A New RIC Community: St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (St. Louis, MO)

Help ReconcilingWorks welcome the newest Reconciling in Christ (RIC) community: St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (St. Louis, MO).

Their welcome statement reads:

“The arms of Jesus are always spread wide in welcome. In keeping with Jesus’ call to welcome the stranger, St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church wants the community to know:

We welcome those of diverse economic backgrounds. Those of means and those who are in need are welcome to worship here as full partners in the life of this Church.

We welcome those of diverse family backgrounds. Single parent families, “traditional” families, blended families and those to whom family is one person are welcome to worship here as full partners in the life of this Church.

We welcome those of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. There exists here no color or culture barrier to full partnership in the life of this Church.

We welcome those of diverse gender identities. We are engendered in varying ways including but not limited to straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered. These various ways of being are no barrier to full partnership in the life of this Church.

We welcome those with disabilities, physical, mental and emotional. Our church building is wheelchair accessible, we have a hearing loop and we strive to implement other accommodations as needed. These conditions are no barrier to full partnership in the life of this Church.

We welcome those who seek spiritual growth and enrichment regardless of where they are on their faith journey. We welcome lifelong Lutherans, those from other traditions and those just beginning to explore. All who are drawn to the communion table are welcome.

We recognize that not everyone will want to stay … but we offer this welcome as a way of introducing ourselves as a part of the body of Christ here in Clayton.”

Learn more about St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at: www.stmarkselca.com.