Scripture- John 13:35

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Prayer Focus: One of the very first questions we asked the middle school youth when exploring this passage was “what does Unity Presbyterian Church need to hear?” In reflecting on that question, middle schoolers emphasized how important it is that each and every person feel welcomed into the church. One middle schooler gave the example of a person coming to worship without “church clothes.” Instead of getting looked at awkwardly, they should be welcomed. They were reminded of Pastor Molly telling them that they are always welcome to come to church in whatever they have on. Each of us can think of time in our lives when we have felt unwelcomed, and times where we have been welcomed with open arms. Today, I invite you to prayerfully consider what it would look like for you to help create the kind of welcoming space that our middle schoolers described. Are there situations where it is particularly hard for us to be welcoming? In each and every moment, I pray that God might help us welcome others, just as Christ welcomes us.