Lake Harriet UMC Core Values

Inclusive, Intergenerational, and In Community
We strive to be a community where all God’s children are welcome whatever their race, gender, age,
sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance,
or theological perspective. Following Christ’s example, we open our hearts, minds, and doors to
welcome all who come to us in God’s grace.
 
No matter who you are or where you are on
life’s journey, you are welcome here.
 
If you are young or old, you are welcome. If you have brown skin, black skin, white skin,
or any color of skin, you are welcome. If you are married or single, you are welcome.
If you are gay, straight, transgender-whatever pronouns you use, you are welcome.
If you are sick or well, you are welcome. If you are a perfect person,
then you probably don’t need a church, but if you are like us and are imperfect, mistake-making,
still-trying, need all the encouragement I can get kind of person, then this is a community for you and you are welcome.
 
If you sing like a rock star or an opera singer, or you can not sing at all, you are welcome.
Whenever you arrived and however you came here, you are welcome.If you believe in God some of the time or all of the time, oryou’re just beginning to explore who God is, you are welcome.
 
Come with your gifts, your pain, your hope, your fears.
Come with traditions that have helped you and hurt you.
Come with your experiences that have made you and broken you.
Come with a mind, ready to engage, and a heart, open to discern.
Come and listen for the Holy Spirit that calls you to love your neighbor wholeheartedly,
seek justice, create peace and practice compassion.
 
You are welcome here!
 
Adapted from a welcome by Gordon Brown, published in Shaping Sanctuary