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My family moved to a town in another county when I was 8 years old, and so I started a new school in the middle of the fourth grade. I had been eagerly anticipating making new friends, but I was met with an unexpected reality: my class had already formed cliques, and they had developed bonds with each other. I was an outsider. My attempts to be friendly, were either met with silence or ridicule about my clothing, which was as not fashionable as the attire of my classmates, who came from more affluent families.Most everyone at some point can identify with that awkward little child who felt all alone in a new situation. Whether it's starting a new job, moving to a new city or a new neighborhood, attending a party where you don't know anyone, it's not uncommon to experience the challenges of being an outsider. Unless you're an extreme extrovert that can make lifelong friendships while waiting online at the DMV, it can be difficult to join a group that already has established relationships. But there's one place where it should be easy: the church, where the core value is to love one another as Jesus loves us. The stranger who chooses to come to church is seeking something they can't get from just listening to Sunday services on the church website. Maybe they're looking for answers or reaching out for a human connection. Do they leave feeling welcomed and embraced, or do they walk out feeling invisible and alone? In the heart of every church, the most profound welcome gift for newcomers isn't wrapped in tissue paper in a little gift bag. It is embedded in the genuine warmth and hospitality that we extend to them. Jesus made it clear that it is God's will for us to welcome newcomers. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me'." These verses remind us that every act of kindness directed towards a stranger is a reflection of our faith and an act of service to the Lord Himself. When we open our hearts and our church doors to new faces, we embrace not only the individual, but also Jesus Christ, who is present in the least of our brethren. The essence of these verses calls us to action, asking us to look beyond our familiar circles and extend love and compassion to every person who steps into our sanctuary. In the bustling rhythm of church life, it's easy to slip into the comfort of familiar friendships and overlook those who are visiting for the first time. After a long week, the joy of reconnecting with friends can overshadow the presence of newcomers, who may feel unnoticed amidst the congregation. A simple smile or a friendly greeting can make all the difference, transforming their experience from one of isolation to a warm sense of belonging. Neglecting to acknowledge new visitors may lead them to feel invisible or unwelcome. A church where love and acceptance abound is one where a newcomer walks away feeling valued, blessed, and eager to return. This is the greatest church welcome gift we can offer -- an environment where everyone is recognized and shown that they are valued and loved by God. Let us strive to be vigilant and intentional in our hospitality, ensuring our churches are the embodiment of Christ's loving welcome. By doing so, we not only honor our faith, but spread the love of God to those beyond the borders of our comfortable little group. *Emphasis on that portion of Scripture is mine. You are welcome to reprint this article by Linda Kling in your church newsletter, bulletin, emails, your website, or anywhere else you think it may encourage others to reach out to church visitors. If you are reposting online, I would appreciate a link back to this original article. God bless you! MORE... 
We also have available the kind of church welcome gifts that you can wrap in tissue paper and place in gift bags for your visitors. You can find them at www.photo-party-favors.com/church-welcome-gifts.html - click here. Just remember that nothing material you give to your guests can replace or hold the same significance as the gift from your heart - the gift of reaching out to your church visitors with genuine, warm Christian love, showing them that they are truly welcome. |