Yesterday morning at SBC we talked about what it means to welcome those who have been excluded, to offer inclusion in place of exclusion. My sermon notes will be up on Wednesday, but first I wanted to share some of things members of the congregation wrote when asked to complete the sentence "inclusion is..."
(There were also some responses reflecting on exclusion, which were a powerful reminder of the importance of deliberate welcome and continued learning, and while I have not shared them here, they were just as important and have been just as heard.)
As you read these, you might like to reflect on what inclusion means to you, whether that is in your church, or in your workplace, or in your home.
At Stoneygate Baptist Church inclusion is...
making people feel welcome, particularly when you come for the first time
joint meals with the church community
being part and being accepted for what and who you are
when you can be allowed to take part in the activities in a church
welcoming all without judgement - hard to do but with God’s help, love and grace something to work towards
accepting everyone into church
being welcomed at the door
celebrating diversity as better than uniformity and enriching for all
very interesting, good
made to feel welcome by all to all
being welcomed whatever problems/differences you come with
others not ignoring or being frightened to ask about your problems
wheelchair access
offers of help (even if they are not needed)
not asking questions, just accepting and loving
being welcomed without judgement
a sense of friendship and fellowship
feeling the church is relevant to me and the community
at the dining table
coming to church and having coffee
being open to show your weaknesses to others
being loving so others know you value them for not being judgemental
trying to reflect the love of Christ
being aware and open to diversity
ensuring no one is left out
feeling welcome, put up with
knowing most people well, worship to support them
showing the love of God to everybody, no matter who they are
feeling welcome and respected
feeling safe
trying to make others feel welcome and comfortable
being accepted for what I am and what I can contribute however small
being in the same room together
making sure everyone is welcome and everyone is able to be fully involved in the life of the church in the best way for them