June 28, 2026

What does it really mean when a church says, "All are welcome"? In this homily on Matthew 10, Pastor Lesley notes that the word "welcome" appears six times in just two verses, inviting us to look closely at who we are actually willing to receive.

Through a powerful internet parable about a new pastor arriving at the same time as a hungry man, Pastor Lesley challenges us to move beyond mere handshakes and welcome gifts. Looking at the Greek word for welcome, dechomai, she explains that welcoming a stranger actually means receiving Jesus himself.

Sharing an honest story of serving sandwiches at the Lahaina Resource Center (Aunt Nettie's Place), Pastor Lesley reflects on how seeing the presence of Christ in others changes our lens, our judgments, and our actions. Discipleship can be costly, but it also begins with something as simple as offering a cup of cold water. This message calls us to both receive Jesus in the stranger and be the presence of Jesus to everyone we meet.