Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Few things strike more fear into the hearts of church administrators than the call for a new church directory.

Scheduling folks for pictures, re-scheduling them, then calling and hounding is only part of the task. Then there’s the proofreading, the inevitable mistakes -- and complaints -- and distribution.

For newcomers though, the directory is a gift.

Our congregation has a tradition that makes it a gift that keeps giving.

On our first Sunday a year ago, I noticed that in the pew racks, there was an addition to the standard fare of hymnals and the Book of Common Prayer. (And no, sadly, it wasn’t the Bible). 
Tucked into every other rack was a laminated directory. 

Before the service, I could flip through the directory, putting names to faces. Doing it in “real-time” meant I could more quickly make the connection. When the Collier family walked up for communion, I could see the names of their two daughters. I can track down the names of the kind, elderly woman who always asks about my week and the adorable toddler who rushed the altar. 

Having the directory at home is nice because I can leisurely check out the pictures or look up an address. But having copies in the pews means I can connect better with my new community. And that’s worth all the directory hassle. (Just don’t sign me up to organize the next one).