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Topsfield Attendees Learn How to Welcome

November, 2004

Paul Nickerson (right), Associate Conference Minister for Evangelism, Mission & Justice Ministries, recently conducted a one-day training session in Topsfield, Massachusetts. Nickerson, standing, instructed attendees on how to welcome and follow-up with newcomers who may attend their churches in response to the United Church of Christ Still Speaking commercials scheduled to air nationally during Advent.

Representative teams, consisting of youth, ushers, deacons, clergy, and other church members learned details about the Still Speaking identity initiative, heard insights gained from the first commercial test phase, and were given resources in preparation to receive new visitors (many of whom may feel alienated and hurt by the Church or simply come from an unchurched background) as a result of a soon-to-be-released nationwide UCC television commercial.

The training included welcoming suggestions for visitors, understanding hospitality issues for church schools, coaching on Christian evangelism, and direction on how to make the most of the Still Speaking advertisement and identity materials.

Trainings are being given by the Commission for Evangelism and Renewal, the Commission for Mission and Justice Ministries, and the Com-mission on Communication in several locations throughout Massachusetts, including Plymouth, Lee, and Auburn. This month’s session is scheduled for November 7, 2004, in Wellesley Hills. For additional information, contact Nickerson at nickersonp@macucc.org or call the conference office at (508) 875-5233.