Friends, 

I'm always look forward to seeing the release of the Oxford Word of the Year because it can tell us a lot about our society. 

In 2024, the word of the year was "brain rot," that feeling we have when we've been consuming too much social media and entertainment. 

In 2022, it was "goblin mode" -- a slang term describing "unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly or greedy" behavior. 

Some words are lighthearted, but in 2009, the choice was unsettling: "unfriend." 

While 'unfriend' refers to social media, the pain of being unfriended in real life is far greater. 

In the gospels, Jesus is strikingly different—he "friended" misfits, outcasts, and the marginalized.

As the gospel writer tells us, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:1-2).

That line was spoken by the religious leaders and was meant as contempt. 

But the fact remains that Jesus welcomed all kinds of people. He wanted to eat with them, talk with them, and invite them to follow him.

Here's the thing: the followers of Jesus should welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. 

This Sunday, we're going to unpack this thought as we dig into Romans 15:5-7 as the Apostle Paul sought to shape a community of faith living in Rome to reflect the warm welcome of Jesus. 

And why should we care about welcoming one another? The Apostle Paul said it has to do with "the glory of God." 

Join us this Sunday at 5 p.m. at Rivergate (5422 Cole Lane, College Station). Here’s the link to the Digital Worship Guide.

See you there!

Pastor John