WELCOME TEAM
This year, the Welcome Team has been gaining momentum in our collective effort to invite, welcome, and engage the wider community in the vibrant life of St. Andrew. We passionately believe that God’s love is not only present, but alive in this place. So how, as a community, do we intentionally share this love with everyone we encounter?
- Community Engagement and Welcoming Initiative: At St. Andrew, we are embarking on exciting new initiatives to engage our community and extend a warm welcome to all. Our goal is to meet people where they are, and show them the inclusivity, diversity, and extravagant welcome that that is at the core of St. Andrew. Where are you on life’s journey and will you join us? Read on!
- Greeters and Personal Connections: The St Andrew greeters are a friendly and reliable bunch! They are purposeful in welcoming fresh faces and adept at directing first-time visitors to add their contact information to our guest book so Rev Mary Alice can follow up. But she cannot do it alone, and sometimes our greeters are away. Are you a note-writer who would not mind sending a quick word to a visitor, or you’re naturally conversational and would consider filling in as a greeter sometime?
- Expanding Online Presence: Recent data indicates that approximately eighty people tune in weekly to the St. Andrew worship service on Facebook. Some are current members, and some are new friends. With Nancy's assistance, we've expanded the reach of God's word by making Rev Mary Alice's sermons available on Facebook. As a team, we have wondered about ways to connect more with our online worshippers. This includes encouraging remote participation in the good works of the church via Zoom, as well as financial support for St. Andrew. Might you have an idea to expand our media presence and/or the technology skills to assist in other ways?
- Hospitality Initiatives: Thanks to Veronica’s leadership and her gift of hospitality, coffee hour has evolved into a light lunch, significantly expanding participation by members and new friends. The Monthly Mixer, with its random table assignments, is proving successful in helping people get better acquainted. As a bonus, it’s often financially self-supporting through weekly contributions. Do you share the gift of hospitality and can envision yourself making or baking something to share on occasion?
- Recent Events and Upcoming Gatherings We recently hosted our annual Thanksgiving Dinner with 37 people in attendance, and the warmth and camaraderie were truly special. Looking ahead, we're thrilled to announce monthly Potluck suppers featuring a "Member of the Month." We will also extend a warm invitation to those from the local community to join us in these events. Additionally, with the recent decluttering of the stage in Stewart Hall, get ready for a Valentine Cabaret in February featuring jazz, folk, and soft rock music for your listening pleasure. Would you consider lending a hand (many of them make light work) for just one event…or more?
- Welcome Ambassadors Initiative: Not everyone is comfortable talking with people they do not know. Think of yourself and how you feel when you enter a room of people you have never met. Sometimes we forget what it’s like to be “new” somewhere, even if you are chatty.
We are in the process of developing a Welcome Ambassadors team—individuals with the gift of conversation and genuine welcome. These ambassadors could play a vital role in supporting an intentional, welcoming presence at Sunday Worship and Fellowship Hour. If you enjoy sharing your stories and are you interested in the stories of others, would you join the ambassador initiative?
Moreover, imagine the impact of having a team of Welcome Ambassadors who rotate their participation in various St. Andrew hosted events, such as concerts, Gulf Gate community gatherings, and more. Meeting people where they are, mentioning your affiliation with the church, answering any questions, and inviting them to check us out. If the idea of meeting new people while experiencing cool community events resonates with you, can we invite you to become an ambassador?
- Your Support and Involvement: As we pool our resources and blend church life and leadership into a united purpose, we invite you to lend your gifts in any way you can! If you do not feel as though the Welcome Team is your thing, try some-thing! We have many teams all seeking to do God’s work. Our team structure allows for flexible participation across every team, and you can share your ideas at team meetings from anywhere via Zoom!
- Extending Love Beyond the Boundaries: We recognize that many in our community have little or no religious connection, misunderstand what church can be, or have had an unpleasant experience with organized religion. It’s simple: If we make it a habit to invite others, gently encourage them, offer help, and treat them the way we want to be treated, we will show God’s love in ways that truly matter. Through these efforts, we hope to expand our St. Andrew family and make a positive impact on the wider community.
Yours in faith,
Veronica Shoenewolf, Ed Hooper, Kurt Schwaery, Nancy Goethe, Kyle Hauser, Rev. Mary Alice Mulligan
