Welcoming new residents
Housing developments are happening everywhere, Horsford is no exception. Just six miles north from the centre of Norwich, it is a place to which couples and young families are keen to move.
With almost 200 new homes in the past 18 months and another 200 currently being built, the question we had was how can we, the church community, welcome these new residents?
Three people from our congregation worked together on producing a welcome card with includes a short ‘welcome to Horsford’ message from me, information including our church activities, toddler group, contact details, website, and social media. The front cover of the card was drawn by one of the children to create more impact and to give a clear message that we are a welcoming community for everyone.
The next question: what does everyone receive when they buy a new home? New keys! So, the idea of a key ring to every household as
a gift from the church was created. The key rings are so popular the congregation wanted to buy them for presents!
Our Benefice Mission Fund covered the costs of production of the cards and key rings. One couple who are new to our congregation and new to Horsford, moved onto the major development and have delivered to over 125 homes, meeting many of the new residents. The three smaller estates have also all had the gifts delivered.
As well as being a practical gift, this has enabled us to pray specifically for the new areas in the village and to extend our mission of welcome.
The author...
The Revd Margaret McPhee
Licensed clergy - Incumbent: Rector, Horsford, Felthorpe and Hevingham (Benefice)
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