Greeters & Ushers

Greeters & Ushers

Being a greeter or an usher is one of the most important ministries at Calvary. You are the first friendly face that greets visitors and members Sunday mornings. If you are already a greeter or an usher or are interested in becoming one, please let me know your schedule. If you have work or travel schedules that keep you away on many Sundays or don't know your schedule until a week or two ahead of time, you can still usher. I will be glad to fit you in as your schedule permits or call on you if we need a substitute. And, if we have a number of ushers willing to serve, you may not have to serve more than once every month or two months. Please contact me at 724.747.7467 or ken_elliott27@yahoo.com to sign up.

Thank you,
Kenny Elliott, Hospitality Team Chairperson

Guidelines for Greeters

© 2010 United Methodist Communications, Permission is granted to reprint and distribute for use within The United Methodist Church.; UMCOM.org; http://s3.amazonaws.com/Website_Properties_UGC/welcome-your-guests/documents/GUIDELINES_GREETERS.PDF

Greeters are our front line ministers of welcome. Greeters usually provide the first official point of contact with the congregation. Your role as a greeter is critically important to set the tone of welcoming in the congregation. As you serve in this ministry, keep these guidelines in mind.

Remember To

  • Welcome each person who enters the worship area.
  • Identify newcomers, ask their names, quickly answer their questions, and introduce them to an usher.
  • Leave the doorway to assist people when necessary.
  • Shake hands and smile; these are always appropriate greetings that say "welcome."
  • Arrive early at your assigned door and stay there until after worship begins to assist those arriving late.

Try to Avoid

  • Getting caught up in lengthy conversations with people.
  • Interrogating newcomers or keeping them too long at the doors, especially if your conversation keeps others outside.
  • Leaving people hanging while waiting for an answer or assistance with a problem.
  • Kissing and hugging; some people (regulars and newcomers alike) feel awkward about being touched in such a personal way by an acquaintance.
  • Leaving your assignment unattended, especially close to the start of worship when newcomers are likely to arrive.

Guidelines for Ushers

© 2010 United Methodist Communications, Permission is granted to reprint and distribute for use within The United Methodist Church.; UMCOM.org; http://s3.amazonaws.com/Website_Properties_UGC/welcome-your-guests/documents/GUIDELINES_GREETERS.PDF

Ushers are our front line ministers of welcome. Ushers serve as the hosts for worship. Your role as an usher is critically important to set the tone of welcoming in the congregation. As you serve in this ministry, keep these guidelines in mind.

Remember To

  • Remain available to meet people as they enter the worship space and then assist them throughout the service.
  • Identify newcomers, ask their names, answer their questions and help them with items to make them comfortable.
  • Offer to escort people to restrooms, childcare facilities, and other areas of the church they need to find.
  • Offer assistance with finding seats; ask members to make way for guests.
  • Assist with preparing the worship area and help keep it looking presentable.

Try to Avoid

  • Leaving the entrances or the congregation completely unattended at any time before or during the service.
  • Hovering over newcomers or smothering them with too much attention and information.
  • Merely pointing people in the right direction and assuming they can get where they want to go in an unfamiliar building.
  • Asking newcomers to move once they have been seated.
  • Getting distracted with tasks and forgetting to interact with people.