Welcoming

Openness to all: As followers of Jesus Christ, we take his example very seriously – God’s love is not meant just for some, it’s for everyone. We welcome all people into the fullness of God’s love and the life of the church. All means all, regardless of race, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, or anything else that humans too often use to divide ourselves.. Jesus had this peculiar habit of opening his arms to those who were excluded, who didn’t “fit in” who others turned their back on. We are called to look beyond exclusion to inclusion and to welcome all. We try to do this in many ways.

For example, CTS was the first Lutheran church in Montgomery County, MD to subscribe to the principle of Reconciling in Christ, in which we affirm our commitment to be an open and accepting community to everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Our doors are open to all and we have members who have immigrated to this area from throughout the world. Our membership comprises people from many faith backgrounds, including Roman Catholic, Baptist and Episcopal, as well as lifelong Lutherans. And we work to extend our community to those in great need, the homeless, the unemployed and those who are suffering.