When asked to be part of the team that welcomes new people, it felt like a "no brainer" to me. FPC has been my church home for over twenty years and there is one big reason why; I was welcomed into the community by several people very intentionally. Being a part of this church has literally changed my life and so again, the opportunity to be part of a team doing that for others was a natural fit.
My very first "new person" was Olivia Kahn. She and I agreed to meet up for dinner (never met before but seemed liked a good idea). As we began talking we realized a number of common connections between us, both in terms of people we know but also organizations and schools we are/were both part of. The thing that was especially pleasant about our dinner was the rich conversation we had around the topic of Christian community and the importance of it in our own lives. We both agreed that so much of who we are is a direct result of our long term involvement in church community. Olivia noted how unique FPC's ministry outreach was in connecting with visitors. She shared that she had previously visited several churches and it was common to get a general email or card in the mail, but to have someone call her and connect with her face to face was rare and welcomed.
Talking to new people or taking strangers out to dinner may not be the ministry for everyone, but there is a ministry for everyone. Visitor outreach is mine; what is yours? If you are not sure what your ministry area is to ask people that know you and ask God. I can promise you will be so glad you plugged in somewhere. It is when we serve together in the places that feel like a "no brainer" to us that we find the true depth and connection to others that we all long for.
Joanie Joy
Joanie Joy shared this testimony in worship last November. I invited Olivia to share from her perspective at our Annual Meeting on February 2. Since she wrote it up, I thought you might enjoy reading it here.
Terry Jaurena
I first sat in these pews at FPC about a year ago after googling "church, Fresno, Presbyterian." On that first Sunday, I was struck by the welcome of the congregation; that a group of Presbyterians had agreed to hold hands; and the general gospel-presence.
I filled out a Connection Card expecting an email. Instead, I got a text from Joanie Joy that week. She introduced herself, offered to sit with me on Sunday, and quickly met up with me for dinner. It made a big church a lot smaller, gave me a space to figure out my place in it, and provided grounding for community that would soon flourish. Joanie was one of many people to extend kindness and welcome to me - and this method of intentional personal connection was a tremendous blessing to me. Joanie's heart for "eating food with strangers," as I think she puts it, reminds me that in Christ no one has to stay a stranger for long.
Olivia Kahn
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