What Does Modesto Church of the Brethren's Welcome Statement Say?

Updated

Modesto Church of the Brethren (MCOB) states that it welcomes everyone, without exception, to participate in the life and worship of the church. Its welcome statement grounds this in the belief that God's unbounded love and grace, as taught by Jesus, "are offered to all and meant to be shared and celebrated by all." The congregation describes itself as an Open and Affirming congregation and lists specific groups it embraces as "vital and integral members of God's family."

The Full Welcome Statement

The statement, as published on the church's homepage, reads:

Believing that God's unbounded love and grace, as taught by Jesus, are offered to all and meant to be shared and celebrated by all, we embrace persons of every age, race, sexual orientation, ethnic and religious background, physical and mental ability, and economic means as vital and integral members of God's family. As an Open and Affirming congregation we welcome everyone to participate in the life and worship of our church.

What the Statement Affirms

The statement makes three distinct moves:

  1. A theological basis — God's love and grace are described as "unbounded," taught by Jesus, and intended to be shared and celebrated by all people.
  2. An explicit list of who is embraced — every age, race, sexual orientation, ethnic and religious background, physical and mental ability, and economic means.
  3. A practical invitation — everyone is welcome to participate in the life and worship of the church, not merely to attend.

The phrase "vital and integral members of God's family" goes beyond welcome-as-visitor language; it frames each person as belonging to the community.

What "Open and Affirming" Means Here

The statement uses the term "Open and Affirming congregation" to describe MCOB's stance. In the statement's own words, this is the basis for welcoming "everyone to participate in the life and worship of our church." The welcome statement itself is the primary source for how the congregation defines that commitment — it does not elaborate further on the homepage.

Putting the Welcome Into Practice

The welcome statement connects directly to how the church invites participation:

  • Sunday Worship Service — 11:00 am, available in person or via YouTube Live
  • Address: 2301 Woodland Ave., Modesto, CA 95358
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 209-523-1438
  • Social media: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram

The YouTube channel (@modcob) hosts recorded worship services, so the invitation to participate extends to those who join remotely.

Why the Statement Matters for Visitors

If you are considering visiting or connecting with MCOB, the welcome statement tells you what the congregation publicly commits to: that age, race, sexual orientation, ethnic and religious background, ability, and economic means are not barriers to full participation. It is the clearest single source on the homepage for understanding the church's stance toward newcomers and its self-description as Open and Affirming.