One Sunday in late Spring, we sang a song at church that inspired me to write the following letter. It describes part of my Faith journey, the part at Faith Lutheran Church. It was published in both the East Hartford Gazette and the Journal Inquirer.

It was interesting to note the reactions of the people at both papers who read it…God’s love opens doors all the time; somehow we need to show how worshipping at Faith Lutheran Church in East Hartford makes a difference in our lives and can make a difference in the lives of those seeking the Lord…

July 9, 2008

Letter to the Editor:

Like many churches these days in Connecticut, ours worries about increasing our membership and how to welcome and include those new people and cultures surrounding our church building in East Hartford. Last week, we sang a hymn at Sunday service that overwhelming put it all together for me…here is a summary of the words, written by Marty Haugen:

“All Are Welcome …

Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes, dreams and visions, rock of faith and grace;

here the love of Christ shall end divisions…

Here the cross shall stand as witness, a symbol of God’s grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus…

Let us build a house where love is found; a banquet hall on holy ground

where peace and justice meet. Here the love of God, through Jesus,

is revealed as we share in Christ the feast that frees us…

here hands will reach beyond the wood and stone to heal and strengthen,

serve, teach and live the Word they’ve known.

Here the stranger bears the image of God’s face;

Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions

heard, loved, treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.

Built of tears, laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace,

let this house proclaim …

All are welcome, All are welcome, All are welcome in this place.”

I realized in the singing of this song why I love attending Faith Lutheran Church on Silver Lane in East Hartford…it is all of these things and more. My faith is nurtured here, I am able to safely worship, find love and friendship, and work together with others for the good of people in our community and our church. Jesus is alive in this place…from the stained glass windows we made, to the voices raised in song and prayer, to Freddy the frog who delights the children each Sunday with a pertinent message, to the hugs, handshakes, smiles, and sincere concern for each other, we are a family reaching out to embrace those who wish to join us.All are welcome here! Come see for yourself! YOU are welcome at Faith Lutheran Church!

Our Fall worship services are at 8am and 10:30am. See more about Faith Lutheran at www.FaithLutheranCT.org. You are welcome at Faith! Come see and feel what I’ve experienced at Faith…God among us…it doesn’t get any better than that!

Going forth in Christ’s name,

Donna Hubbs

Bloomfield, CT