This Sunday at 10:15 a.m., Bloomington First Christian Church (FCC) will usher in a new type of worship service with an explicitly open invitation.
One and All is a so-called "Progressive Worship" service, according to FCC "designed to warmly welcome adults and children of all ages and backgrounds." And according to Associate Minister Kelley Becker, all emphatically means all.
"We are very aware that there are groups of people who have not been welcomed fully in many churches," acknowledged Becker, a Not In Our Town leader. "One of those groups is the LGBTQ community.
"We believe that a person’s sexual orientation does not affect God’s love for them, nor does it affect his or her ability to fully participate in the life and work of the church. We know that each person has been created with a purpose and a deep need to belong. To that we say, 'You belong here.' We welcome everyone to First Christian Church and especially now, as we launch our new progressive worship service, One and All, we are grateful for the opportunity to practice the radical hospitality that God calls us to. We really mean it…All Means All. "
Casual attire will be welcome at the new service, and One and All music will be led by a worship band including guitar, bass and drums. Music will vary, ranging from pop to Indie rock, and video will play a key role in the service.
Becker stressed the new service also aims to provide a nurturing environment for single-parent families. A children’s area will be available, featuring age-appropriate activities based on the week's worship theme. Coffee and light breakfast offerings will be provided.
First Christian Church is located at 401 W. Jefferson Street. Visit One and All's Facebook page.