The History of Emmanuel Church

An Ode to Name Badges

(Published May 2011)

     Ever since Pam and I moved to Chestertown in 2005 and joined Emmanuel Church, one of the most persistent refrains that we have heard in parish conversations is that Emmanuel is an aging parish that needs to recruit new younger people if we are to survive.  Like the weather, everyone complains about it, but no one does anything.

Wait a minute!  That’s not true.  The Vestry has in fact done several things about it.  One of them is a major change that everyone who’s come to church in the last six weeks has experienced.  It has engendered much discussion, mostly pro, some con.  Most have adopted the new practice, but there are some holdouts.  (It wouldn’t be Episcopalian of us for it to be otherwise, would it?)  However, very few people understand why the Vestry approved and supported the program.

     I am talking about name badges, of course.  Name badges?  Yes, name badges.  “What does that have to do with recruiting new parishioners?” you may well ask.  “Name tags are just for those with poor memories who are too lazy to learn other people’s names.”  “No, thanks, I already know my name.”  “I’m embarrassed to wear a name tag.”  “It might damage my fragile new blouse.”  “It might muss up my hairdo.”

      The ushers have heard ‘em all as they strive valiantly to encourage everyone to wear a name badge.

Well, what is the real purpose behind our new name badge program?  Here’s the real explanation.  Name badges are step one in recruiting new members to Emmanuel Church.  You see, even though there are five Episcopal churches within easy commuting distance, Emmanuel is beautifully situated – right in the center of town, right across from a beautiful park.  It has the patriotic history and classic architecture that make a great first impression.  Its organ and kitchen are known all over town for fine music and hospitable cuisine.  It’s my guess that these factors combine to ensure that practically every new Episcopal family comes to at least one service at Emmanuel before deciding where to worship.  It was true in our case because Emmanuel was the first church that Pam and I visited.  Nancy Dick (who may be the only Emmanuelite who knows everyone and doesn’t need name badges) spotted us as first-time visitors and went out of her way to make us feel welcome.  We joined Emmanuel on the spot and never even visited another church.

     I suggest that, if every new visitor to our church were welcomed as were Pam and I, we would have no trouble whatsoever recruiting new people.  Name badges help us all accomplish this.  First, a visitor need not feel self-conscious being asked to wear a name badge if everyone else is wearing theirs.  Second, when visitors are welcomed by name by a stranger during the passing of the peace at Eucharist, they are bound to feel that ours is a special open-armed community.  Third, that warm feeling experienced during the service will make it much more likely that a visitor will feel comfortable enough to speak with us after the service without ducking out as quickly as possible.  They might even feel welcomed enough to join us for coffee after the 10:30 service, where they will learn that everybody at Emmanuel is just as hospitable as that nice couple during the peace.

So, you see, our name badges serve a really important purpose.  It helps all of us do something positive to ensure the growth and vitality of our parish.  To make it work, we need your help.  Here’s how:

     First, wear your name badge – at Eucharist, at coffee hour, at organ concerts, at every event in the church and in the church hall.

     Second, when you leave, please return your badge to its alphabetically correct place in the tray.  If you have to rearrange other badges to make room for yours, please do so.  The ushers will appreciate it.

     Third, take advantage of other people’s badges, and call them by name every chance you get.  We’ll all feel more welcome and accepted.

Published in the Emmanuel Messenger May 2011