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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
April 2005 |
Communication resources help church leaders welcome, teach, learn
By Linda Green
United Methodist Communications now offers tips to help churches make visitors feel welcome, along with resources to enhance spiritual development throughout the year.
"How we welcome people and engage them as first-time visitors is an expression of our desire to incorporate them into our community," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, top executive at United Methodist Communications. "It's very important to be sensitive to how we communicate. In this way, communication becomes an expression of ministry."
Igniting Ministry has introduced "Expression Packages." The series of resources will help church leaders understand and use biblical, emotional and strategic themes as they advertise their ministry and welcome guests. "Expression Packages" will be available in DVD and VHS formats. Each package also will include a compact disc. Shipping will begin in June.
"It is very important that we communicate our openness to persons who accept the invitation to worship and study with us and that we try to make their first-time visit as affirming and welcoming as possible," Hollon said. "The expression packages and other materials attempt to equip local churches with the tools necessary to present themselves in a consistent and integrated way to make newcomers feel welcome and encourage them to become a part of the community of faith."
United Methodist Communications offers a growing selection of resources to enhance spiritual development. The agency's mandate is to inform, inspire and engage individuals in transforming society and to help the church fulfill its mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ. Stories of hope, healing, redemption and justice are presented in many different media.
This past January, the agency's connectional giving team launched "Mission Moments & More." Available exclusively at www.umcgiving.org, the series provides a mission story, an offertory prayer for each Sunday and brief articles for church newsletters. Pastors and church leaders can use these to interpret the denomination's connectional ministries.
"Mission Moments & More" highlights the seven apportioned funds, the six churchwide special Sundays with offerings and the Advance for Christ, His Church and other avenues for designated giving in The United Methodist Church.
For more information on the services and promotional materials provided by United Methodist Communications, visit the Web site www.umc.org.
Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008