Welcoming Joy
The holidays can be so stressful as we try so hard to make it picture-perfect inside and outside of our homes. I know I tried that picture-perfect look, especially when my girls were young. The pressure to do it all and have it all affects most of us. I have had to cut back on doing a lot of things that I did when my girls were young, but one of the things I will not give up is an advent study, wreath and/or calendar. It helps me remember what the season is all about.
As we all prepare for the coming holiday season, I hope you will keep in mind the ways you can be a welcoming presence during the Christmas season here at church. Welcoming everyone is such an important ministry here at First, especially during Advent and Christmas. We have opportunities to welcome all by being a door greeter, an usher, a coffee host, or being behind the welcome center. Each of these positions has one requirement: to be able to smile. Like I said in my last newsletter article, a smile goes a long way in making everyone feel welcomed and loved here at church.
It’s important that we have people smiling when greeting as others come into church. When handing out the announcement page, a smile will help those new to worship feel at ease. Smiling as you fill coffee and juice cups will make those staying for fellowship feel welcome. And, we most definitely need smiles when meeting someone new or old friends at the welcome center. Smiling makes everyone feel comfortable in new surroundings or when our lives aren’t going as well as we expected. A smile gives joy to those around you and gives you joy within. Just try it sometime; smile and see what happens to you and those around you. This is the season of JOY. Let’s spread some joy around by smiling and being a part of our greeters, ushers, coffee hosts and the welcome center.