How intentional are you and ready for every new person who comes through your door, for an event, like a concert, connecting with community using building, those who join for worship? Set up a newcomers’ table, that ensures people are at it. Have a couple of people or a family there to greet and welcome. If your building is being used for a local activity, arrange to have people at the table. Be strategic in its placement. If you have multiple entry points, set up additional tables. Check the signage on the door outside to see if people can get in or if doors are not used, that signs clearly direct people which door to use. Include a photo so there are words and images to direct people to the needed entry door. Your table might include name tags, welcome packages, information about community of faith. Decorate the table in such a way that those coming through will be curious, notice your hospitality, and be drawn to come take a look. Be intentional that your table, the information handouts, the name tags all reflect your context in some way. Little things might say a lot, a pen and a small notepad, a dish of candy or chocolate, a basket of small hand painted rocks made by the congregation, prayer squares from the crafters, book marks, a sample copy of your current book being studied, fundscript information, kids activity bags, a basket of rhythm instruments, rainbow welcome cards inviting sharing of contact, whatever makes sense for you., If your church hosts refreshments before/during gatherings, someone might escort them to the refreshments table/coffee cart and get introduced to people along the way, if they are comfortable with that. Your table is a sign of belonging, that you are prepared and anticipating arrival, questions and creating comfort.
Please click this link for a document that my colleague, Rob Shearer, Growth and Stewardship Animator with FSLDW put together for upcoming Stewardship Courses, Church Tech Best Practices Courses, and an evolving list of Grants that are available to you; it also includes links to a couple of .pdf resources for posting on your bulletin boards.
Please click this link for a Thanksgiving piece on Fostering A Life-Giving Mindset, that was written by my Growth and Stewardship Colleague, Tori Mullin.
Contact your growth and stewardship animator in UCC-East Sharon Ballantyne sballantyne@united-church.ca
This Week’s Stewardship Second:
The power of God’s generosity is stronger than you know. You have the opportunity to wield this power when you give to help others.
