Who is Welcome

We love all people unconditionally, and we mean ALL! Jesus encourages us to love God and our neighbor, and warns us not to judge. This is part of our Reconciling commitment as a congregation. Therefore, Onalaska UMC welcomes all the same people that God welcomes…

God welcomes little children and old folks.
God welcomes healthy people and sick people.
God welcomes happy people and sad people.
God welcomes rich people and poor people.
God welcomes all gender identities and expressions.
God welcomes people of all races and cultures.
God welcomes people of all nations and people with no nation.
God welcomes Republicans and Democrats and independents.
God welcomes the faithful and the doubtful.
God welcomes saints and sinners.

Living together and loving each other, warts and all, isn’t always easy. But it is a beautiful living community that reflects the full breadth of God’s amazing creation.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, preached a famous sermon “On a Catholic Spirit.” By catholic, Wesley meant universal. He quoted 2 Kings 10:15, “Is your heart as true to mine as mine is to yours? … If it is, give me your hand” (NRSV). Wesley felt that the most important thing is loving and trusting Jesus Christ for our salvation, and living out our faith in an active and loving way. Wesley concluded, “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences” (Sermon 39, paragraph 4).

This video, produced by another church a few years back, speaks to the welcome that all people will find at Onalaska UMC. Enjoy!