A Part for Every Part

It's amazing how many guests comment on their Communication Cards about the warm, friendly welcome they received at NHC. Not only that, but at every Discovering NHC class someone says that the welcome they got at their first visit made a big impression.

In our current series "Body Parts" we're seeing from the Bible how every partner in the church has a special function. But here are some suggestions for all of us about how we can each make sure everyone is welcomed.

1. Look around for someone you've never met and meet him/her/them. Make it more than a "Hi, glad you're here". Take a moment to give your name and ask for theirs' and where they're from. You might find a neighbor you've never met. And don't necessarily wait until you get inside. As you're walking from your car take a moment to introduce yourself.

2. Don't find a seat and sit until you've met someone new. When you do that, you're saying, "This is all about me." It's so easy to gather with our friends and forget that God has brought people to worship with us that perhaps know no one there.

3. Arrive a few minutes early and plan to stay a few minutes late. One of our purposes for gathering is fellowship. That extra five minutes before and after could make the difference in someone else's life.

4. Consider that guests might not know...

• That we have a wonderful and secure nursery and Kids Worship.
• That coffee and pastries are available and that it's OK to bring their coffee into the Gathering.
• That we provide an outline to follow.

So feel free to ask welcoming questions like, "Did you find everything all right?" Or, "Did you get a cup of coffee?" "Do you know we have a great nursery for your little one?".

5. If you're asked a question that you don't know the answer to (that happens to me often), encourage them to inquire at the Welcome Center. Our First Impressions Team is trained to either have the answer or to know how to find it.

6. Note where the "Visitor Parking" spaces are located (and don't park there!). They are closest to the front doors on the south side of the building. Let's give the best spaces to our guests. Try to park on either the east or west sides of the building, unless you have little ones. We have reserved spaces for families with young children on the south side as well.

Let's be conscious of those around us who might be guests, but who don't want to feel like strangers. A welcoming, hospitable congregation does amazing things to open folks up to the family of God.