“A Welcoming Grace” Sermon Proper 19

Sermon: “A Welcoming Grace” Five words appear all across America. We print them on books, newsletters, church bulletins, and thousands of search signs. They are the de facto mission statement for an entire denomination. “The Episcopal Church welcomes you.”   We insist that welcoming arms await all who walk through our red doors. Most of the time we do a good job living into our mission. But, it leaves me with a question: “What does it mean to be a welcoming faith community?” Hold that thought, and we’ll come back to it. Jesus…