The Monday Morning Group recently considered how to achieve the church's goal of "Radical Hospitality" with regard to Sunday morning visitors. The group came up with these suggestions for how we all -- as congregation members can be more welcoming, not just to newcomers, but also to each other.
- Smile or say Good Morning! That may seem quite obvious, but ask yourself next week -- "Am I entering with praise and thanksgiving?"
- Offer to escort someone who appears to be new into the coffee hour.
- In the Sanford-Davis Room, approach a stranger (anyone without a name tag or someone with a name tag that you don't know). Introduce a new family to another church family with similarly aged children.
- Maybe you fear introducing yourself to a long time member. Here's a strategy: "I may have met you before, but I'm afraid I don't know your name."
Here's what you can offer newcomers and/or first time visitors:
- Coffee, cookies and introductions to a pastor or another member.
- Tourist and community information: Visitors guides are on the table at the Sanford-Davis Room door. Show them how to get to your favorite site, like Einstein's house.
- A quickie tour of the church, pointing out rest rooms, classrooms, and maybe the choir room murals. Take them to the front of the church to admire the St. George and the Dragon Tiffany window.
- Your business card and/or phone number to call if they need help getting settled.
- Your friendship.
