Hospitality

Hospitality is

the critical element of our life together as we would like new friends to join us and learn more about following Christ into the world as disciples. The church in this modern age has a tendency to count heads rather than create an environment where all people feel welcomed and are received into this community for who they are. We receive one another because we have been received by this Mystery of Life we call God.

Hospitality is…

* The giving and receiving in relationship to others that transcends our individual, solitary worlds, and connects us to something beyond ourselves.
* Not wondering who “those folks are, over there,” it is walking over and introducing yourself.
* Embracing strangers as friends so that they feel included, loved and accepted..
* The essence of the church’s life and witness.
* We are all ministers of hospitality!

Helpful Hospitality Tips

* When you sit down in an empty pew, slide over to the middle. This allows space at the ends for guests or late-comers so they don’t have to crawl over you.
* Learn to know the names people who sit near you. Introduce yourself and smile at them.
* Got a new family moving in next door? Bring cookies and a church newsletter and invite them to attend.
* Invite a friend/ neighbor to a monthly fellowship event.
* Make sure newcomers have information about weekly church activities or coming events.
* If someone is standing by themselves in the hall or sanctuary, start up a conversation.
* Allow yourself more time to talk with guests than with regular attenders.
* Don’t stop with a “Good Morning.” Say “Welcome, we are glad you are here.”
* Offer to show visitors around the church – the youth room, Fireside Room, offices, restrooms. Point out seasonal displays or ongoing projects.
* Linger after the worship service to offer a welcome to those who may be visiting. Invite them to Coffee Hour and Lunch Bunch.
* Make sure everyone has a church bulletin or order of service.
* Keep a keen eye out for someone who looks disoriented. Our church may seem difficult to navigate for a first time attendee.
* Be a good listener! Nod, maintain eye contact and let others know you care.
* Be willing to sit in an unfamiliar place so that guests can have your spot. Or move to sit with a visitor so they aren’t sitting alone.
* Share with someone why you are glad to call this church “home.”