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Invite Welcome Connect

The Invite Welcome Connect (IWC) Support Team of the Episcopal Church in Delaware will champion:
  • Evangelism
  • Hospitality
  • Belongingness
  • Good News of Jesus Christ
‘Let’s Celebrate’ Contest. The diocesan Invite Welcome Connect (IWC) team announces an exciting contest to celebrate and showcase the incredible work of our church’s IWC ministry. They invite all churches to participate and share their creativity in a contest, highlighting how they welcome and connect with their church members and community.
 
The Let’s Celebrate contest aims to capture the spirit of hospitality, warmth, and inclusivity that defines our church’s IWC ministry. We believe that the doors of our church are not just a physical entryway but a symbol of the open hearts and open arms with which we welcome all who enter.
To participate in the contest, we kindly request that you submit a short video (15-30 seconds) or a picture of your church door that showcases the various ways you welcome and connect with your members and community. Whether it’s a vibrant floral wreath hanging on your door, a welcoming sign, or a snapshot of a heartwarming interaction, we encourage you to share your unique perspectives on how your church makes everyone feel at home when they walk through your church’s doors.
 

Here are the details you need to know:

  • Submission Guidelines:
    • Capture a good quality, short video (15-30 seconds) or take a picture that includes your church door, showcasing the ways in which you invite, welcome, and connect with your community.
    • Send video and/or image to communications@delaware.church using:
      1. .mov or mp4 for video files
      2. jpg or png for image files
    • If you have children in your video or photo, it is necessary to send a release statement from a parent/guardian of each child in the image.
    • Photos and videos must be of your church and/or members. Please, no stock images as we will not be able to display them.
  • Submission Deadline: extended to November 4, 2023.
  • Winners and Prizes: A panel of judges from the diocesan IWC team will
    evaluate the submissions and select three winners — one from each county in Delaware. Each winner will receive $200, to be used toward a fellowship event
    in their parish.
  • We will showcase all submissions and celebrate the inspiring work of our
    IWC ministry.
  • Videos and photos may also be posted to our diocesan Instagram and
    Facebook reels and stories.
  • If you have any questions on file types or transfer, please contact communications@delaware.church or Cynde at 302.345.9392. The
    communication team is ready and happy to help.
  • If you have any questions about the contest please contact, iwc@delaware.church.

We encourage everyone to participate in this opportunity to celebrate our church’s dedication to hospitality and connection. Your creativity and passion will undoubtedly inspire others and strengthen our community bonds.

Let’s celebrate!

Invite | Evangelism
  • Determine your strengths and opportunities
  • Share faith stories and give an invitation
  • Be a part of the community
  • Collaborate
  • Connect with local and social media
  • Let others know they are invited through clear and updated communications, e.g. signage, website, social media
  • PADLET LINK HERE
Welcome | Hospitality
  • Provide welcoming first impressions
  • Assemble greeting and welcoming teams
  • Create welcome tools
  • Arrange a newcomer ministry
  • Extend follow-up to visitors
  • PADLET LINK HERE

Digital Front Porch

Connect | Belongingness
  • Connect and reconnect with visitors and community
  • Hold events, parish activities, education, classes, get-together
  • Discern your gifts, strengths, and vocations
  • Connect with people and ministry
  • Shepherd newcomers
  • Be accountable, communicate, nurture, and support IWC
  • PADLET LINK HERE

Invite Welcome Connect
Support Team

  • 2019 Evangelism and Growth Conference
  • Bishop Brown’s call for volunteers
  • IWC certified coach training
  • We accepted the call … WILL YOU?
  • Diverse team
  • From parishes of different sizes, geographies, and communities
  • In collaboration with the Mission Support Staff and other partners
  • Promoting ministry of Invite Welcome Connect founded by Mary Parmer

Team members:

  • Carol Schofield, Christ Church, Delaware City
  • Donna Cain, Church of the Nativity, New Castle
  • Frank Cerniglia, Brandywine Collaborative Ministries, Wilmington
  • Jonathan Barrett, Immanuel Church, New Castle
  • Mark Owen, St. John the Baptist, Milton
  • Nancy Talmo, Church of the Nativity, New Castle
  • Sandra Criscimagna, St. John the Baptist, Milton
  • Teri Quinn Gray, St. Thomas’s, Newark
  • The Rev. Howell Sasser, St. Thomas’s, Newark
  • Lachecha Sheppard, St. Stephen’s, Harrington
  • Toni Snow, Mission Support Staff
  • Advise, guide, and assist
  • Resource to parishes
  • Best practices for implementing Invite Welcome Connect culture
    • Welcoming all
    • Promoting inclusiveness
    • Discerning ministry opportunities
    • Evangelizing the Good News
  • Brainstorming

Letter from the IWC support team: Follow-up on 2020-21 parish visitations

To get started inviting, welcoming, and connecting in your parish, contact:

We are the 
Delaware Episcopal Branch 
of the Jesus Movement

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