During April General Conference 2025, the Tabernacle Choir performed Welcome Home from Hymns for Home and Church. It was a powerful and touching arrangement, and it inspired me to write my own version.

My vision for this arrangement is that of the violin representing a precious soul, lost in the world. They play a beautiful melody, but it feels solitary. As the first verse begins, this child of God finds The Church of Jesus Christ and is embraced and welcomed in sacrament meeting by converted saints, represented by the choir. As they progress along the covenant path, they prepare to go to the temple.

As the second verse takes us into the temple, it begins with the women and men separated, just like the endowment. Then they join together at the altar, just as a husband and wife in the sealing room. The soul represented by the violin adds its unique voice to the church and also increases its ability to produce beautiful sound and take on difficult challenges.

Finally, we arrive at the gates of heaven and I tried to convey the feelings I hope to have at that blessed moment when Jesus invites us to sit at His table and feel the fullness of His joy and love. We come to a powerful end as we emphasize that “We’re always welcome, welcome home.”