This is not today’s regular recap of my activities. Instead, I had one more thing that I wanted to share yesterday and ran out of time before I called it quits and went to bed. At worship yesterday (just one of many opportunities for scouts, scouters, and staff), I so appreciated the opening remarks that I approached the young woman, Amanda, afterward and asked her for a copy of her words. I expected an offer of an email, but she immediately pulled her own paper copy from her clipboard and handed it to me.

I wanted to share this because, while not everything will translate to church on Sunday morning, these are words that we should all remember, and say out loud, in our congregations. Also, if any of you know Amanda, or if she sees this herself, please let me know so I can add her last name and give credit where credit is due.

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The 120-Second Welcome: “The Open Well”

Hey everyone, welcome! Take a deep breath. Look around.

If you are standing here right now because you looked at the schedule, saw all the different structured services, and thought, ‘I have absolutely no idea where I fit in.’ let me tell you: you are in the exact right place.

Whether you came here with your entire troop, or you wandered in solo – welcome home.

“My name is Amanda, and I’ll let you in on a secret: my own spiritual journey has been anything but a straight line. I’m a Millennial, and throughout my life, I’ve had seasons of deep faith, and I’ve had seasons of big, messy doubts.

But what I’ve discovered by exploring the world is that asking the hard questions, doubting, and being authentically you… isn’t the opposite of faith. It’s actually how we grow. It’s how we make belief our own, rather than just copying someone else’s homework.”

In Scouting, we talk a lot about Duty to God. But what does that actually mean when we all come from different backgrounds – or no religious background at all?

Think of the Scout Oath and Law as building a well. It’s sturdy, it’s reliable, and it’s built by our shared values. But a well is meant to hold water. Today, ‘Duty to God’ is about how we fill that well.

This Open Faith Service is exactly that: an open well. We aren’t here to hand you a bucket of pre-packaged answers or fit you into strict theological box. We are here to create space.

“So, if you have a vibrant faith tradition, we celebrate that with you. If you are questioning, hurting, doubting, or just figuring it out day by day, we celebrate you, too.

There are no requirements here today. No expectations. Just a simple reminder: you are welcome here.

Let’s take a moment to reflect, listen to some music, and explore what Duty to God means on our own unique journeys. Thank you for being here, and let’s fill the well together!”

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Good stuff. Thanks Amanda.

As always, I will attempt to post my daily recap this evening.

Until then…

Blessings,

Pastor John