Here’s my epiphany about the Welcome Center…although it needs to be very welcoming, the primary function of the Welcome Center is not “greeting” people (that’s the primary function of greeters), the primary function of the Welcome Center is INFORMATION–for all of us, including guest and visitors. So, imagine, with me these scenarios:

  • A long-time member who loves to golf catches the last part of an announcement in worship about a Camp Pioneer Golf Tournament–but misses most of it. He stops at the Welcome Center and they have all the information he needs to join the tournament.
  • A regular visitor finally decides to try out the Discover First Trinity class.  She knows there are classes but has really never been into that part of the building. The Welcome Center provides her with a description of the class, a map of the building and hands off to a greeter who walks her to class and introduces her to Pastor Chuck.
  • A parent of a Cornerstone youth knows there is a youth event this week, but can’t remember what time it’s at or where they’re meeting. He stops at the Welcome Center and they all the information handy.
  • A man traveling on business looking for a place to worship (found us on the internet) stops by the Welcome Center on his way in and is given a welcome packet specifically for those who are “passing through”. He makes a great connection with God while away from his family and his home church.
  • A long time member would like to communicate something to the members of the Ministry Council, but doesn’t remember who the current President is. The Welcome Center folks can look that up and even give some contact information.
  • A first time guest stops at the Welcome Center, asks where the rest rooms are and  receives a guest packet on their way into church with “Top Five Ways to Get Connected at First Trinity”  and an explanation of the symbols in the sanctuary. The place is crowded, but an usher helps her find a seat, asking some people to move over so she can sit down.

So much of this is NOT about dividing us up: guests on one side, members on the other. It is about the Welcome Center serving ALL of us with accurate and friendly information.

Want to help? We need more Welcome Center volunteers for the 8:45 (Sunday) and 7pm (Saturday) services. Leave me a comment and we’ll get you connected with Tracy Bramwell (Welcome Center Team Leader).