What we are working on:

–Ryan has developed a picture bulletin (particularly for children on autism spectrum)

–We have submitted a list of considerations to the Building Design Team

–We have put together a greeter team for Sunday mornings

–We have “Who are the Mennonites” brochures and visitor post cards

–We have introduced name tags

–There are three interest groups that meet regularly

–Each youth who wants a mentor has a mentor

–Mentor/youth activities are scheduled periodically

–We have a Sunday School teacher rotation for the children’s class

–We are in the beginning stages of updating the web site

 

Romans 15:7-9, 13

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. . . . May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Quote  from Widening the Welcome by Fred Bernhard and Steve Clapp:

“The practice of hospitality won’t transform your congregation if it is viewed as only one more in a series of programs to strengthen the church. The majority of the congregation must, at a fundamental level, come to feel that hospitality is a core part of our responsibility as Christians and come to share a vision of the congregation as a truly welcoming place.” (p. 35)

Stats about inviting people

90% of new church members first visited their church because a friend invited them

–United Methodist survey: 38% were invited; 18% saw building; 13% grew up in church; 10% denominational affiliation