Welcoming Members

This is how I have received new members. During the service, the whole congregation stands. Our new members come to stand at the front of the Church, facing the congregation. I welcome them warmly, and read the whole congregation the privileges and responsibilities of membership. I ask our new members to confess their faith, then I say a prayer for them. When it comes to Holy Communion, I serve our new members first. At the end of the service, I invite them to join me at the door for congregants to congratulate them on the way out. Then there is an informal tea for new members after the service. OBSERVATION: I once proposed that new members be given a “head table” at tea, to welcome them more festively. This was turned down unanimously!