When my children were three and one, I decided it was time to find a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group in the Fishers area. I found one that was just a few blocks away from our house, contacted the director, and arrived the following Friday. As I walked into the church, babies in tow, I was so relieved to see a lobby full of mom's and people to greet me. I had no idea where to go, no idea where to take my kids, and I felt vulnerable and nervous because of it. I smiled shyly at one mom, whose gaze jumped to the mom next to her as if she hadn't seen me. I tried another, whose eyes went to the floor. I walked in a few steps more, wondering if maybe it wasn't obvious enough that I was new. I went down the line of mom's, thinking surely someone would be willing to help, but I soon realized no one was going to make the move. I no longer had the energy to verbally ask someone for help myself, so I tucked my tail between my legs, turned and walked back to my van with my two kids who I had worked so hard to scrub up for the morning. With tears brimming, I realized for the first time in years, what it truly feels like to be the visitor.
I've attended New Life with my family for eight years now; it has been a very long time since I had been in the visitor's shoes. I knew very quickly that God had intentionally slipped those uncomfortable shoes on me that morning.
The welcome ministry could not in any way be more crucial to the overall ministry of a church family. The moment people walk in, they deserve to be welcomed with a smile and a handshake.
Mimi and I are working on building a greeter's schedule that will add to and build upon the amazing job our ushers do each week. We're simply going to enlarge the team! Please think and pray about whether or not you can help out one Sunday each month! You can let myself (Jenessa Denniston, jenessaden@yahoo.com), Mimi, or Jerry Ravencraft know if you are willing to help. And there will be a very brief meeting after church this coming Sunday (February 8th) for all who are interested!
God bless,
Jenessa
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