by Beth Collea, Religious Education and Outreach Coordinator, New England Yearly Meeting

General Tips for Welcoming

  1. There is a spiritual and a social component to welcome.

    Make sure you are aware of both pieces and see to the visitor’s comfort, socially and spiritually.

  2. Check your space for safety and cleanliness.

    It’s natural for Quakers to prioritize the spiritual dimension of life, but don’t forget about the repair and maintenance. Look at your walkway, entryway, meeting space, restrooms, and classrooms with the eyes of a newcomer.

  3. Have a guest book and nametags available.

    Wear nametags every week so that you are always ready for visitors.

Tips Especially for Families

  1. You may not see the whole family at first!

    Often a parent attends first by him or herself to check out the situation. Have “Children Are Welcome Here” and other materials on ways you value and make a place for children in your meeting community visible and readily available. It will give them something to take home and peruse later.

  2. Be ready to offer an explanation of meeting for worship.

    Visitors unfamiliar with Quakerism will be helped by information on what they are about to experience, especially if it is unprogrammed worship. Guidance around what to expect in worship will set the stage for a positive experience.

  3. Have a plan in place for when a family arrives.

    For meetings or worship groups without a First Day School, use “Children are Welcome Here” to engage children and help them experience centering while adults are worshipping in the same room. Use bookboard or another stiff surface to give children a way to hold the paper while they draw. Have crayons or colored pencils handy. You might want to corral the crayons/pencils in an unbreakable mug or container. Markers are not as good a choice. The caps make noise and some markers give off an unpleasant odor. You might want to buy some large crayons for younger hands. A basket of soft, quiet toys for toddlers is a must-have in your welcoming strategy.

    For meetings with a First Day School, Children Are Welcome Here makes a nice take home item to convey a little more information on the Quaker Way. You can offer it to a prospective family who has expressed interest in your meeting but has not attended yet. Have extra copies on hand for outreach tables at fairs, local history celebrations, peace events, and so on.

  4. After worship, show genuine interest in visitors.

    Ask questions about their experience of worship and if it was different from what they expected. It is always important to assess and follow their comfort level in these discussions. Avoid questions that might be misconstrued as trying to gauge their income or education level. Absolutely do not invite them to serve on a committee!

  5. After the visit, jot down a few notes about your visitors.

    Pay special attention to indications of where they are on their spiritual journey or any leadings or concerns that are alive for them right now. This can then be shared with your Outreach or Community Life Committee.

  6. Write a note of welcome.

    On Monday, or as soon as you can, send a handwritten note of welcome to the family. Answer any questions that they raised, if at all possible, and tell them a little bit about how your meeting has played an important role in your life. Invite them to any upcoming celebrations or special events.