Oroville Mercury-Register

Scriptures continue to feed the mission

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A recent sermon at a local church reminded me of the Jesus Center’s roots: following after a radical savior who offers radical welcome.

Two women named Mary started a simple soup kitchen welcoming the hurting in Chico. Katy led the organizati­on to a bigger building with more services that provided the ability to serve thousands each month. Bill talked about “offering hospitalit­y to strangers.” They all knew that God’s welcome begins with us, and then is extended to those who are rejected because of their addiction, their mental illness, their trauma, or their poverty. Forty years later, today’s leadership seeks to follow this radical work with tenacity and innovation. We work to offer an expression of tangible love for those God loves so dearly.

Scriptures feed our mission: The good Samaritan, Matthew 25 (when you care for the least of these you care for God), the Welcoming Father parable, Jesus and the tax collector Zacchaeus to name a few.

Jesus models RADICAL love and welcome. In sum: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and your neighbor as yourself!

— Laura Cootsona, Chico

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