Last week the local United Church of God pastor had invited them to Sabbath services for the first time. Looking around, they noticed people huddled in groups. In a far corner several teens talked animatedly about summer activities, their conversation punctuated with bouts of laughter. A nearby group of middle-aged ladies played catch-up on the week's events. Along a near wall, about 10 mostly middle-aged men engaged in a heated discussion of world events.

In five minutes, services would begin. Spotting several vacant seats on the far side of the hall, they began making their way towards them, their 5-year-old son in tow. As they passed the group of middle-aged men, two of them turned slightly and made quick, almost furtive eye contact. But then they turned back to their conversation.

After services, Zach and Michelle noticed that the same groups seemed to quickly reform. Taking the initiative, they approached the group of middle-aged men and introduced themselves. For a few minutes, the conversation flowed freely: Where are you from? Is this your first Sabbath? How did you hear about the Church? But then the conversation lagged, and the group of middle-aged men were back to solving the problems of the world.

About that time, the minister and his wife walked up. Here, at least, was someone the couple knew. The minister asked them their impression of services. He reached down to Ben, the 5-year old, and tousled his hair playfully. Ben looked up at him and smiled. Yes, Zach said, they would be back next week.

Driving home, Zach and Michelle discussed their first Sabbath service. The sermon was great; they learned a lot. But the people, they agreed, seemed so indifferent. Everyone seemed too preoccupied to notice them. They noted that one couple, slightly older than they, did come up and introduce themselves. Yes, they would be back, but their first Sabbath was somewhat of a disappointment.

In early May, in his sermon during the General Conference of Elders, Robert Dick pointed out how important it is that new people come into a warm, inviting Church environment. So what can we do to help create a welcoming environment for new people in our congregations? Here are four quick Dos and Don'ts that can help smooth the way.

Do Make the First Move

Many people are nervous about approaching strangers. Compound this with the reality that the first time for Sabbath services puts people into a new setting, a setting that may be strange for some, and you have a situation that can put new ones ill at ease. We should always reach out and approach them. Whenever we notice someone walk through that door that we don't know, we make it easier for them if we take the initiative to greet them.

Don't Interrogate About Beliefs

While many of us have come from our former association, today we see new members who come to us through other channels. Some of these have had little or no religious background, and we can turn them off by assuming that they have a current religious connection. When they are comfortable, they'll open up to us about their beliefs.

Don't Come on Too Strong

Be warm, be sincere, but don't display an overly enthusiastic, gushy approach. We've all had the experience of a salesperson coming on too strongly with drippy, syrupy friendliness, which nearly everyone perceives to be insincere. We don't appreciate it, and neither will first-time attendees. These are God's "little ones" who are new to the truth. At this stage, they may be sensitive and can easily be turned off by our words and actions. Remember Christ's teachings about those who cause offense, "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones" (Luke 17:2).

Do Show Genuine Interest

It's true: People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Visitors and first-time attendees need to know and feel that we are genuinely interested in them. We can ask about family and friends. We can ask how they came into contact with United Church of God, and if they have family or friends attending. Of course, jobs or interests are always good conversation starters. Show genuine interest in someone God may be working with, someone who may become a firstfruit in the family of God. UN