First-time Guest Comments

Here's the latest from cards we send to first-time attenders:

Woodbury 

• I loved the service. I am new to church and I found the service very engaging. The nursery was amazing and my son seemed very happy. Everyone was very friendly and willing to show me around and answer any questions! 
  
• I was turned off by the secular “Rout 66” song/flashing lights at the beginning of the service. I would have preferred something with a more reverent atmosphere for entrance into worship. This was my only major concern. Otherwise, good worship, sermon, and friendly atmosphere.  
• Good: big screens, free coffee, barn views, spacious lobby, comfy lounge, comfy church chairs, personable pastor, friendly people, good worship team, free mug/candy. Odd: unattended communion stations, no traditional songs.  

Hudson 

• Great job! People were very welcoming. My children enjoyed the children’s ministry programs. I appreciated the message and the style of music as well. The only red flag was your very small size given that you’ve been around for 2 years.

Comments

[Harold Ennulat]

On the subject of having a thematic "opener" and not a "call to worship" opener. I think this is something that needs some discussion. The question here is "should the opening song always be a call to worship?". A related question is "Are our call to worship songs doing the job?"

Comment on Flashing lights being distracting: It usually isn't the fact that they are flashing or moving that is distracting but rather the timing to the music. I think we were a little off in the timing and how it fit with the music.
The other thing we might have missed on the moving lights is that we apparently did not get any feedback on this between Saturday and Sunday when we could have made some adjustments.
I recall thinking that it not quite working but I forgot myself to mention it to the lighting operator after the Saturday service.

On the subject of feedback: Not always apprecieated, but always needed. ....In this case was also appreciated...

(FYI: I was on sound that weekend)

[Henry]

Harold, I don't think I saw the opening. But I think the comment was more directed at our style which is less reflective at the start. We move from celebratory and fellowship mode into more reflective. I don't think this person means to say we were irreverent.