How Episcopal Churches Can Embrace Visitors During Holy Week and Easter

Welcoming the Stranger

A simple postcard gives visitors information about your church, and invites them to come back

Holy Week and Easter are not only the heart of the Christian liturgical year—they are also among the most likely times a visitor will step foot into an Episcopal church. Whether drawn by tradition, family, personal longing, or spiritual curiosity, newcomers who enter during this sacred season are often seeking something deeper. How we welcome them may profoundly shape their experience of the Church—and perhaps even their relationship with God.

So how can clergy and congregants alike ensure that these sacred encounters become invitations into deeper community?

1. Embrace the Ministry of Presence

The first and most powerful tool for welcoming visitors is simply being present. Clergy can model this by standing near the main entrance before and after services, greeting people by name if known—and with warmth and eye contact if not.

Lay members can be just as vital. Greeters or ushers should offer bulletins with a smile and be prepared to help someone unfamiliar with the liturgy navigate the Book of Common Prayer. But beyond the official welcomers, all congregants should be encouraged to consider hospitality a shared ministry. A simple “Hello, I don’t think we’ve met before—welcome!” can be all it takes to open the door to relationship.

2. Equip People to Talk to Strangers

Talking to new people can feel awkward—especially in a liturgical church, where the service itself can be formal or unfamiliar to outsiders. To help, clergy might hold a brief “hospitality huddle” before Holy Week begins, inviting members to practice friendly questions they can ask during coffee hour:

• “Is this your first time here?”

• “How did you hear about the service?”

• “What did you think of the music?”

• “Would you like a quick tour of the building?”

Encouraging members to listen more than speak creates space for guests to express their needs or curiosities. Remind your community that we’re not selling anything—we’re making room at the table.

3. Make the Space Intelligible and Inviting

Episcopal worship can be beautiful and profound—but to the uninitiated, it can also be confusing. Having well-designed service bulletins with clear rubrics (stand/sit/kneel) and brief explanations of liturgical moments can help visitors feel less lost. You might also consider a brief “welcome and orientation” announcement before services during Holy Week.

Also, make sure signage is clear. Are the restrooms easy to find? Is the nursery staffed and labeled? Is the coffee hour space obvious?

Your postcard should give the most vital information, and invite your visitors to come back

4. Offer a Thoughtful Takeaway: A Church Postcard

Sometimes visitors want to know more—but aren’t ready for a deep conversation. That’s where a simple, well-designed postcard or brochure can make all the difference.

This should include:

• The church’s name, address, and website

• Regular Sunday and weekday service times

• Information about Bible study or formation offerings

• The rector’s name and contact info

• A short, welcoming description of the Episcopal Church’s values

Include the card in the bulletin or offer it at the welcome table. It’s a way of saying: “We’re glad you came. You’re welcome back.”

5. Follow Up Thoughtfully

If a visitor fills out a contact card or signs a guest book, a short follow-up message within a few days can go a long way. Clergy might write a personal email or handwritten note thanking the person for attending, inviting them to return, or asking if they have any questions.

Even better, assign a lay leader or vestry member to send a follow-up invitation to an upcoming fellowship event or newcomer gathering. Personalized welcome builds real connection.

6. Welcome Families and Children—Especially During Special Events

Easter is a family holiday for many, and special events like egg hunts are a great way to offer joy and hospitality to families who might be new to the church—or even to church altogether.

If your church is hosting an Easter egg hunt, consider these family-friendly touches:

• Have a sign-in table where children receive a name tag and a small welcome goodie (a sticker, small toy, or snack).

• Station volunteers in bright, friendly attire to greet families, answer questions, and help shy children feel included.

• Post clear signs directing people to restrooms, changing tables, and stroller-friendly paths.

• Offer allergy-friendly eggs (clearly labeled) and a quiet area for children who may be overwhelmed.

• Make it invitational. Say something like, “We’re so glad you’re here today—would you like to join us for a service sometime?” without pressure.

If the event happens after the Easter service, use it as an opportunity to encourage families to stay and mingle. Set up a refreshments table for parents and create conversation zones with members who can engage newcomers naturally.

Above all, treat visiting children as full members of the community. Greet them by name, thank them for coming, and be genuinely glad to see them. Their joy and curiosity are signs of the Spirit at work.

7. Hospitality Is a Culture, Not a Task

Welcoming visitors isn't just about handing out bulletins or serving coffee. It's about cultivating a church culture that expects and celebrates the presence of new people. That takes ongoing encouragement from leadership, storytelling (share stories of good welcomes!), and prayer.

This Holy Week and Easter, may we remember that we follow a Savior who welcomed the stranger, ate with the outcast, and called disciples from unexpected places. When we open our doors and hearts to others, we follow in his steps.