As you may have read, we
have just been certified as a "Welcoming Congregation"
by the communications branch of the United Methodist Church.
Not only that, but we are the very first church in all of
Arizona to receive
that designation!
I am thankful for everyone in our church that welcomes new
visitors and helps to make our worship service hospitable
and especially for those who invite friends to church.
I want to extend special thanks to our
webmaster who not only keeps our web site up to date, but
discovered the certification opportunity in August. Once she
alerted me to |
 |
its worksheet, we discovered that we already had enough
activities to qualify for the first year's recognition.
To be awarded this designation, we had to earn one hundred
points of hospitality. Here are the points we earned:
- Church Business Cards (on our welcome table) -
5 points
- Sunday Greeters welcoming visitors - 5 points
- Our Church Newsletter delivered to guests - 10
points
- Pastor Anthony visits our guests at their
homes - 5 points
- Tracking Attendance Data - 20 points
- Active and Up-to-date Web Site - 10 points
- Welcoming Message on our Home Web Page - 15
points
- Weekly Hosted Fellowship Table - 20 points
- Newcomer-Friendly Worship Bulletin - 15 points
- Total: 105 points
However, next year, we will need 200 points to
qualify again! Here's what we'll be able to add on:
- Name Badges worn by our members - 3
points/month
- Welcoming Signs on our Street - 5 points
- Transportation to Church Offered - 10 points
- Welcoming Center - 10 points
- "Open Hearts" graphics on our web site - 20
points
That will total 153 points.
Will you help us earn another 47
points? Volunteer to be on our Welcoming Committee and help to
organize our church into the most hospitable place around. There
are dozens of other activities
we can do to be more welcoming and to earn this award for
another year. For more information, give me a call (480) 831-5111.
[more...]
Great job, Light of Hope!
Pastor Anthony |
