There’s a neighbor who doesn’t go to church, and you have been wondering how and when to make a first invite. 

You have a friend who is not a Christian, and you want to break the ice without risking the friendship.

The aunt and uncle with whom you ate turkey and dressing a couple of weeks ago are among those you would love to join you in seeking God by studying the Bible together.

Those of us who attend worship services and other activities at church often forget how intimidating it feels to come the first time. “How do l know if or when to stand up, clap, or raise my hands?  Will everyone look at me strangely because I don’t belong or fit in?  What if I’m supposed to find the book of Zerubikiah and everyone but me knows where it is?”

  Christmas worship services are a great entry point for those who don’t go to church regularly, and even for those who don’t believe.

First, there are lots of people, and lots of guests – so no one “sticks out.”  Second, the themes and stories are more familiar to the general population.  (Hearing about the birth of Jesus is not like showing up at church for a sermon in a series on the minor prophets!)  Third, we plan the services to be visitor-friendly.  And finally, those who only darken the door of a church for weddings and funerals are more likely to add Christmas to their list of church services than any other time of the year.

Pastor Paul Cummings commented after the Halloween Trunk or Treat that we pastors and leaders need to do a better job of reminding the church family about services and activities that are especially good entry points.  We will do more in 2010 to focus on these special events as opportunities for invitation and witness.

Let’s start with Christmas services –

·         Combined Worship Sunday, December 20, 10:00 A.M.  – Children’s Christmas Program

·         Candlelighting, December 20, 4:30 P.M. (encourage them to come early!)

·         Christmas Eve, December 24, 5:00 P.M.

Take advantage of one or more of these chances to introduce someone to a community of believers in Jesus Christ, the Bethlehem baby who is God’s Son, our Savior and Lord.  They may not get everything on the first visit, but what they need is a place to start.