Introducing Leslie Lahue: Welcoming Chair

Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever […] gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.
-Matthew 10:40-42

God’s welcoming love includes all who enter our doors – long-time church friends, friends you still need to know better, new members, and visitors. When we welcome people to SUM, we welcome them to Christ – we are offering them a cold cup of water.

Many connection points at SUM bring people closer to Christ. If we are to heed the call from Jesus, we need to get to know all those who come through our doors so that we can understand what they are looking for and help them connect.

What happens when you enter a store in search of an item you need? Do you wander around the aisles feeling overwhelmed and lost? Sometimes. I know I have felt this way. Retail establishments with the highest customer service engage in the best practice of taking you to the item. The employee stops what they are doing and walks you directly to what you are looking for.

This best practice extends to welcoming people to the many ways to connect with Christ here at SUM. It is just not fair or realistic to expect people to know all the opportunities to connect. We need to take them there.

I am beyond thrilled to announce new leadership to our previously dormant Welcoming Team. Leslie Lahue will step forward to build and lead a team to take our welcoming practices into the future. Leslie recently participated in the church-wide adult confirmation class. As a result, she was inspired to raise her hand for a leadership role. Stay tuned for more information about how you can be involved with our reinvigorated Welcoming Team.

-Deacon Deb