Once we chose the church we wanted to visit, the next Sunday upon our arrival we expected to feel out of place. We expected people to be looking at us with a "what are they doing" expression. We expected to have to work to find the right places to be, and to find our way to those places.

Amazingly, the entire experience was just the opposite. And, the experience began in the parking lot. There were parking volunteers greeted us cheerfully. There were greeters at the door who welcomed us inside. As soon as we entered there was a "First Time Guest" kiosk and happy, welcoming volunteers staffing the kiosk. They took us under their wing and escorted us exactly where we needed to be.

As I read your post, I reflected on how correct you are. Our church recently did a survey asking for three words to describe our church. Overwhelmingly the word "welcoming" was the primary response.

Our initial experience at our new church here in Virginia was so fantastic that I am now part of the greeter team who meets "welcomes" each member and visitor at the door each Sunday. I wanted to be part of creating that welcoming feeling.

You got it right Mike, keep up the good work at ACC!

I we have tried tender town as well,and liked it as well. fyi the tenders are so good because they are butterbees. yep same owner. they are the most ordered there so he started tender town.

The grinding process can be painful. It chips away at the things that keep us useless and forms us into instruments of purpose.

Thanks for sharing.
Daphne