At Zion UCC, we endeavor to live out our denomination's motto "No matter where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here."  In an effort to further affirm our welcome to all people within the Delaware community, Zion considered a more formalized statement of welcome tailored specifically to our local church. Our aim was to produce a statement which affirms our commitment to welcoming all of God's children and specifically declares what you can expect when you encounter our church family in worship, fellowship, service, or any other event or activity.

The following affirmation of welcome has been accepted by Zion's church leadership and congregation:

 We, the members of Zion United Church of Christ, welcome you.

If you are Asian, Hispanic, Black, or White;

If you are male, female, or transgender;

If you are 3 days old, 33 years old, or 103 years old;

If you’ve never stepped foot in a church, a synagogue, a temple, a cathedral, or a mosque;

If you are single, married, widowed, divorced, separated, or partnered;

If you are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or yet unsure of your sexuality;

If you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, Socialist,  Libertarian, affiliated with another political party or no party at all;

If you are pro-life, or pro-choice;

If you have, or have had, addictions, phobias, or a criminal record;

If you own your home, rent, live with your parents, or are homeless;

If you have typical or atypical skills or are just beginning to sense your God-given gifts and talents;

If you have been labeled by the rest of the world with these or any other classifications, rest assured:  we won’t label you;

Being fully welcome in our community here at Zion United Church of Christ means that our congregation will:

Always seek to affirm the person that you are with loving hearts and open minds.

Follow the way of Christ Jesus with you in loving and being loved by both God and neighbor, with the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.

Love you for the person you are by living out our denomination’s promise that “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.”

~~~

(Portions adapted from the Affirmation of Welcome of
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA; Philadelphia, PA USA)