Growth Group

Meeting Minutes of 5/10/10

Members present: Rick Angell, Stan Jordan, Elinor Redmond, Kendra Palmer, Sue Ross, Dave Allen, John McCall.

John opened the meeting at 5:45 p.m. with a prayer.

Visits to Other Churches:
The meeting was devoted to each member reporting on their visit(s) to other area churches. The goal was to isolate ‘top ideas’ that would be useful for our church to adopt. Text in italics designate possible ‘top ideas’.

Rick Angell visited the First Congregational Church in Gorham: Rich began by saying that everything they do – we do and much much more. The church did not seem to put much into welcoming visitors. He happened to meet the Associate Pastor who introduced him to the Pastor (who was not preaching). No ushers or greeters. Two people spoke with him during the passing of the peace. He observed that this church gives a lot of bean suppers and speculates that is where they have their fellowship time.

Sue visited Thornton Heights Methodist Church: The only piece of paper in the pews besides the hymnal and the bible was an offering envelope. Three parking spots by the door were marked for ‘Visitor’. There were 2 street signs pointing direction to the church. Stationery greeters stood at the door and handed out bulletins. The bulletins asked visitors to sign a book on a podium. No ushering to seats. The Baptism had a separate bulletin and the Pastor referred to the child during the sermon. The Pastor invited all to attend the coffee hour at the end of the service. The Pastor did not stay at the door. Sue did not know where to find the coffee hour. She was greeted by 2 people during the passing of the peace.

Stan visited 3 churches (!! way to go, Stan!!):

Stevens Avenue Congregation Church: Smallest he visited and he had to hunt for it. Parking was awkward although there was an unmarked lot behind the church. There was a greeter/usher. The minister had an accent and was hard to understand. He was very welcoming and spoke from the floor. 30 people attended service. 6 women were in the choir and sat in the congregation. The church is self-described as a ‘rural church in a city setting’. No nametags. Did not see the minister after the service. Announcements were made by the greeter who called on people. There was a card in the pew rack for follow up by the minister. Coffee was downstairs after the service.

State Street Congregational Church: Greeted outside by lady minister. 2 ushers and 2 greeters. Many people wore nametages and kept them on into coffee hour (there was a basket to collect them at coffee hour). It is a small congregation and before the service the minister personally greeted each individual. She was there during the coffee hour. The choir joined in the passing of the peace. Stan spoke with a couple at coffee hour who described a visit to FCCUCC where no-one spoke to them during coffee hour. He mentioned the importance of keeping the circle open so the next person can step in. Information provided in the pews included: Bookmark (who we are), Visitor card and an ‘About’ brochure.

First Parish, Brunswick: No signs. Tough parking. Old, historic church. Sunday School in separate building. Very friendly greeter. Smiling ushers. Choir and organist in back balcony. Bell ringers in front. Some members had small nametags with a ribbon on them (color had no significance). The lady minister spoke off the podium. Stan was greeted by several people during coffee hour, including the minister. The building had no interior signage. ‘GuestTag’ with sticky nametag in pew rack. Stan noted the most important thing was the friendliness of the people. He was included in the chat.

Stan notes that Ministers at a couple of the churches I visited walked through the sanctuary before the service started and greeted many, if not all, of those attending. In addition, the Senior Minister attended the Coffee Hour and made it a point to greet my wife and me. Those two personal contacts by the Ministermade us feel very welcome.

Kendra visited Peoples Methodist Church: It was a vacation Sunday and 30 people attended. Not many materials in the pews. There was a prayer concern card in the pew which was collected with the offering. Concerns were read toward the end of the service. The minister sent Kendra a card afterward (notecard with a painting of the church). Brochures were not readily available. No signage. The greeters asked Kendra to sign a guest book which included the question ‘where do you regularly attend church?’.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Kendra also attends a non-denominational church (Family Worship Center) with her family in Dover-Foxcroft. There they spend a long time (10-15 minutes) passing the peace. Newcomers receive a bag with a cookie, bookmark, etc. Not much literature.

Sue remembered at Woodfords Church being matched with appropriate newcomers by the ushers.

Dave visited Falmouth Congregation Church where one enters the church through a social space best described as ‘action central’. The choir was there as well as all coming to church. People were very friendly. He picked up a bright green ‘visitor’s bag’ which was printed with a message thanking (him) for visiting. Inside was a description of the church (brief and colorful), a bookmark, and a hand-written ‘welcome’ note. The church mission was prominent on all church materials. There was a sign-in sheet for visitors on a clipboard in the pew.

New Life: The first 45 minutes were spent singing – most people standing. Electronic projection of hymns. No bulletin. Worked into the service and the sermon. The welcome brochure was simple, with lots of color and included a DVD. There was an evangelistic feeling. He was provided with a good map. The congregation included a lot of young adults. People came and went during the service -- it had an unstructured feeling. The guest card requested extensive information. Full financial status in front of everyone. Immediately after the service there was a chance for newcomers to ‘Connect’ with the Pastor for conversation.

Next meeting we will prioritize the ideas gleaned and see what we can realistically do.

Next meeting: Monday, June 14, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in the Laity Room.

Respectfully submitted,
Elinor Redmond