What does Welcome look like?

Dear friends and colleagues,

Have you ever driven to a new town and felt that little jolt of happiness and peace when you notice that classic “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You” sign on the side of the road, pointing you to a place where you could be loved and accepted for who you are?  This idea of “welcome” and the practice of “radical hospitality” is certainly a hallmark of the Episcopal tradition. Moreover, Jesus himself modeled this idea during his ministry on earth. 

But what does welcome look like for you? More specifically, what does welcome look like in an Episcopal School?  Recently, I ran across a song that captures the spirit of welcome that I so often see at our schools: 

You Are Welcome Here – by Mark Burrows

Am I welcome here?

Am I safe to sing or laugh or shed a tear?

Will I be loved the way I am? Will friends be near?

Am I welcome here?

Am I welcome here?

You are welcome here.

You are safe to sing or laugh or shed a tear.

We love you just the way you are, so have no fear.

You are welcome here.

You are welcome here.

This is a place of peace and grace, Where all God’s children have a home.

God’s reign will come, God’s will be done when all are loved and no one stands alone. All are welcome here.

All are safe to sing or laugh or shed a tear.

God loves us just the way we are, so have no fear.

All are welcome here.

I am welcome here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCKwhE8hm2M

As you welcome students and faculty and parents and visitors into your community in the weeks and months ahead, I encourage you to consider the example of Christ, who, throughout the Gospel accounts, can be seen teaching women, touching lepers, embracing children, speaking with Samaritans, healing Roman servants, and hanging out with tax collectors and sinners!  In Matthew’s account, Jesus rolls out the proverbial welcome mat when he tells all people, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

And the next time you see that classic “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You” sign, pause to think about how you can shine the light of welcome into a dark and lonely world.

With thanksgiving, remembrance, and an overflowing love,

Rob

Head's Meeting and Leadership Symposium

There is still time to register for the upcoming Head’s Meeting and Leadership Symposium. After a two-year hiatus because of a global pandemic, this meeting will provide much needed in-person fellowship and inspiration for school leaders - present and future!. 

Who?  Designed for current heads as well as aspiring school leaders

Where? The Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio,TX

When?  Friday September 16, 2022 from 9am-3pm

What and Why? 

Humbitious: The Power of Low-Ego, High-Drive Leadership

"This book makes a compelling case that you don't need a big ego to do great things. Amer Kaissi demonstrates that humility isn't a sign of weakness-it's a source of strength for leaders."

~ Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife