The Congregational Development Team has
been active and encouraged by the interest of our newcomers for the last few
months. Since forming our enthusiastic
team in the fall, we have been following the national Episcopal theme “Invite,
Welcome, Connect” in our approach. Our
team members have made contact with Christopher Newport University and visited
Rosemary Trible’s student Bible study to invite students. If there is interest, we hope to begin soon
an “adopt a student” program for CNU
students to share hospitality with St. Andrew’s families. We have joined with other congregants as
greeters for services and have replenished the welcoming coloring bags for
children in baskets in the entry foyers.
In January we hosted a Coffee Connect
after church for 11 newcomers and visitors to learn more about church
opportunities. We will have another such
Coffee Connect on April 29 after the 10:30 service. In addition, one of our team members is
currently working with the clergy and staff to formulate a policy for
contacting and visiting newcomers.
For the month of April, our team intends
to challenge St. Andrew’s with “Each one, Invite one.” Each member of our church family will be
asked to invite someone to attend a service as his/her guest. There will be more information on “Each one,
Invite one” soon.
Finally, on Wednesday, May 30 the team
will host a welcome reception for all newcomers, visitors, and new members to
get to know our clergy, staff, and vestry.
This informal evening reception will be in the Parish Hall from 5:30 to
6:30 p.m.
It is our pleasure to experience the
sincere interest in inviting, welcoming, and connecting our visitors and
newcomers (as well as returning members) to our active church community.
Betty Delk
Congregational Development Team Leader
St. Andrew's Congregational
Development Team is: Dorothy Burch, Merrill Hemmert, Samantha Howell, Jay
Lambiotte, Amanda LaPlante, Barbara Neely, Talisha Sutton, Al Roby, Karen
Waddill, Karen Wharton, Butch Woodall.
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