I know this already...but I forget it so easily.

A young person stopped by this morning, having been referred by a member of our community. She needed food and rent assistance for her family in the midst of some difficult times for them. As is often the case, she asked about when our worship services were held. Most folks who come for help ask that; few of them ever show up...but it's something to talk to the preacher about while he's helping load the groceries in your car.

And yet: this conversation was different. She asked about which door to enter. She asked if her children would be permitted to be with her in worship. She asked if there was a dress code.

The answers to these questions seem glaringly obvious to me. The big door. Kids are always welcome in worship. Wear shorts; it's going to be hot.

But then again...I practically live in this place.

Which means that I need to be reminded: opening this congregation to the communities we serve in Christ's name takes more than simply unlocking the door and publishing a list of programs, studies and worship times. It takes human contact...the power of invitation and relationship...so that folks can be welcomed in past whatever obstacles they perceive or bad memories they have of what church is all about.

I hope this young woman and her family come on Sunday. I'll be watching to welcome her. And I'll be alerting some of our other young families to watch for her, too. I want her to know. More: I want us to be a congregation that is not just an open door. For the sake of the mission Christ gives us, we need to be an open heart, an open mind, and open arms.