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| Hoosier United Methodist News |
July 2001 |
Company is coming:
September is Open House Month
Open hearts
open minds
Open House Month is a time for United Methodists to create open doorways for newcomers to walk through where signs of hospitality mirror God's grace in the world. Our bishops have declared September 2001 to be United Methodist Open House Month, with an emphasis that each congregation develop a welcoming climate and be prepared to follow up with visitors.
In September, the Igniting Ministry Media Campaign will launch on national cable TV networks, commercials targeted to persons who have no immediate spiritual connections, asking them to meet us at our churches if they are searching for something to believe in, or for their children to believe in. Each TV spot ends with "Our hearts, our minds and our doors are always open. The People of The United Methodist Church." With this invitation delivered, we must get ready for company!
Open House Ideas
Here is a list of ideas your church can draw from to get ready for Open House Month.
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Plan your event and assemble your team - Get everyone involved including the children and youth.
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Spruce up - Ask the trustees to take a tour of your buildings listing areas that need a coat of paint, repair work, weeds pulled, flowers planted, windows washed, or a fresh set of curtains, etc.
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Bulletin boards - Look around for areas to display the church's outreach activities, educational programs, missions, youth and children activities.
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Nursery and children's Sunday school area - You can send a strong message to parents of children that this congregation puts a high value on the care and spiritual well-being of its children.
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Outdoor and indoor signs - Check your signage. Are there signs at the street, parking areas, front door, bathrooms, nursery and worship areas?
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Accessibility - Can you accommodate people using wheelchairs or who have special physical challenges, i.e., hearing aids?
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Promote - Create excitement by outlining your plans to the congregations. Write articles in the newsletter. Make announcements in the bulletin and during worship. Advertise your Open House on your website and outdoor signs.
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Greeters/hosts - Plan on having greeters or hosts at every entrance and gathering area. These people should be trained as to your objectives.
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Worship Bulletins - It is extremely important to remember to design your bulletins for those who have never been to church. Be very intentional about how to lead them in participating in your service. Indicate where to stand and sit.
What can we do?
Since this is a month-long event, you will find below many suggestions to assist you in your planning. However, this list is not exhaustive.
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Greet and meet - Knowing that the first things newcomers want is to be accepted, create "greet and meet" times outside worship services.
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Labor Day services could be led by the laity. Arrange for members to share about their professions.
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Special Volunteer Sunday - Recognize volunteers within your congregation and your community.
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Education Sunday - Honor public and private school teachers, administrators, other school employees, bus drivers and their families at your worship service.
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Mission fair - Mission fairs promote your church's outreach activities and introduce new ones. Provides newcomers with opportunities to get involved.
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Musical concerts - Hold a musical concert headlining local talent. Invite the public.
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Parents' night out - Ask the youth to host child care evenings at the church for parents and their friends to enjoy a night out.
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Support group events - One example is a cancer support group or weight loss group offering six-week courses led by professionals donating their services.
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Artisan Day - If you have artists in your congregation, display their talents - woodworkers, sculptors crafters.
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Welcoming weekends - These are weekends designed to bring invited guests and/or newcomers into your fellowship within a specific time frame.