Everyone is Loved by God

The bells ring signaling the start of worship

one by one people enter the church

greeting friends and neighbors

offering hands in peace and welcome

each one carrying something —

hearts full and hearts breaking

sorrows unimaginable

secrets unspoken

loneliness and grief

joy and happiness

hope for a new start

spirits yearning for renewal

hearts looking for healing.

The music begins, the pews fill

everyone finds a spot

some wanting to be seen and heard

needing someone to look them in the eye and remind them they are seen

others sit by themselves, keeping eyes down

there are those who know all the words of worship by heart

and those who fumble with the bulletins and books

some sit quietly while others squirm and wiggle

some of the youngest delight in running up and down the aisles

and their parents simply want a space to rest

some are waiting to hear words of peace and forgiveness spoken to them

and others voice their love and concern.

Everyone has come for a reason

gathered in community

to feel God’s presence

to touch the divine

to drip with water pouring over them

to taste goodness at God’s table

everyone needs something, or someone.

Wherever they sit, whatever they feel

everyone is welcome here

in worship, in the care of God

everything held in God’s grace

everyone is loved by God.

Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website or follow her work on Facebook.

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Gloriamarie Amalfitano

I love this, thank you. I will never someone whom God doesn't love. While I can't take in the scale of God's love for us. I know God loves every single person, every single bit of Creation.

Something I have been saying for at least 3 decades: People are people are people exactly as it delights God to create them and Jesus tells me to love everyone as I love myself as God first loves me. Of course, I am only a work in progress. But that is the goal I strive for.

Something I was going to ask was who painted the picture but when I clicked on it, I was told Ralph_Hedley_The_Widow_1899. so I am happy to know the artist.

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