We extend a special welcome to wailing babies and excited toddlers and octogenarians; We welcome you whether you can sing like Odetta, or just hum quietly to yourself; In this community, we believe that everyone can sing! We welcome you whether you believe in the teachings of Jesus, Muhammad, Krishna, the Buddha, Thich Nhat Han, Pema Chodron, Mary Oliver, Rachel Carson, Alice Walker, all of the above, or none of the above; Here, we practice theological diversity and inclusion; We welcome you especially if you identify as transgender, queer, indigenous, multicultural, immigrant, and/or are an ally and co-conspirator in our journey towards dismantling systems of oppression; We are a welcoming congregation practicing radical hospitality! We welcome you tree huggers and water protectors and invite you to join our efforts to protect our precious environment; And we offer a very special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now in the shape of a kind and compassionate community; Come joyous, come grieving, come hopeful, come brokenhearted. We welcome you wherever you are on your journey. Whether you have been coming here for decades, or you are visiting for the first time: Welcome/Bienvenides! May you find here room for your spirit to be refreshed and nourished; May you join us in creating, strengthening, and reimagining, the Beloved Community, our spiritual home.
by Rev. Dr. María Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa