A Strategic Approach to Welcoming
St. James Limerick implemented a much more detailed welcome strategy this fall using Nelson Searcy’s Fusion suggestions. When you’re a guest at St. James you’ll find 1) parkers and greeters, 2) a welcome center, 3) a communication card in every bulletin to get information, 4) a free gift as you leave, 5) an email on Monday afternoon, 6) a personal letter with another gift on Thursday and 7) you’ll be added to the church database.
Youth passionate for justice
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
My youth are ending hunger in our community. Period.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
They are leading us in learning and serving. Read more 
Empowering laity
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Opening doors of opportunity to meet with Pastors to talk about how to empower laity to do God’s work by giving them the tools they need.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
By telling people that God will use them just as they are with the gifts He’s given each one – even the most unlikely
characters. Read more
25 Years with ASP
When 27 volunteers from St. Paul’s, Red Hill, left for Avery County, North Carolina June 30, they marked 25 consecutive years doing home repairs with the Appalachia Service Project. The quarter-century run is one of the longest records of participation among Lutheran congregations, said Karen Frederick, director of volunteers for ASP.
Eight churches in the US are reaching the 25-year milestone this year, she said. More than 14,000 volunteers from 400 congregations are participating in ASP this year.
Upper Perkiomen newspaper “Town and Country” highlighted St. Paul’s volunteerism in a recent issue…
Bible Study via Skype
What is the “new thing” that you have p erceived God doing?
Leading congregation to greater emphasis on Bible literacy; using Skype to start online bible study; have met 3 times so far – a keeper.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Biggest help is to create safe environment and encouragement where people feel they can try new things without being embarrassed or criticized. I feel long-time members can inadvertently crush spirit of newcomers. Read more
“God’s Giving Bin”
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
God is calling us to engage our children more in worship.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity?
We introduced God’s giving bin. A bin we have the kids roll through the aisle prior to the children’s sermon collecting donations from our members. Read more
Care Givers in Faith
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
New Ministry Team, Care Givers in Faith (CGIF)–lay members’ response to needs of others within the congregation (both acute and more chronic needs)
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Our congregation members have linked into a website that allows members of the team to sign up for participation within a schedule. The website is a scheduler that other congregations could use for the same purpose within their congregation. Read more
Facilitating new vision of our congregation
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Moving a congregation through contrast, context, perception on its vision and expansive vision of what it means to be a member of the St. John’s congregation.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Taking a facilitator and leadership role in the process; listening as much as talking; helping create a passion for the preferred/desired future; commit to become an integral part of the process/product Read more
Welcoming Developmentally Challenged People
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Welcome of people with mental illness, developmental issues, etc.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Reluctantly, sometimes including welcoming people who are mentally ill, especially, brings a lot of challenges; welcoming folks with developmental issues means doing things differently. Read more
“Spark” Sunday School
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
“SPARK” Sunday School – fantastic uptake of young children in Christian Education and worship
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
As Pastor, spending much more of my time with the children as part of the Christian Education program, and informally. Read more
Following Jesus into Prison
“…I was in prison, and you came to Me.” Jesus is clear that his followers are to act on behalf of “the least of these,” including those behind bars. In that spirit, volunteers at St. Paul, Red Hill have been discipling prisoners who need to hear the Good News, visiting sending Bibles and a teaching newsletter to incarcerated persons, because “God doesn’t give up on anybody.” Read more
Deconstructing Teams
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
We are reorganizing our “teams” from formal groups, meeting at a set time. Now the work will be open to volunteers without the requirement to spend time at a meeting.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
People can step up and get involved in the work of the church on a more informal basis. Read more
Encouraging Education
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Going back to college and furthering my education.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and
congregations help?
My congregation supports me going back to college. Read more
Sharing Service to Others
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Shared social ministry
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Pottstown Cluster Outreach – ingathering of food, serving at the Outreach, community meals. Read more
Moment of Faith and Loaves of Love
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
He is sending new people through our doors, and they are coming each Sunday. We’ve also been doing a once a month “Moment of Faith.”
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
We welcome them with a loaf of bread and a welcoming message, inviting them to participate in fellowship following worship. For Moment of Faith, people share their faith story. Read more
