Usher and Greeter
Ministries

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalms 84:10

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! - Psalms 133:1


 
USHER MINISTRY #2
 GOSPEL CRUISE & SHOPPING

Come travel with us on the Spirit of Washington…

Washington, DC

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Bus leaves Sharon Baptist Church, 22 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA promptly at 8 a.m.,
returning approximately 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $100 per person which includes transportation, refreshments on the bus, cruise, buffet lunch, and gospel performance. Shopping will be on your own at Potomac Mills Mall, Woodbridge, VA after the cruise.

Payment Option

1^st payment              $20 due upon registering

2^nd payment             $20 due May 9, 2010

3^rd payment              $20 due June 13, 2010

4^th payment              $20 due July 11, 2010

         Final payment            $20 due August 1, 2010 
 

No Refunds!

For more information, please contact:

Vanessa Perry - (804) 248-3206,
Cathy Webb - (804) 244-1719

Mary Walker - (804) 233-4606

 


Duties of the Greeter 
 
Although the program varies from church to church, the ministry to which a person is called when he or she becomes a greeter can best be described in the following ways: 
 
1. Contact with newcomers.
When you notice unknown guests, introduce yourself first, extend a welcome, and then ask for the visitors’ names. While the visitors write in your guest book or complete registration cards, call over an usher or deacon. Introduce the visitors to this person who will show them to a seat or help them in finding Sabbath School classes, the parents’ room, etc. It is especially important that you make a record of each visitor and turn this over to the pastor or interest coordinator. This is an important source of new members when properly followed up. 
 
2. Take an interest in people.
The congregation depends on the greeters to make their church personal. If you really care about people, they will be able to see it. Some are shy and will want you to preserve their dignity by not being too forward. Others are gregarious and want to be asked questions. Try to sense needs such as those who are confused about the location of children’s activities or need access to a rest room, etc. Be as helpful as you can. 
 
3. Invitations to dinner.
Your local church should have a plan to make sure that visitors are either invited to lunch at someone’s home or to a church fellowship dinner. Larger churches organize groups to host dinner every Sabbath. Small churches will have potlucks usually once a month. 
 
4. Listen for deeper needs.
People come to church burdened with hurts, disappointments and personal crises. As you have opportunity, steer hurting people to those in the church family to whom they can turn for help—the pastor, professional or peer counselors, teachers, physicians, social workers, Adventist Community Services leaders, and others. Use your knowledge to meet people at their points of need. 
 
5. Distribute materials.
Your task as a greeter has more to do with relationships than mechanical aspects like handing out the church bulletin. At the same time bulletins are also important! Many churches have a special handout or packet for visitors also. This often includes a map of the Sabbath School rooms, some history and a list of week-day activities like Bible study groups, Pathfinder Club, health classes, the Adventist Community Services center, family life workshops and Bible seminars. If your church does not have something like this, perhaps the greeters should meet to prepare one. 
 
from:
Responsibilities in the Local Church, by the Church Resources Consortium, North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Church. Copyright © 1997, Revised 2002

Ten Awesome Tips for Church Greeters

Here are 10 tips for greeters. Remember, it’s more than a handshake.

1. Smile.
2. Fresh breath.
3. Make eye contact
4. Take initiative and greet.
5. Don’t ask “Are you new?”
6. Don’t ask “Is this your first time?”
7. Offer a bulletin if your church uses them.
8. Personal warmth — look like you enjoy welcoming people.
9. Say “I don’t think I’ve met you yet, I’m {insert your name here}”
10. If they are new, offer to show them where the restrooms are and offer information about childcare if necessary.

Anyone who has a genuine LOVE for people and have the desire to be a part of the Greeters Ministry, please contact Sister Linda Banks Jennings @lbanksjennings@yahoo.com




USHER MINISTRIES

MITCHELL TAYLOR MEMORIAL USHERS
President - Carlton Rogers
Vice President - James Hayes

LADIES USHER MINISTRY #1
President - Ruth Carter
Vice President - Mable Cox

LADIES USHER MINISTRY #2
President - Mary Walker
Vice President - Louise Black

C.B. BELCHER USHERS
President - Karen Gordon
Vice President - Tonya Martin

YOUTH USHERS
Coordinators - Angela Mitchell/Linda Jennings