Dear Friends,
It is great to be back from holidays. We had a wonderful time away of rest and fun but it was great to be back among church family last Sunday and to be warmly welcomed. There is nothing like being at home.
We attended one other church while we were away and this gave me the opportunity to think afresh about the way we welcome each other to church in Campbelltown. Specifically it gave me an opportunity to think about the way we welcome newcomers to our church.
The foundation for the way we are toward each other is the way God is toward us. What is God like? He is welcoming; rushing to us like lost children; interested in our every need; concerned for our good; and he gives of himself to satisfy our deepest need.
Is this not the way we should be toward outsiders?
Sadly, in many churches, once newcomers are in the church building, no one speaks to them. I wonder what it is like for newcomers at our church? I think in general, we do pretty well in welcoming but here are some personal diagnostic questions for you to contemplate your role in welcoming people…..
Do you speak to the people who sit around you?
Do you speak to a new person sitting near you?
Do you know some people’s names so you can introduce them to someone new?
Jesus said “Love your neighbour as yourself.” It’s hard but that’s the standard.
With this in mind, we are currently trying to make contact with people we have not seen at church for sometime so we can welcome them (back). There are many people who have drifted in and drifted out over the last few years and we want to say to them “Come back and join us!”
We are inviting them to Come Back and Join Us next Sunday 5th February. There will be a special lunch on and we hope many will come.
Perhaps you know someone who has drifted away. Next Sunday would be a great Sunday to invite them back and invite them to lunch. Making a call to someone could make all the difference. Just contact the office to let us know if someone you invite says yes to lunch so we can cater appropriately.
In Christ,
Nigel