What Matters to Us

"Jesus didn't turn people away, neither do

we." When you're gutsy enough to make

such a claim, it's not always easy to

make good on it. Following Jesus' lead,

the United Church of Christ strives to

keep doors open to all. By God's grace—

in the past and today—we do what needs

to be done to be bold people of God's welcome.

Jesus lived and breathed gracious hospitality. Even

though there were powerful people who opposed

Jesus' extravagant welcome, he still embraced those

who were often shunned. In the reign of God that

Jesus spoke of, he declared there is room for all—

children (Luke 18:15-17) and those who are hungry,

thirsty, homeless, ill, poor, grieving, persecuted, and

in prison (Matthew 25: 31-46 and Luke 6:20-26).

Jesus put faith and hospitality together: "Whoever

receives one whom I send receives me" and those who received Jesus, embraced God (John 13:20). 

http://www.ucc.org/vitality/what-matters/we-are-people-of-extravagant.html