Construction zones almost always try my patience. I diligently get in the correct lane, as soon as I see the sign and try to wait patiently. Almost always, though, there is someone who drives past all who are waiting, and not slowly, of course. When they get to the front of the line, then they slow down and turn their signal on, waiting for someone to let them in line. Just once I would love for them not to be able to get in line, but someone always lets them in, like me, because my conscious wouldn’t let me not do it. Sometimes it feels like a construction zone here for our visitors waiting patiently until someone welcomes them. If they are not welcomed, many will just leave thinking we are an unfriendly church. I have been told that several times in the past year, and it breaks my heart. I cannot talk to everyone by myself, before or after worship, so people get missed.

In order for our church to be friendly, we need people who would be willing to welcome those around them. Zone greeters in the sanctuary would be the perfect people to do that. One person would have their “zone” to greet everyone coming to sit in their zone. They could introduce themselves if they don’t know the person. Also they can introduce new people to those around them. By greeting everyone coming into the sanctuary, we will be able to make our church a friendly place to visit and worship. But I need your help; we need people who can greet as people come into worship a half hour before worship begins. Friendly, smiling people who want others to feel welcomed here before they sit to worship. This would make our visitors and members alike feel welcomed. We are all called to welcome just as Christ has welcomed us. As it says in Romans 15:7, “Welcome one another therefore just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Please pray about being a part of this ministry at First.

To be a more friendly church, each person has to do their part. We need to get out of our pew and welcome those around us. It may be a simple hello, a handshake at the time of peace, or being more involved in the welcome ministry here at First and being a zone greeter. We need everyone’s help, so lets step out in faith and greet those we don’t know as much as we greet those we do know. Please be a part of this wonderful ministry of welcoming others. Let me know if you are interested in being a part of the zone greeters. Give me a call, e-mail me or talk to me between or after worship.

Photo by Jon Jackson