Welcome Workshop

Saturday 18th November 2023, 2-4:30 pm

Greetings to you all!

Norton Methodist Church are delighted to invite you all to a special workshop on Welcoming. This workshop aims to empower us as church communities to become more welcoming within our physical building and through our actions towards others. First Impressions Count is a workshop designed to help churches reflect on the welcome someone experiences when they first visit the church. Four objectives support this aim:

1. to reflect on the welcome communicated by the church building.

2. to explore creating an environment where visitors are warmly welcomed.

3. to share ways of welcoming those unfamiliar with the culture of the Church.

4. to signpost other resources to help participants explore welcome in other ways.

Workshop Details:

Venue: Norton Methodist Church

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

(+ Loads of Coffee and Tea and Biscuits and Cake!)

Come prepared to share your experiences as well as learn from others.

Workshop Sessions:

Welcoming Building: (45 mins)

This session will explore creating a warm, inviting physical space that makes everyone feel welcome. We will discuss practical tips and design ideas to enhance the welcoming atmosphere within our church. Even before visitors enter a church space, reflecting on what it communicates is integral to nurturing a positive first impression.

Being a Welcoming People: (45 mins)

This session will focus on fostering open heartedness among our church members. We will delve into the importance of hospitality, empathy, and kindness towards newcomers and long-time community members.

Welcoming through Inclusion: (45 mins)

Inclusion is vital to a welcoming church. During this session, we will explore ways to ensure everyone feels valued, respected, and included in our church community. We will discuss practical strategies for creating an inclusive church environment.

If you would like to attend, please email, phone, or talk to Catherine Bemrose (catherine.bemrose@hotmail.co.uk 01642 553575) or ask your church steward to do that. The workshop is open to all church members across the circuit who are interested in deepening their understanding and practice of welcoming. Let's come together and embrace the calling of creating a truly welcoming and inclusive church community. We look forward to welcoming you!