Our Sabbath services are family get-togethers with spiritual lessons for all of us. What can we do to make our guests as well as our brethren feel more welcome each Sabbath? We can help others feel right at home and part of our family!

Yes, first impressions are important, especially when greeting a newcomer to your local congregation!

Here at the Los Angeles, California, congregation, we have a greeter program. As we hand out songbooks and church announcements, we have the pleasure of welcoming all who come in our door, wishing them "Happy Sabbath" with a cheerful smile! Whether they are members or visitors, we want all to feel at home. Strangers or visitors are given an extraspecial welcome and invited to sign our guest book that's close at hand.

Some helpful tips for greeting guests and members:

• A successful day begins at home. Ask God to bless the fellowship for that day and He'll help you do your best when and where needed.
• Let an attitude of humility shine through in all you do. "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Philippians 2:3).
• Help others feel valuable and important with your smile and warm handshake.
• Let your welcome be brief and always be available to help.
• Remember senior citizens since most live alone at home—many of them love a big hug.
• Help everyone feel part of God's one big family!
• Keep reaching out with your heart. When you love others, they'll love you right back.
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In our hurried and fast-paced world, things have become more important than people. Let's do the unusual and take time to extend the right hand of fellowship. A smile says: "I love and care about you." Abe Lincoln once said, "A day spent helping no one but yourself is a day wasted."
Therefore, that first impression can count by helping everyone feel at home and welcome, especially the strangers among us. "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:2).

—Sherry Michaud
Los Angeles, California, congregation