September 24, 2017

Welcoming the Stranger

We will explore the monthly theme of “Welcome”

Summary:

This sermon explores the spiritual and practical necessity of practicing radical hospitality toward both friends and strangers. The speaker emphasizes that welcoming others is a core tenet found across diverse world religions and secular humanism, requiring a conscious effort to move beyond our natural preference for the familiar. Through personal anecdotes ranging from Southern front-porch hospitality to professional workplace receptions, the sermon illustrates how intentional inclusion transforms a community. True welcome involves continual self-evaluation, such as updating language to be more accessible and prioritizing the voices of marginalized individuals. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a boundless love that opens hearts and structures to accommodate the unique needs of every person.