Ministry Profile: Welcome Neighbor Sunday
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Welcome Neighbor page
A Neighborhood Outreach Program
Father James Dokos
BACKGROUND
Many of our Greek Orthodox parishes in America were established in the original neighborhoods of the first Greek immigrants. As those first immigrants and their children improved their standard of living, they tended to move out of those original neighborhoods, but often the church remained. Orthodox faithful continued to attend church in the old neighborhood but related less and less to those who lived there.
PURPOSE: Welcome, Worship & Fellowship
To invite neighbors and friends from the surrounding area, as well as
relatives and friends who might not be Orthodox, to worship and
fellowship, welcoming all to share in our Orthodox Christian faith and
tradition.
GETTING THE WORD OUT
- Press releases for the event were sent to local community newspapers.
- Members of the Welcome Committee, GOYA and Ladies Philoptochos distributed over 300 flyers throughout the neighborhood. Announcements were placed in the Sunday bulletin, parish newsletter, and all parish publications.
- Announcements were made each Sunday from the pulpit.
PREPARATION
Extra tables and chairs were set up for our guests in the church hall
which was decorated to contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Nametags
were prepared for greeters. Gold ribbons were prepared to be pinned on
the visitors' lapels in order to identify our guests. A special guest
section of the church was designated. A guest book was prepared for
collecting contact information of our guests.
STAFFING
Staff included Priest, Parish Council, Ladies Philoptochos Society,
GOYA and the parish Welcoming Committee. All were invited to
participate in this Outreach Ministry.
PROCEDURE
The initial welcome by committee members in the narthex was warm and
sincere. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated in English with a sermon
offering insight into the Orthodox Faith and encouraging fellowship
among people of all denominations. Guests received antidoron and were
escorted by greeters to the Fellowship Hour to share time with the
committee, parishioners and priest. Prayer & worship, kindness, and
the breaking of bread all made for an unforgettable celebration of the
Lord's Day.
CHURCH TOURS
Guests wishing to tour the Church complex and new Cultural Center were escorted by greeters following the Coffee Hour.
PARISH BOOKSTORE
The parish bookstore was open and available for all who wanted
additional information on Orthodox Christianity. The bookstore is a
great resource center, a place of welcome & fellowship and a
witness to all of the richness and vibrancy of the Orthodox faith.
FUNDING
All that was needed was Orthodox Christian love and hospitality.
FOLLOW-UP
A guest list was compiled from those who signed the guest register and
Thank-you style notes were sent to all guests on the list. It is
suggested that a second invitation for neighbors & friends be
extended one or two months following the original Sunday event. This
same list could also be informed of worship services and parish events.
This confirms the sincerity of the Church's outreach and welcome.
RESOURCES
Contacts at Annunciation Church of Milwaukee:
Father James Dokos Mrs. Fay Kolster Mrs. Elaine Pagedas
Suggested Readings
- Outreach & Evangelism: Some Practical Steps
Department of Outreach & Evangelism, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. - The Resource Book for Orthodox Evangelism
Rev. Constantine Nasr
Father James Dokos
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Milwaukee, Wisconsin
