The Vision

[excel]

I think one of the main reasons that people stop attending church is
that they don't feel included. We searched for a church for quite a
while when we moved to the area that we are in now. My husband wasn't
saved and I knew it was so important to find a gospel preaching church
and fast. We went from church to church and a lot were dead or made us
feel unwelcome. I had even joined prayer groups and felt so alone
because a newcomer was not welcomed. People were already set in their
little cliques and they didn't even acknowledge that I was there. That
hurts and can turn people off to church in general.

At Fox River (our present church) everyone is so friendly and
welcoming. People greeted us and let us know we are welcome. A lot of
outreach is done. A few days after our first visit someone left a dozen
cookies on our doorstep with a tract and called to let us know they
dropped it off and to see if we had any questions about Jesus, the
gospel etc...... They also included us even though we werenot
members....just regular attenders. For instance, a letter in the mail
about a luncheon to welcome a new associate pastor. It encouraged our
attendance and also asked us to bring a main dish, side dish AND
dessert. We were kind of floored by this at first but it made us feel
sooooo good to be included. I am not a really outgoing get involved
person. If I am asked, I will be more that happy to help. Through this
church I am definately coming out of my shell and going into areas I
never thought I would go.

We do a lot of outreach. We just did a ladies craft night, this weekend
a kids fall fest (halloween alternative). All are free to those who
attend and the gospel is presented. If you want more info on our
outreach things let me know.

I think the main thing is including people into the church. I think I
told you our motto is "You Matter to God". That is something a lot of
people never seemed to know.


Check this out!
http://www.investorshub.com/boards/board.asp?board_id=793