About this Book: |
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“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” At Christ Church, UCC in Elizabethtown, PA, we often say this mantra. Usually it begins our worship time on Sunday mornings as part of the opening words of welcome and announcements. The phrase captures what we strive to practice at Christ Church. This book is a good introduction to the concept of Christ Church growing more fully as an "All- Inclusive Church." On the one hand, it affirms and celebrates the many ways inclusivity is already practiced. On the other hand, it lays the foundation for some best practices of inclusivity to take root in five different areas of our church's life. Several recommendations in each of these areas offer food for thought as they come in the context of basic matters of faith: scripture, faith, theology, and stories. As these best practices take root and develop, we move forward as a church that welcomes everyone. Literally. And continues to make efforts to do so.
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About the Author: |
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Rev. Dr. Galen E. Russell III is in his third year as the Lead Pastor at Christ Church, United Church of Christ, Elizabethtown, PA. After serving in churches for more than three decades, he maintains that all-inclusivity in churches goes to the very heart of the gospel. A sabbatical during the summer of 2017 provided him the opportunity to research and write about this important topic. Rev. Dr. Russell lives in Mount Joy, PA with his wife Barbara.
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