Pastor

A Message from the Pastor for Congregational Care

My Sisters and Brothers,

I am elated to welcome you to St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church. We have waiting just for your arrival. As you share your time with us, you will find that we believe it is by divine providence that you and we were destined to share this appointed time and space together.

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, hospitality is an important virtue to possess. In biblical days of old, to say that one was a most gracious host was to say that that person possessed a character of distinction and honor. We want to receive you in the most hospitable way that we can, and not just during the “passing of the peace of Christ” with smiles, handshakes, and hugs during our worship services. We want you to feel as if you are joyously being received as an angel sent by God to a people who have been waiting just for you. Hebrews 13:2 states, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (NRSV). We hope you feel like an angel at St. John’s and not a stranger.

I welcome you as a child of God and as our brother or sister in the Christ. It is my prayer that the Spirit of God will allow you to be receptive to the warmth, love, compassion, and care that this community of faith has to offer and that the experience will be a transformative one. Thank you for blessing us with your presence. We eagerly look forward to your return to join us in worshiping God “in spirit and truth.”

Wishing You God’s Grace and Peace,
(The Rev.) Carlton D.M. Rutherford
Pastor for Congregational Care