woman, (Matthew 15:(1 – 20), 21 – 28, I asked people to reflect on the welcome we receive and offer at St Paul’s… as I said during the service, we are only able to welcome others to the extent that we feel welcome ourselves.

So far 30 people (and rising!) have responded to the questions raised – thank you so much for taking the time and thought to respond. Several people said that they were taking time to think about it – I look forward to hearing your thoughts, too. Most people said they felt welcome, which I guess is not too surprising as everyone who answered was there at church! One of the things that was said often was the importance of being greeted by name, and with a smile. As you would expect, a wide range of thoughts were expressed. For some, the changes we are experiencing are an obstacle to a sense of welcome; for others, a sense of resistance to change forms a barrier. For some, the worship we share increases the sense of welcome, for others there are aspects of our worship life they wish were different. In this, St Paul’s is not too different from many congregations!

Thank you for acknowledging that it is not easy to welcome everyone. Those replying were able to admit that it was hard to embrace a whole range of people ‘not like us’. I guess a next step might be to admit that there might be people who find it hard to embrace people who are like us! In the story about the Canaanite woman and Jesus, I think that both of them learn that ‘the other’, the person ‘not like us’ can be both welcome and welcoming. Although even Jesus seems to find it hard for a while!
I just watched a video called Just as you are. In it Jean Vanier (the founder of the ‘LArche communities for people with disabilities) reflects on how these communities can teach us ‘normal’ people about knowing Jesus’ love – for ‘us’ and for others.

I look forward to making more discoveries about how we can become a place where, indeed, ‘All are welcome’.

All blessings,

Sally