GREETINGS

I wonder if you realize that the word “greet” or “greetings” was used over 40 times in the Bible. The dictionary defines greet, “to express friendly recognition or courteous respect to as upon meeting”. When you look at how Paul used his greetings in his letters in the Bible, he used them to encourage and express positive remarks to the early church to motivate them to continue to do God’s will. As I thought about Paul and his greetings, I wondered if it is any different from what we should do as God’s people. Visitors come in and out every Lord’s day and yet we sometimes allow the opportunity to pass and not express friendly recognition or encourage them to come back.  Let’s follow Paul’s words in Romans 12:12-13: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." We have a wonderful church family that meets here. Let’s take it a step further and challenge ourselves to never allow an opportunity to go by that we don't extend a greeting to a visitor or someone that we've not met. That’s how Paul challenged the early church and it still applies today.  
In Christian Love, Duncan Blake

GUIDELINES FOR WELCOMING VISITORS
1.  Understand the mind of a guest. They want to be welcomed. They want to observe our church service. They don’t want to be pressured.
2.  Be enthusiastic about the day and about the worship that is about to take place, about Christ.
3.  Anticipate the newcomers. When people enter who you do not recognize, say, “We’re glad to have you here today. I don’t recall meeting you.” Avoid “Is this your first time?” You might embarrass yourself or offend a member.
4.  Help newcomers connect. Introduce guests to another member and feel free to invite first time visitors to sit with you.
5.  Say goodbye with warmth. Bid farewell to visitors, inviting them to return next week. Ask them if they have any questions