Say “Yes” to Mission (Wear a Name Badge)

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welcome_5618cWhat   Wear a name badge as a reminder that we are here to know and care for each other. Personalize your name tag so that it says something about you–more than your name. Make it a conversation piece. Our names and who we are can be fun to share.

Who    We invite you to personalize your name tag and make an effort to get to know the names of people who join us for worship. Parents are invited to consider whether name badges are appropriate for their children.

When   Do it now, just do it!  (starting May 18!)

Where   Every time you come for worship, to identify yourself and learn the names of others.

How   Take the tag we started for you, or make one. Place it in a name tag holder that you like (clips, pins and lanyards will be available) and wear it while you are here for worship and fellowship. When you leave the building, place the both the name tag and holder in the checkered box that says “Name Badge Return.” We will have them alphabetized in the worship entryway ready for your next visit.

Why    We’re glad you asked! It takes courage to wear a name tag. People look at them! We become more aware of knowing (or not knowing each others’ names). We catch each other looking at our name badges. How do we get through our awkward moments and on to the gift of being community together? Name badges are one small step and a friendly way to remind ourselves that we are here to walk with other people in faith.

A name badge can say “I’m here! This is who I am.” But it is also an invitation to get to know others and who they are. This process at Good Sam is a sign that here, we are in mission and our purpose is to know each other and to walk together in faith.

A Story:  I was at an educational event for pastors and during a lunch break, a group of us went to eat at a local tavern. As I walked into the tavern, the barkeep looks at me, smiles, and says, “Hi Mitch!” “Oops,” I thought, as I pulled off my event name tag. We had a good laugh and talked about the event that we were all in town for. That led to conversation about being “pastors” and caring for others. It was a great conversation that never would have happened without the name tag mistake. What if we wore name badges that were not mistakes, but an intentional effort to be better at community, at welcoming, and at knowing each other as people who journey in faith?

How It Works:  On May 18, we will have a name badge party and invite everyone present to make a name badge, personalize it, and wear it as a sign of mission. After May 18, you can find your name badge on the alphabetized rack in the entryway. Personalize it as you wish. When you leave the building, return them to the Name Badge Return Box by each door. Visitors and others without name badges will be invited to make a name badge for wearing while they are with us. It says, “We want to get to know you!”

–Pastor Mitch