In this series we have been talking about being the church in our community, out in the street, among the people, mingling with them and loving them where they are.  In the first seven parts I gave examples of how that has looked for my wife and me,  “preaching sermons of love” where we live.  In today’s post we will be looking at some of our  friends who are being the church in their community in Denver, Colorado.

An Eclectic Faith Community

Recently I traveled to Denver to visit The Refuge, a beautiful eclectic faith community, co-pastored by our friend Kathy Escobar.  I spent part of  a couple of afternoons with Kathy while she showed Jesus’ love to people, and one evening at her home as part of the group that meets there on Wednesday evenings.

Following a potluck meal, the group gathered for a discussion led by Kathy.

Everyone Is Welcome

The group welcomes everyone.  Really, everyone is welcome, regardless of their situation in life.  There is no expectation that anyone meet any requirement to be part of the group.

Everyone Is Valued

Unlike so many “churches”,  all are equally valued.  Everyone’s comment, everyone’s observation is treated with equal value.  I saw no one being treated with preference.  If this group has an “insider’s group”, I could not detect it at any point during the evening.  There were no “fringe” people.  No one was passed over.  No one was ignored.

Everyone Is Loved

Regardless of economic status, religious background or lack of it, history, current life situation, marital status, and you-name-it, everyone is loved.  Everyone fits in.  Everyone is included.

When one person mentioned an unkind comment that someone had made about the group, no one got upset.  After the group discussion, I heard that comment mentioned again and someone added that the person who made the comment did not find what they were looking for at The Refuge.  I felt no condemnation, only love, even for the person who had been unkind.

The Arms of Jesus

Have we ever thought that we would like to meet the earthly Jesus in person?  When life stinks, wouldn’t it be nice if Jesus could show up in person and give us a big hug, with arms that we could feel wrapped around us?

Jesus does still show up in person with arms to wrap around the lonely, the brokenhearted, the angry, the sick, those struggling with addictions, those who need a helping hand, those who need someone to listen.  Sometimes when Jesus shows up in Denver Jesus looks like The Refuge.

As we continue this series, we will continue to look for the church in the streets “preaching sermons of love”, and will discuss “Relationship or Pretense?”