PROJECT WELCOME

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Assist in Welcoming newcomers to the parish and helping them become acquainted and involved in some of the activities.

BACKGROUND

Some visitors and newcomers in Episcopal parishes are welcomed and introduced around and a few are visited by lay people. The sad part is though that this is not the “rule.” Often though, we don’t even recognize visitors and do only the minimum in making them feel at home. The results: our parishes don’t grow very fast and people don’t come to the fullness of the Christian Faith. Why is this so? This is too big a question to answer in this “How To” but some reasons have to be that some of these visitors don’t feel very wanted, needed and helped to grow in Faith. Doing something about welcoming people takes work and time but it is rewarding and helps us love our neighbor as Jesus commanded. Taking this on as a Brotherhood project is a wonderful way to fulfill the Rule of Service. It need not, and should not, be confined to Brotherhood members only, as many other people can and need to be involved.

HOW IT WORKS

We do not intend to go into all of the details here that are covered well in the Guidelines for Project Welcome Participants. If the chapter, or some members, want to consider adopting this as a project we suggest that one person spearhead this project.

First, whoever is led to undertake this must discuss it with the rector to obtain the names and addresses of newcomers. This person could coordinate the assignment of members and parishioners, couples in most cases, as a Parish Partner to the newcomers. The Parish Partner agrees to undertake a three-month assignment to visit and assist his assigned newcomer(s) become acquainted with people and involved in activities in which he (they) might show an interest. The three month relationship can, of course, be extended but it is felt that a concentrated effort needs to be made during this period.

It is important that the parish have an introductory pamphlet concerning its own activities to give to each newcomer. If there is not one available already, this could be a job that a Brotherhood member could take on.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Getting started in anything is usually the hardest part because it involves time and work. This project can be done by only one member (and perhaps his wife) but it will, be much more effective and easier if several couples are involved. After the chapter has studied this, talked about it with the rector and prayed about it, they need to agree on the details with the rector and parish committee responsible.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

No additional resources are needed for the basic plan, although if those involved are led to share their faith and perhaps help disciple those with whom they share, we suggest the following books:
Sharing Your Faith by The Rev. Robert Hall.
Sharing God’s Love by Harry Griffith and Rosalind Rinker
How To Give Away Your Faith by Paul Little
You Can Witness With Confidence by Rosalind Rinker
Last Update 03-31-2007