I met with the stewards of Seaton Methodist church to discuss their priorities for the next period of time. It was then that they shared with me the following document that is displayed at the entrance to the church. Radical hospitality such as this is not passive and requires the existing attendees to be taken out of their comfort zones at times. The sentiment of this piece for me resonates with something of the kingdom values seen in Jesus. I hope you find it challenging but ultimately helpful.

Happy Easter to you all. May new life come in places and in people where hope seems illusive. May the stone be rolled away to reveal a new horizon in life.

• We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, gay, confused, filthy rich, comfortable or dirt poor.

• We extend a special welcome to wailing babies and excited toddlers.

• We welcome you if you can sing like Pavarotti or can't carry a note in a bucket.

• You're welcome here if you're just browsing, just woken up, or just got out of prison.

• We don't care if you're more Christian than the Archbishop of Canterbury or haven't been to Church since Christmas 20 years ago.

• We extend a special welcome to those over 60 who haven't grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast.

• We welcome keep fit Mums, football Dads, tree huggers, latte sippers, and junk food eaters.

• We welcome those who are in recovery, or still addicted.

• We welcome you if you're having problems, down in the dumps, or you don't like organised religion. We've been there too!

• We offer a welcome if you think the world is flat, 'work too hard', don't work, can't spell, or because Grandma is in town & wanted to visit the Church.

• We welcome those who are inked, pierced, both or neither.

• We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, or had religion shoved down their throat as a kid, or got lost on the A303 and wound up here by mistake.

• We welcome tourists, pilgrims, believers, doubters
  
  
  Blessings
  
  Steve