UU University
June, 2006
Saint Louis, Missouri

Ideas For Growth

Workshop I: Repelling Fewer Visitors

Indicates a Microsoft Word™ document:

1. Before the Service
   1. Visible signage to the location of worship
   2. Visible people/minister out front to greet
   3. Visible and accessible welcome table at the main entrance
      1. Greeters at the welcome table should be outgoing, comfortable with standing, able to pay attention to people with children and escort them to the religious education classrooms.
      2. Duties:
         1. Greet newcomers warmly.
         2. Engage them in a brief conversation with good eye contact and have them tell a bit of their story.
         3. Are they a first timer, how did they find you?
         4. Greeters make the newcomer feel comfortable.
         5. Have them make a nametag and then fill out Guest Registry Form.
   4. Guest Registry Form
      1. This information is used within the next week to make contact with the newcomer, to make a reusable nametag, to mail the newsletter, record notes from a follow up phone call, and to track visits.
      2. Tracking visit allows newcomer nametags to be kept current, to know if someone has been coming regularly, and to track the number of visits they make before they join.
2. During the Service
   1. Board Announcer Script
   2. Offertory Statement
      "Now is the time that we take our offering. It is our generosity that sustains the many ministries of our congregation. If you are visiting us for the first or the second time, feel no obligation to put something in the basket as it passes. You are our guests today. We are honored to have you with us. "
3. Closing Circle
   1. Minister asks everyone to hold hands for closing words while the chalice is being extinguished.
   2. This circle gathers the people in community before everyone leaves the sanctuary for the coffee hour.
4. After the Service
   1. Greeters return to the welcome table asap to reconnect with those newcomers who will likely be ready to talk more about the worship experience.
   2. The enCounter is a place at JUC where newcomers and those who might be too overwhelmed by the coffee hour time can meet in a smaller group with the Board member who made the announcements during the service.