“It’s less about the task and more about the way that serving draws us closer to Christ.”


A Thought….Let’s Offer our Hospitality Teams Time Off
Wouldn’t it be wonderful and thoughtful to offer a time off period for people who have served continuously, one or more Sundays a month and often year after year? Like a vacation to take a break, re-energize and realize how much they are appreciated for the faithful commitment they have made to serve.
If our COFFEE FELLOWSHIP TEAMS (set up crew, mid-morning refresh crew and cleanup crew) were invited to take a month or more off, we would cancel our Long’s donut order and put away the coffee urns, cups and all of the additional things that make Sunday morning refreshments so enjoyable. I don’t know about you but I’m not great in remembering to bring my coffee or morning snacks. And what about the children and our guests?  We’re not looking very hospitable!
How grateful we must be for our wonderful GREETERS who will soon be standing at or opening doors when the temperatures are going to be brutal. Yet they are there every week to welcome us and guests who come to worship. Time off for the greeter teams during the winter season might be just what they need.
Second line greeters, who we call USHERS, make such a difference when a guest or church family member arrives and needs assistance for seating, information, or direction of some sort.  Those extra smiles and welcome hugs or handshakes make quite a difference.  I can’t imagine the worship center without their presence even for a few weeks of time off.
It takes a village (or a team in this case) to plan, shop, prepare, cook, and clean up both a breakfast and lunch every month for hundreds of people. We call this village the COMMUNITY MEAL TEAM. If you have ever enjoyed this gift of a delicious fellowship meal you know it would be a great loss even for a brief “time off.”
Hospitality benefits all of us, those who are already here and always for those guests God brings through our doors.  It can make our day when we are greeted with a cheerful welcome, when we have someone answer our questions or give us directions. We are thankful for the time to be with friends, new and old, and fellowship over coffee, tea and donuts.
Let’s imagine when we offer that “time off” for Hospitality team members, what will it look like?  What will be missing? What might it say to guests? Yes, this is an invitation for you to consider now. It evens fills a need now. Thank you for understanding the importance of Hospitality to all and by all. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sherry Davis


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