No Exceptions.

Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul Lutheran Church,

I read a Facebook post on a Chisago County Community page recently about a person looking for a new church home. The post simply said, "We are looking for a progressive, modern church in this area! What are the best ones to check out?"

Of course, there were over a hundred comments on the post - all inviting this seeker to their church of choice. As they should! Well done, to them all! However, the problem with the initial post were the words, "modern" and "progressive." These words mean different things to a lot of people. So of course, several commenters asked the person to clarify or define what they mean by "modern and progressive." After reaching out to the person it was discovered they are looking for a church that believes in, and practices, equal love, treatment, and acceptance of all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and race. They also would like a church that is committed to keeping their neighbors safe by encouraging vaccination and safe Covid practices.

Well, as much I commend all the commenters for promoting their individual churches on this Facebook thread, the reality is not all of their churches match this person's definition of "modern and progressive." But we, I'm grateful to say, at St. Paul Lutheran, do.

At St. Paul Lutheran Church, and as a member of the ELCA, we do believe in, and practice, a joyful welcome, love, and acceptance to all of God's children - with no exceptions. In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, we continue to display love and concern towards neighbor by masking and distancing when indoors, and by worshipping outdoors every other week.

I posted a link to our church's Facebook page on this seeker's Facebook thread, and I hope they come and visit.

And if they do, I know you'll warmly welcome them as the Child of God and brother/sister in Christ that they are - without exception.

Thank you for being a church of grace.

See you in Church!

Pastor Dale