Comments on: Saying hello

By: Joan D.

Joan D. — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:23:26 +0000

I have had the pleasure of being welcomed into a small town parish. After being welcomed at the door by the Church 'greeters,' I noticed the Priest in charge doing something I had never seen before. He sat with and/or personally greeted each person. The following Sunday, a person relatively new to the parish commented on what that meant to her. Of course, this is a small parish, however, there's something about the personal sincere touch that strikes a chord in each person in the parish. A great lesson learned!

By: Andy Elliott

Andy Elliott — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:13:01 +0000

We have had the experience in a new church environment where "hello" never materialized. We have also had the experience where "Hello" materialized but, basically sucked. And we have had the experience of "lucking into" a parish that is just buzzing with life and stuff that we just jumped into. So, Cousin Tim, what do you suggest as a strategy after "Hello"? You suggest "there is serious work to be done and serious conversations to be had." Is this your next post?

By: Mary

Mary — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:51:30 +0000

It would be a relief to me as an active member of a congregation and a working single mom to be invited to a church social event that didn't involve cooking or baking. Sometimes I avoid church activities because I just can't find the time or energy to "whip up" cookies at midnight.

By: Roberta

Roberta — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:39:36 +0000

How we come to a congregation is also relevant conversation across generations and it allows us to have a clearer understanding of the history of a parish. It allows us to know why some things are done the way are done and why some things are important to people. The road of change has the potential to be less bumpy. It is a way to gather insights that may otherwise go unknown. I will most certainly be adding this to my tool chest as a soon to be "newly ordained". Thank You

By: Chantelle

Chantelle — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:10:43 +0000

The cookie project sounds like a great way to introduce and integrate new and "old" members of a congregation as well; a way for people to get to know one another in a simple social setting that doesn't require commitment to organizing an event or joining a committee. What a wonderful opportunity for fellowship!

By: Ann

Ann — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:51:07 +0000

The conversation about how one came to a congregation and why each stays is very important to discovering the core values of a church. Appreciative Inquiry uses this type of discovery process. Congregations can build from "what is working" to grow rather than sitting around endlessly trying to solve problems