You’ve probably driven or walked down a street and seen some entertaining marquee signs, but one church in Oregon is gaining lots of attention for their messages. The pastor there likes to switch things up.

When Rev. Adam Ericksen took over as pastor at Clackamas United Church of Christ in Milwaukie, Oregon, he had ideas. He wants everyone to feel welcome when they visit the church, and one of the ways he’s doing that is by sharing messages of inclusiveness on their street sign.

 

Ericksen’s aim is to bring all people together, regardless of their background or personal beliefs. In an interview with KGW8, he said he wanted to emphasize love and inclusion. When he came on board, regular attendance was at about 30. Since then, it’s doubled thanks to the church’s viral street signs.

“I just decided that we need to be bold with our message of love and inclusion, especially for those who are marginalized especially by religion.

I just want people to know that God loves them and we love them and we’re for them. That’s basically it. It sounds so cheesy but that’s the basic message!”

Ericksen realizes that the political tone of some of the signs may rub some people the wrong way, but said that he’s heard from people from all over offering their support, including those who are Jewish, atheist, and practicing Wiccans. For many, the message of love and inclusiveness resonates.

Are you familiar with this church’s signs? Have you seen marquee messages like this in your area? What are your thoughts on this pastor’s philosophy?