GFC Community,

One of the most powerful words in the English language is welcome.

We all want to belong. In fact, psychologists, authors, and others like Chip Dodd have argued that our desire to belong even exceeds our desire for fundamental human needs like food and shelter (based on research and observations of human behavior). A well-timed “welcome,” conveyed in the right spirit, expresses exactly that – you belong.

Towards the end of his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul gives this powerful exhortation:

Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. – Romans 15:7

According to the New Testament, one of the implications of the Gospel is hospitality! Not just for those who enjoy having people over for dinner, but for all of us. We are to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. Why? For the glory of God.

One of the ways we put this into practice is by helping welcome people to GFC on Sunday mornings. Through volunteering in our café, greeting others, or helping folks find a seat, you can help create the kind of environment where people experience God’s grace.

If you’re not currently serving at GFC, consider this an invitation to dip your toes in the water. Click here to learn more about how you can help make a difference in the lives of others by signing up to serve.

Thanks for striving to help make GFC a place where everybody is welcome.

Matt

P.S. Don’t miss this coming Sunday as we launch a brand new teaching series called Revealed. I won’t spoil it, but I’ll just say– we’re looking at the Storybehind the stories in Scripture in order to see the One who changes everything. See you this Sunday at 9:15 or 11am!