Greeters/Ushers

The ministry of the greeter/usher is at the center of radical hospitality at St. James. Greeters welcome everyone, but especially the newcomer. This ministry is crucial to incorporating people into our congregational life and helping them feel comfortable at St. James. Greeters should maintain good communication with the Ushers. To support your ministry as greeter/usher, these guidelines and instructions are offered.

No license is required. Training is required.

Plan to be at church at least 20 minutes before the service

Before the Service

• Establish a warm and welcoming environment for all who worship at St. James
  
• Welcome all who come to worship! Be aware of newcomers. Be prepared to inform them of the nursery, bathrooms, etc. Also, let them know that they may sit anywhere and answer any other questions that they may have
  
• Invite visitors to sign the guest book or fill out "Visitor Information Cards" (Having visitor contact information is very important for successful follow-up)
  
• Offer to sit with visitors
  
• Assist Ushers
  

During the Service

• Be aware of newcomers; if they seemed lost, please be prepared to help them
  
• Be intentional about greeting visitors at the peace
  
• Stay alert and be prepared to help with any unexpected disruptions, people who need to leave during the service or any late comers
  
• During the offertory, ushers come to the front of the church to receive the offertory plates and then pass the plates throughout the congregation. Once completed return the plates to the altar.
  
• During Communion, an usher should be stationed at the foot of the handrail to assist the elderly and disabled as needed up and down the steps. The other usher will move from pew to pew directing those wish to take communion to the altar rail.
  

After the Service

• Make sure completed "Visitor Information Cards" are given to a staff member and that we have contact information for each visitor
  
• Invite visitors to join us for coffee hour; help them get connected, introduce them to clergy
  
• Be sure that visitors know where the bathrooms, parish hall, nursery, etc. are located
  
• Make sure they receive a visitor gift bag
  
• Don't allow visitors to be alone at Coffee Hour, please be sure they are connecting
  
• You may be asked to make additional contact with visitors during the week