Welcome to the Party Welcome to the Party

Welcome to the Party

Welcome to the Party • Consider God’s character Eph 1: 4, 5. . Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.

Welcome to the Party Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish giftgiving by the hand of his beloved Son.

Welcome to the Party Jesus included people: …especially the powerless & marginalized Eg: Luke 19: 1 -6 Zacchaeus

Welcome to the Party Why do we struggle to include people? • My life is too full. I have little space or energy. • I find it too scary. • I have been hurt so much in the past. • I just do not want to include certain people.

Welcome to the Party Philippians 2: 1 -4; If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deepspirited friends.

Welcome to the Party Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Welcome to the party Suggestions for being more inclusive (church situations) • • • Greeting time Café area New Friends Team General invite; come with me/us Think outside your group

Welcome to the party • Being inclusive is risky but risk taking is being free. • Only those who risk… are free