Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices - Blogs - Gathering Community: Getting Ready for Fall

August 24, 2013

Gathering Community: Getting Ready for Fall

Brushing Up on Hospitality and Evangelism

As we approach the beginning of the program year, this is a great opportunity to brush up on our hospitality and evangelism. How are we welcoming people to our congregations? How can we extend our hospitality and welcome beyond our church walls?

In addition to the following articles, blog posts, and resources, let us know about your back to church stories. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter, share your resources on Your Turn, and find other resources in our Tools. Also, please consider sharing these posts and inviting others in your congregation to subscribe to ECF Vital Practices.

Amp Up Your Hospitality

We all know that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but first impressions DO matter and we use them. What would a visitor’s first impression be of your congregation? In “Amp Up Your Hospitality,” Kathy Copas shares practical steps congregations can take to evaluate what being a new person at your congregation would be like and how to improve it.

Radical Welcome

Who are the people from our pews? In “Radical Welcome: Embracing the Other,” Stephanie Spellers explains how we can begin to look within and outside our congregation and learn to open ourselves to ‘others’ beyond a smile and welcome, embracing them as part of our communities. “A radically welcoming community seeks to welcome the voices, presence and power of all… so they can help to shape the congregation’s common life and fulfill the reconciling dream of God.”

Blog Posts

Trapper Keepers for Back to Church: Let's spend a couple of hours before Labor Day and talk about organization. What’s the best way to keep everyone in the loop for schedules, shared meetings, and days off?

Coffee and Conversation: Coffee Hour can be a lonely place, especially if you’re new to a church. Here are tips for congregations to get the conversation started with guests at coffee hour.

Practicing Our Slogan: We might think we’re welcoming, but falling short without ever realizing it. Scott Gunn shares his experience and tips he collected on best practices for being welcoming.

Tools and Resources

Pet Blessing Resources: St. Francis Day is October 6. Brainstorm some ideas about engaging your community with these fun and creative pet blessing resources.

Examples of Commissioning Services: How do you empower your lay ministries? Here are some examples of recognizing and commissioning services for a variety of ministries.

Fall ECF Webinars: Register and secure your spot in one of the many exciting webinar offerings this fall. Topics range from Stewardship to Vestry Leadership to Leading Change.

Are We There Yet?

You have a website, newsletter, and social media accounts, but are you ready to receive visitors? Adding a newcomers section or way to request for more information may be the answer.