|
A Year-Round State of Mind
An Open House is an opportunity to emulate
Jesus' welcoming spirit with a special emphasis
on inviting and welcoming newcomers.
OPEN
HOUSE (ó'pen hous)
having no confining barriers;
to make available for entry; hospitality for
all comers.
Each September, Igniting Ministry works with
each bishop to encourage congregations to celebrate
United Methodist Open House Month.This
special time coordinates with the Back-to-school
airing of UMC television messages.
Hosting special events, worship festivals or
making other efforts to welcome those in your
community present perfect opportunities to intentionally
recognize Christ in everyone -- and to remember
that guests may look for Christ in us.
The welcoming outreach of an Open House may
start in September with "United Methodist Open
House Month" can carry into the holidays as
hay rides with hot cider, appear during winter
as a chili night, celebrate spring with an Easter
egg hunt, then welcome all to a mid-summer barbeque.
Extend a warm United Methodist welcome with
an "Open hearts." welcome mat or entry
banner. Browse pens, mugs, caps, shirts and
more by visiting
the Product Store. All products carry:
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open
Doors.
The people of The United Methodist Church
GETTING READY FOR COMPANY
Don't forget the personal touches for your event:
-
issue personal invitations for your Open House Month, using invitational
postcards and note cards;
-
convey your congregation's welcoming spirit with customizable door hangers;
-
greet newcomers at their first point of entry with welcome mats;
-
tell your story with indoor banners and bulletin covers; or
-
wrap your thoughts for the day in coffee mugs.
-
Sprucing up for company
-
Creative event ideas
CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
Be a good neighbor: Participate in National
Neighborhood Day, this September and make it
a day of simple gatherings of neighbors to re-kindle
friendships; welcome new neighbors; catch up
with each other; and share food, fellowship
and fun. For more information and ideas about
how your church could get involved, visit www.NeighborhoodDay.org
.
|