Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 CSB)

What a powerful weekend we just experienced together!

Good Friday and Easter Sunday were truly special—moments of worship, reflection, and celebration that remind us of the very heart of our faith: Jesus’ death and resurrection. From the worship to the serving to the countless behind-the-scenes details, so many of you played a part in making it meaningful. Thank you!

You know, I (Stephen) hear it over and over when I teach Antioch 101…
“Antioch is so friendly.”
“It just feels like home.”

That’s not something we take lightly… that’s something we celebrate.
But it’s also something we want to continue to cultivate!

We want to be a church where people are truly seen, known, and connected. There’s a big difference between a quick “hello” at the door and someone finding real relationships where they belong. That’s really what the church is meant to be.

Not just a service to attend…
…but a community to belong to.

Here’s the tension we all feel (even if we don’t say it out loud):

Most people want to be engaged…
…but fewer feel comfortable taking the first step.

Most people want to be talked to…
…but most people don’t want to be the one who starts the conversation.

Which means, if we’re not intentional, everyone can end up waiting on someone else.

So what if we flipped that?
What if each of us decided, “I’ll be the one who goes first.”

Here are a few simple, practical ways you can help build that kind of community:

1. Come a few minutes early and look for someone you don’t know.
2.  Stay a few minutes after instead of heading straight out.
3. Introduce yourself first, even if it feels a little awkward.
4. Invite someone to lunch—we’re so close to many great restaurants on the Square!
5. Serve on a team, where relationships form naturally side-by-side.

These things aren’t hard, but they do require intentional effort.

Every conversation, every invitation, every small step of initiative helps turn a crowd into a family.

Let’s keep being the kind of church where people don’t just walk in and out…
…but where they find a place that truly feels like home.

Current Meal Trains: 2 // Help support other Antiochers by providing a delicious meal during a difficult season of life. In our app, go to: Ministries > Current Meal Trains