July 2, 2017
Pentecost 4
Matthew 10:40-42
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The modern word “welcome” has Old English roots:
from wilcuma... literally meaning a ‘desirable coming’.
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From a strictly word study perspective, a
person’s coming is welcomed when the welcomer is pleased by the fact that the
welcomee has shown up.
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That is basically how welcoming works.
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When an outsider enters into an existing group,
it is the insiders who decide whether
the new comer is welcome or not.
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Welcome can have conditions: formal-known
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Welcome often has informal expectations (need not be universally held to be
impactful)
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Common for churches to proclaim:
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You are welcome.
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All are Welcome.
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Welcoming In ~ Reaching Out. Thats what we do.
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“Come in and sit down… nobody here has a claim
on a pew” - is that verse in VU? Owned
pew days are long gone. But… informally
“I sit there”.
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Kick them out?
Not very good. Grumble? Almost as
bad?
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If the newcomer feels unwelcome - in any way -
they are not.
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UCC’s Emerging Spirit Program - 10 years ago
(wonder cafe).
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Good welcoming practices are techniques.
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But welcome needs authentic attitude.
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Jesus talks about how welcoming has its rewards,
which seems to put the focus on the welcomer.
But, really, it was all message focused.
The disciples had something to offer… share: The Realm of God has come near.
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Why would we want to be welcoming as a church?
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Find successors (focus on welcomer)
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Share good news (focus on welcomee)
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American Sign Language… you’re welcome = thank you
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Grateful for becoming community.
● WELCOME LIKE JESUS !!
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Yada yada
(Prayer)
#4MV
“All Who Are Thirsty”
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