Weekly Worship - August 16, 2026 Sermon

THE CHURCH IS FOR ALL PEOPLE

(Reverend Ross Henzi)

Families are interesting, aren’t they.  Families don’t all look alike.  Families don’t all think alike.  Families don’t all have the same personalities.  Families don’t all have the same gifts.  But they belong to one another.  That’s what Jesus creates - people who are different from one another - but united in him.

 So, what does this mean for our congregation?  It means we have to take seriously this banner that stands at the entrance to our church:  welcome!  Because welcoming people isn’t merely about putting a sign near the door, it’s about what happens after they walk through the door.

Here is the question I want you to take home today.  Not simply, “Are all people welcome here?” …but “Who is missing?”  Who isn’t here yet?  Who do I know who is hurting?  Who do I know that needs to be connected to Christ?  Who do I know that needs to hear the gospel but doesn’t know where to begin?    

 And then, ask an even more personal question.  “Am I helping people feel welcome?”  Maybe God has put someone in your path.  Maybe it’s a neighbor.  Maybe a coworker.  Maybe it’s a family member.  I’m sure everyone here has someone in their immediate or extended family who needs to be welcomed once again.  Maybe someone you’ve considered inviting.  You know what Jesus would say, “Invite them.”  Because the church is not ours.  It’s Christ’s.