New Member & Greeter Ministries

Who are we ?? Why are we here??

Christ Church Members began to think about ways in which we could become more intentional in introducing Christ Church to families new to the area and meeting and greeting people who were entering our doors.  We chose "New Member Ministry" as the name of that outreach, and began to develop an organized group in 1992-1993. 

Greeters

The core belief of our ministry is to WELCOME:

• the visitor
• the returning member
• the person searching for a new Christian home in the Episcopal Church
• the families wanting Christian education for their children and themselves

 

That is the mission in this place.  Loving our neighbor is our command, and we are anxious to share God's gifts: His Word, His Son Jesus, Holy Baptism, Holy Eucharist and all the Sacraments with all those who enter here.  For many, walking into a church for the first time may be overwhelming, or even a bit intimidating.  Our role, as a body of Christians, is to welcome each and every person into this Family with a smile, a greeting and an offer of assistance in any way we can. 

 

Who becomes a greeter?  What does the greeter actually do: How often do they serve? Who makes the packets that give information about the Episcopal Church, the programs available in the church, our church school, our choirs, our music? How do we show our visitors, our newcomers, our members that Jesus Christ is alive and living in Christ Church in Lincoln?

 

So many questions....the answers are few.

• All are welcome to this ministry
• All are able to be on a rotating schedule for greeting
• One, two or more are able to develop the packets that are given to new people
• All are encouraged to say "Hi, my name is..., it is so nice to have you with us today!"
• All are asked to invite visitors to fellowship hour, and offer to accompany them to the parish hall

 

Greeters arrive 25 minutes before the service, distribute the bulletin, ask two people from the congregation to take the gifts of wine and bread to the altar following the offertory, and are thoughtful in our invitation as to those we ask.

 

Our parish family, as well, plays a most important role in speaking with visitors, sharing coffee and conversation at the fellowship hour.

 

That, in an abbreviated message is what "greeters" and members do at Christ Church in Lincoln; we are welcoming, thankful to God for the gift of His Son Jesus, and waiting for the Holy Spirit to move us in this community and beyond.