LONDONDERRY — Londonderry United Methodist Church is intentionally reaching out to embrace visitors, newcomers and even regular parishioners who are absent.
The church has recently appointed Theresa Simkevich to the position of director of congregational care. Simkevich has a myriad of duties but primarily ensures any visitors or newcomers to the church find a warm welcome and a place to get any questions answered in a, comfortable, casual atmosphere. Simkevitch said she is also sensitive to absences of regulars and sees it as important to check on those parishioners to make sure the church fills any need they might have that it can. She said another element is trying to meet the needs of people who come to church on an irregular basis, doing her best to keep those inactive members connected to the church in a meaningful way.
"I am at the church for all three Sunday services," she said. "I introduce myself to all guests and try to make them feel welcome as well as encouraging them to come to the fellowship coffee after each service where they can meet church members and any other guests visiting the church that day."
She said she does a follow-up for visitors taking them a Welcome Bag filled with information about the church, its services, committees and activities and a coffee mug. The card on the bag says, "You've been 'mugged' by the people of Londonderry Methodist Church! We're happy that you chose to spend Sunday worship with us. We hope you will come again soon."
That message on the card pretty much says it all for those visiting our church to see if it is a good fit for them, she said. But equally important is touching base with regular members who are absent from service.
"I want to let them know they've been missed and to see if there is anything they need that the church could provide to help them," she said. "I can work with them to try and hook them up with appropriate community services if there is a need. If not, at least keep them connected by sending a note or making a call letting them know they are missed. I have had some really very positive feedback from this aspect of my work. It is meeting an obvious need."
The actual job description is pretty fluid, she said. It is about reaching out to people especially when she perceives a need or to make sure newcomers feel welcome when they visit a church service. LUMC is a very welcoming and caring community and it is her job, she says, to communicate this to people.
One thing she says she is able to do is reach out to those who are on the prayer concern or prayer chain lists with a follow-up call or visit as needed. Different people have different levels of need and it is her job to try and meet those needs or if she can't help them find someone or some place that can.
In addition, Simkevitch has taken on some of the administrative duties of the church and says she is at the church Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. The church is growing, she said, and is trying to meet the needs of the church itself as well as it parishioners and visitors.
She encourages anyone with questions to contact her at the church at 432-7083 and she will do her best to answer the question or find an answer. She said she is happy to give people tours of the church to introduce them it. She can also be reached online at carelondonderryumc.org
