It’s voting day here in California. Out and about you find voting signs and there are police warnings on my emergency app about possible congestion around polling places.
We’ve been talking a lot about politics lately here at the Catch because it is such a big part of our culture right now. And though on rare occasions, politics can unify, this time around, as you know, divisiveness prevails. There is a strong movement towards separation, and when that happens, it’s usually accompanied with isolation, protectionism and closed-mindedness. None of these are attitudes that serve our vision well here where we celebrate the Gospel of Welcome.
So I am bringing out the lyrics I wrote to a Gospel of Welcome song to help us stay the course. We must realize that the attitudes and practices that support the Gospel of Welcome — Grace Turned outward — are running counter to what is prevailing in our culture. So what a privilege! True followers of Christ have always been countercultural even when they go against the church and the Christian subculture. It’s an exciting time to be alive. So celebrate the Gospel of Welcome and be quick to welcome those on the other side of the “aisle” so to speak.
The Gospel of Welcome
by John Fischer
Welcome, welcome
Arms are open wide
Welcome, welcome
There’s a warming fire inside
Everything’s been done to make a place for you
The war’s already won, there’s nothing else for you to do
But to come on in where we can know you
Let the Father’s arms enfold you
Sit down here among your friends
Where we all can warm our hands
On the Gospel …
The Gospel of Welcome
Welcome, welcome
You can come from anywhere
Just turn around
And you’re already there
It makes no difference who you are or what you might have done
All our sins weigh just the same when placed upon the Son
And anyone who wants to judge
Can stay outside and hold a grudge
We’re all here among our friends
Where we all can warm our hands
On the Gospel …
The Gospel of Welcome
Welcome, welcome
Don’t just come alone
The field is waiting patiently
The seed’s already sown
Once you’ve been accepted here there’s no one you can’t love
No reason you can’t welcome that one you’re thinking of
And bring them in to find
The love they left behind
In this circle among our friends
Where we all can warm our hands
On the Gospel …
The Gospel of Welcome
Welcome, welcome
Arms are open wide
Welcome, welcome
There’s a warming fire inside
John Fischer The Catch 
Absolutely loved your song, Pastor John!
This has NOTHING to do with politics or even Christianity but it does touch the nerve of current troubles and issues that stem from separation, isolation, protectionism, closed-mindedness and all the negativity we are mired in and add to.
This is a great example of “Grace Turned Outward” from someone who laid out the welcome mat to a very needful soul even though they were generations apart.
This day, March 3rd, would have been James Doohan’s 100th birthday and the actor – best known for playing Scotty in the original “Star Trek” series – reminisces in the video below on what he called “the best thing I have ever done in my life”.
Happy Birthday Mr. Scott!
Very cool!
Beautiful. Didn’t do anything but notice her, talk to her, care about her, ask her to keep coming. Great story. How would you feel if you were a big Star Trek fan and you knew “Scotty” cared that you were alive?