First Congregational Church in Milton Makes A Touchdown with its Super Bowl Outreach Program
Special welcome baskets score extra points with visitors
 Like most churches, First Congregational Church of Milton, UCC keeps a list of people who have visited once, maybe twice, and then haven't returned. The church has a program to follow up with these visitors by sending invitations to the various church activities such as fellowship dinners, special gatherings, new member classes, etc., as well as making phone calls. But they found that they did not have a very good response rate.
So the 9-member Membership Committee decided to kick off a different kind of non-threatening, attention-getting, and fun outreach to people who have expressed an interest in their church -- a Super Bowl basket delivery.
Every year, the Membership Committee puts together a selection of goodies -- including bags of DORITOS®, microwave popcorn, and even Alka-Seltzer® -- in football-shaped plastic baskets that they purchase at a party store. (On those years when the New England Patriots haven't been in the Super Bowl, they included small packages of tissues.) They then delivered them on the weekend of the Super Bowl. Attached to the basket is a note telling the recipient that the church members enjoyed their visit, and hoped to see them again.
"Our Committee members have made their visits without advance notice and have had a great reception; they are usually welcomed with laughter and appreciation," said Senior Pastor Jeff Johnson. "For example, one of our members made six deliveries on a Saturday afternoon. Five of the six people who answered the door were men, and most were 'really tickled.'"
"I mean, how often does a woman they have never met before ring their doorbell and bring them lots of yummy junk food so that they can enjoy the Super Bowl," one committee member said. "That's probably something that they'll talk about with the neighbors and at work."
According to Johnson, Milton's population is 80% Roman Catholic, and there are several other strong churches in town, so they have to work hard to make themselves known to people. He believes this Super Bowl basket outreach is just one fun way to tell them that they noticed the visitor and that they welcome them to return and become involved.
Indeed, several of those visited by the basket-givers have come back to try worship again, and several have joined.
"It's critical for us to do outreach because I know that our church offers things that many people really want and need, like vibrant worship and music where God is celebrated, a dynamic church school curriculum, programs that put our faith into action and, of course, a God Is Still Speaking style where everyone is welcomed," said Johnson. "What a shame if people don't come because they don't know we exist?"
The Super Bowl basket program was so successful that they decided to repeat the activity for the World Series. This time they bought inflatable models of Fenway Park at the party store (which are often much prized after the food is gone).
"That basket really impressed me," said one recipient. "Even if I never came back to your church, I would never have forgotten your visit and the church's thoughtfulness." This family did in fact return and has become very active, pouring lots of energy and ideas into the congregation.
"The real Gospel message is transformative, and it's great to watch people get involved, share their gifts, make a real difference in our church, and show signs of personal transformation themselves," said Johnson. "This activity isn't magic -- but it's a neat catalyst. If just one person of the 18 visited this year comes back, it's more than worth it.
The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson can be reached at the First Congregational Church, UCC, church office at (617) 696-8517, info@fccmilton.org
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