Seeing so many people reminded me to write on the importance of us greeting visitors to our church. We have been getting some visitors recently, and I notice that sometimes they are greeted well and sometimes we get busy with other conversations. With me at the door at the end of the service, I get to talk to nearly everyone, but it’s important to remember that people who visit churches are evaluating not only the pastor and the music, but also the community. They want to know if this is a place where people care about other people, and if they will matter in the church.
So, it’s really important that we reach out to visitors. It’s also important that we not greet them anxiously. We already have a good community here. We want to emphasize that new people are welcome to join us, that we think that there’s something special here, but not to say, “Gosh, it’s nice to finally see a new person—I’ve been so worried about this church’s finances.” People who come to church looking for a worship community need to know that they’re not simply props to sustain someone else’s journey—that there’s something here for them.
Church Council is also working on a plan for paid childcare on Sunday mornings. This is a model that many churches have moved to, as it both makes it easier for parents to attend services and offers reliability and predictability to both parents and children. As we already have a church school plan in place for those with school-aged children, we are hopeful that funding childcare will make our church more welcoming and more sustainable to young families.
Blessings to you this week as you hold the truth of Easter close to your hearts. I’ll see you in church—and after, for a spring tea together!
Becky
Prayer
Living, Loving, and Ever-Present God,
We are so grateful for the sure hope of the resurrection.
Help us to remember that you are also our companion on the way.
You walk behind, beside, and beyond us,
You catch us unawares.
Break through our tendency to disillusionment or despair
Or whatever clouds our vision,
So that with wide-eyed wonder
We may find our way and journey on,
Living as messengers of your good news. Amen.