Worship Musings

Welcoming the Each Other: The Church Community as Greeters...

There is a hymn by Mark Miller and the chorus goes like this:

Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no one stands alone, standing side by side, Draw the circle wide. (Worship & Song, # 3154, ©2008 Common Cup Company; music ©2008 Abingdon Press) A variation on this theme expresses itself as keep an open circle.

As we return to a fall schedule following our summer routines, take a minute to pay attention to the human circles that form in the Sanctuary, Hospitality Room, Parlor, Sunday School classes, Choir Room, or wherever the people of Asbury gather. Consider the follow three practices as Acts of Hospitality offered by all who enter the sanctuary doors.

Circle of 10 - Greet everyone who is within 10 feet of you with a smile and “hello.” If you are unsure of their name you might say, I’m not sure we’ve met.

Following the service, apply the Rule of 3 in which you refrain from speaking to other members or those you know for the first three minutes in order to identify and greet individuals unfamiliar to you. Studies show that these three minutes are prime welcoming time.

A personal invitation tops the list of ways to introduce others to our church community. We all love to tell our friends about a good restaurant, great sale, interesting book or enjoyable event. Why not take that sharing to a new level?

Consider stretching or opening your circle a bit wider each Sunday to include everyone near you. Asbury’s greatest assets are those who worship here. Consider your role in strengthening those connections each time you are in the church. Give yourself the gift of relationships that strengthen the Body of Christ, enrich this faith community, and build the Kingdom within and beyond the walls of Asbury.

Want to serve on a committee where meetings are optional and you can make a difference? The Worship Committee needs you! Contact Nancy Hodges at 434-5493. The next meeting is scheduled for October 10th at 6 PM in the Wesley Room with dinner provided.

Opportunities for Service - Contact Nancy Hodges at 434-5493 or Laura Douglass (434-2836 or lbdouglass@asburyumc.cc) to offer your time, talents and energy: Greeters – Pew Ministers– Ushers – Acolytes – Ushers – Liturgists – Communion Stewards - Worship Committee (attendance at meetings not necessary!)