Being Invitational in Abbotsford
Participants – 32 of them from around the diocese – Hope, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Mission and Abbotsford —listened, laughed, and discussed their way through Michael Harvey’s workshop “Inviting People to Stay” held Saturday June 7th at the Parish of St Matthew, Abbotsford. Aimed at lay persons, who hesitate at making what we feel might be an intrusive gesture -- inviting a friend to church -- , the workshop used cartoons and self-awareness to get us to smile ruefully at those fears of how we will be perceived. At small tables, people shared their own stories of having been invited – whether from childhood in families, or at transition points in adulthood.Once newcomers cross the threshold of our church, however, why would they want to stay? Why do 9 out of 10 invitees not return? Hearing the experiences of a ‘mystery worshipper’ made us wince – ouch, was the newcomer actually not included in any conversation at coffee hour? Were they actually not contacted again? Was he or she not introduced to any small group with similar interests?
To see ourselves as others see us -- that was the value of the workshop. We need not wait until we and our building are perfect. In the spirit of the Pentecost season, why not all of us now? -- use our many and varied gifts to invite people to stay.
Back to Church Sunday in the Diocese of New Westminster is September 14th, 2014. For more information and updates about Unlocking the Growth and BtCS please visit the D of NW WEBPAGE.
Images: Top and homepage, Having listed our (many) fears and hesitations, Michael Harvey leads us into good-humoured faith that God is with us, as we become more invitational. Below, A group of five participants...this is what WELCOME looks like. PHOTOS: Linda Burton