Secondary Tasks for Greeters
Greeting visitors is the main purpose for the Greeter Ministry but it does not have to be limited to that. Because the greeters see who attend each week and are the first to 'get to know' new people, two other tasks are easily integrated if the greeters are interested (don't overload them or let them overload themselves and get burned out).
Member Absences
Noticing someone's unusual absences is harder in the Orthodox Church since, sadly, regular week-to-week attendance is not a standard practice for the majority of laity. However, there is still the need to be alert for those who stop coming for unknown reasons for several weeks at a time. If this is incorporated into the greeter's role, it must remain secondary to that of welcoming visitors. By familiarizing oneself with where people normally sit, standing at the back after liturgy has started and noticing any 'empty spots' that are usually filled can be useful in identifying missing members. This process can be made more detailed by using a membership list and checking off attendance if needed week by week. When absences are noted, the priest (or designated person) can them be alerted to contact the family.
New Member Integration
Speaking to returning visitors as they come to church and in fellowship time is a good way to reinforce a positive feeling toward the parish (don't just welcome them the first time and ignore them afterwards). When a new Orthodox family or convert starts attending the parish regularly, some effort to make sure they know about the facilities and programs in the parish for youth, etc. will make their experience smoother.
Greeting visitors is the main purpose for the Greeter Ministry but it does not have to be limited to that. Because the greeters see who attend each week and are the first to 'get to know' new people, two other tasks are easily integrated if the greeters are interested (don't overload them or let them overload themselves and get burned out).
Member Absences
Noticing someone's unusual absences is harder in the Orthodox Church since, sadly, regular week-to-week attendance is not a standard practice for the majority of laity. However, there is still the need to be alert for those who stop coming for unknown reasons for several weeks at a time. If this is incorporated into the greeter's role, it must remain secondary to that of welcoming visitors. By familiarizing oneself with where people normally sit, standing at the back after liturgy has started and noticing any 'empty spots' that are usually filled can be useful in identifying missing members. This process can be made more detailed by using a membership list and checking off attendance if needed week by week. When absences are noted, the priest (or designated person) can them be alerted to contact the family.
New Member Integration
Speaking to returning visitors as they come to church and in fellowship time is a good way to reinforce a positive feeling toward the parish (don't just welcome them the first time and ignore them afterwards). When a new Orthodox family or convert starts attending the parish regularly, some effort to make sure they know about the facilities and programs in the parish for youth, etc. will make their experience smoother.
