Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:
“Welcome.” It’s such a beautiful word – in both English and Spanish. Bien-venidos. It is well, it is good, it is a joy to me that you have come.” “Es bueno que tu has venido.”
Have you ever shown up somewhere and got that awkward sense that people wish you would NOT have come? Ugh. That’s no fun. And we’ve all had that experience. Or worse – they slam the door in your face, or call you hateful names.
But the opposite is so wonderful. Someone opens the door and their face lights up with a smile when they see you. You walk into a room and lots of faces light up, and they get up and move another chair into the circle to make room for you. They introduce themselves, tell you their name, offer you a glass of water or a tray of snacks. It is so, so wonderful to feel welcome – to feel that people are glad you came.
Our Regional Assembly last weekend took that idea and added a theological claim: “In the name of heaven, you are welcome here.” “In the name of God, there is a place for you at the table.” In Spanish: “En el nombre del cielo” – in the name of God. Offering hospitality creates a sacred space, and receiving hospitality is a holy moment.
It was a joy to welcome so many of you to the Regional Assembly this past weekend. It brought me joy to see you, to be with you, and to worship with you. And I pray that all of us will continue to both receive welcome from others and in turn offer our welcome to all whom we meet. What a delight when we can truly look at our neighbors and say: “It is well that you have come. It is a joy to be here together.”
Dios les bendiga!
Pastor Jay
Regional Minister and President, Christian Church in Arizona
