We for class were asked to come up with a list of artifacts relevant to the specific culture that we're studying. In my brainstorming, I came up with a few typical things which define church culture, particularly things which encompass the Sunday gathering. Those were the Bible, worship music, announcements, the building itself, seating/pews/chairs, sound equipment, and childcare facilities. One thing which I want to think about further is the "welcome card." What an interesting thing.
As long as I've been going to a church, there have always been welcome cards. In the first church I attended, we were given pamphlets at the door, welcoming us, reminding us of the church's mission statement, and providing space for input/prayer requests. These cards were placed in the offering baskets which we passed around every week and then distributed to the church deacons and ministers. At the church I attend now, the welcome cards are waiting in the seats when we arrive and are small, two-sided, and very bare. They too are to be placed in the offering basket, but one is to place it in the basket him/herself, as the basket isn't passed around; it sits by the door. In both cases, the welcome cards are sure to warmly welcome and encourage those who have never attended the church before.
What an interesting thing. I've never thought about how a church goes about designing and embodying the welcome card. Are they all the more significant than simply a verbal welcome? Do people respond well to these? I know I feel comforted when it is made known to me that a church is willing to pray for a stranger.
This is something I will surely look into more as I go about my project.
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