First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque was mentioned in the National UCC news last week.

'God's Open Doors' in Albuquerque prominently proclaim church welcome

by Connie Larkman

Ask just about anybody in Albuquerque, New Mexico about the church with the doors and they'll know what you mean.

God's doors. Six of them. Bold and beautiful -- with bright colors and a vivid proclamation "GOD's DOORS OPEN TO ALL."

"We stole the idea for the cool doors from Westfield UCC in Connecticut," said theRev. Sue Joiner, pastor of First Congregational UCC, Albuquerque, N.M. "I loved them so much and wanted to put them up at our church because we are in such a prominent location." (Next to University of New Mexico and across the street from a local middle school.)

"I wanted something bright and that explicitly says not just Open and Affirming (ONA), but ALL ARE WELCOME AND WE MEAN IT!!! I really wanted to exploit our location and make the message loud and clear to everyone."

This week, that loud and clear message of inclusivity got an exclamation point. A big sign underscoring an extravagant welcome in three languages that reads 'No matter where you are from, we are glad you are our neighbor.'

Contact Rev. Joiner, Pastor of First Congregational Albuquerque at sjoiner@swcp.com