Newcomer Committee Broadened

Our newcomer’s committee is broadening our focus. In addition to welcoming new parishioners, we

also want to reconnect with people who still live in the area but are no longer attending regularly,

those who have only been able to attend via zoom for a variety of reasons or even those of you who

are attending but don’t feel engaged for some reason or another. To that end, we are changing our

name to the “Parish Engagement Ministry” (PEM) to help start us off. Additionally, we will be

updating the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall to have a “suggestion folder” for you to add your

thoughts and ideas for things we can do to continue welcoming our newcomers but also fostering

connection and re-engagement with people who’ve stopped attending or those who are unable to

attend in person.

Our group is preparing to spend time listening, praying, and acting on how we can create meaningful

opportunities for people to feel welcomed, included, and able to engage fully in Saint Matthew’s

church life and we would love your help. Are you feeling less engaged lately? Do you know any

families that have attended and are no longer coming? Do you know any newcomers that have

questions about Saint Matthew’s? What would help encourage regular attendance for you or them?

Is it small groups that meet during the week, family-friendly events, service opportunities, learning

experiences, in-home visits by members of our ministry, or simply more ways to connect with others?

We believe some of the best ideas already live within our congregation. Your experiences, hopes,

and honest feedback matter deeply. Whether you attend regularly, occasionally, or are just finding

your way back, we invite you to share what would help you—and others—feel more connected and

encouraged to come to church consistently -- which is something we all need and enriches our life

together in Christ.