Easter Stewardship

The big day is almost here, and since we have so many folks join us this Sunday that aren't around on other weekends, it's important as good Stewards and Evangelists that we make them feel welcome. Here are some tips:

• Make sure it is clear where to park – especially if the usual church parking lot is full.  And it hopefully will be!  Is handicapped parking easily found?

• Make sure it is clear how to get from the parking lot into the church.   (Not always clear! And rarely as clear as we 'experienced' folks think it is.)

• Ask those good & faithful folks who attend every week to sit towards the front and scoot towards center to make it as easy  as possible for less regular attendees - especially since they might be last minute arrivals.

• You want to make everyone feel welcomed as they come in the church - in a subtle and stress free way.  Consider having the ushers/greeters hand out a worship aid or something else to worshippers as they come in.   For most of us, it is usually easy to say hello and welcome people if we have something to give them.  You might even ask kids to help out with this.   Non-regular attendees might be less suspicious of children handing something out.

• Make sure there is some ‘Welcome’ info in the pew envelope holders with the pew envelopes, and definitely make sure the pew envelopes are well-stocked – they DO make a difference.

• Consider handing out a gift after Mass as people leave, like a Prayer card, flower or some such item.  Make a special gift for the kids such as a bag of jelly beans or little plastic easter egg with candy inside.

We hope these ideas help you make your church an inviting, friendly place that says Welcome to all on Easter.