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Cloverdale Church of the Brethren looks at ways to "widen its welcome""Twenty-seven!" was Pastor Glenn McCrickard's response when asked how many children came to the chancel area for the children's moments on Sunday, Sept. 19. Later he added that several of their regular attenders were even absent that day. That rush of children provided the perfect kickoff for Cloverdale Church of the Brethren's annual Fall Faith Renewal Services in Virlina District. This year's planning committee requested that the theme for this series would coincide with the LIFE (Living in Faithful Evangelism) unit they were beginning. Several youth and many adults are using the book, Widening the Welcome of Your Church: Biblical Hospitality and the Vital Congregation, by Fred Bernhard and Steve Clapp. [Note: Bernhard also serves as resource person for hospitality workshops under the auspices of New Life Ministries, publisher of the LIFE process.] Emily Shonk Edwards, newly installed Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries at Cloverdale, secured three youth to serve as worship leaders for that kickoff morning, and four more sang special music. Under the theme, "Widening the Welcome Through Evangelism," the children's message was "You're Invited" and the sermon was "Y'all Come!," based on Genesis 18:1-8 and Matthew 25:31-46. Julie M. Hostetter, coordinator of Congregational Life Team Area 3, was the preacher and facilitator for the services. Evening sessions were held in the fellowship hall and began with 15 minutes of informal singing. "Welcoming People of ALL Ages," faith sharing among folks of all ages and intergenerational activities, took place on Sunday evening. Monday focused on "How Do We Share the Good News?" in the ongoing ministry of making disciples, and Tuesday focused on "Called for Service," recruiting and developing leadership. The process had people engaged, and the discussions were lively. A Monday morning prayer group and a Tuesday morning breakfast meeting added more intimacy to the format. Wednesday evening began with dinner in the fellowship hall, followed by a Service of Celebration and Commitment in the sanctuary. The combined children's choirs sang and led the congregation in singing "The Wedding Banquet" as part of the children's message. "Bread for a Feast" was the meditation that preceded communion. An unusual format for fall faith renewal services? Yes, but then this is an unusual congregation. In the neighborhood, McCrickard has been identified as "the pastor of the community center." Widening the welcome has already been going on in this church, and Cloverdale plans to continue it.
—Adapted from the October 15, 1999, issue of Newsline. Newsline is produced by Walt Wiltschek, interim Newsline editor, for the Church of the Brethren General Board's News Services, on the first, third and fifth Friday of each month. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source and the publication date is included. Julie M. Hostetter contributed to this report. To receive Newsline by e-mail or fax, call 1-800-323-8039, ext. 263, or write CoBNews@AOL.com. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at http://www.wfn.org.
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