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Usher's Union

President
Deacon Ronnie G. Robinson

Deacon Ronnie G. Robinson is the current President of the Ushers Union of the East Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Association. Concurrently, he also serves as the Ushers Ministry President at Saint John’s Missionary Baptist Church, Inc. And is the former 2nd Vice Chairperson of the Durham Interdenominational Ushers Union.At St. John’s, Deacon Robinson also serves as a trustee and as a facilitator for the Men’s Sunday School Class, is the Men’s Fellowship Chairperson and is on their church’s Finance committee.It is his relationship with these ministries that makes him uniquely qualified to serve as today’s speaker. Any ushers that has served with him knows that he is both passionate and is in tuned with ushering and that He has been a strong supporter of this ministry for many years. He has a great understanding of the ministry of ushering and a great appreciation of what it takes to put God first in ushering. Deacon Robinson is continuing on a path of progress for the ministry of ushering, and has a remarkable vision for its future.

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As it relates to ushering, Deacon Robinson holds true to the following tenets:

1. The Ministry of Church ushering and welcoming is a sacred and powerful responsibility.

2. Church ushers are the “Welcoming and Hosting Committee” of the church they serve. He also stands on the premise that the church body needs a clearer understanding that they too, are a part of the welcoming ministry.

3. Church ushers must be Christ-like and have a spirit of meekness and humility.

4. A church usher must be well-trained in all aspects of the techniques of Church ushering.

Some of those who have actively mentored him in ushering with excellence are his Pastor Robert L. Daniels, Mrs. Laura Thorpe, Mrs. Phyllis Thorpe, Deacon Frank McCrea and Deacon Lola McKnight.

Deacon Robinson is a retired military veteran and the loving husband of Deaconess LaVerne Denise Robinson. They are also the parents of Dwight LaShawn Jones, Kenyatta Dwayne Robinson and Carmen Micole Robinson. They are also the proud grandparents six times over. He is an avid Green bay Packer and Clemson tiger Fan.

Officers

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Deacon David Harris, 1 Vice President

Sis. Deloris Hunt, 2nd Vice President

Sis. Juella M. Tanner, Secretary/Treasurer

Trustee Betty R. Greene, Programs and Event Planning

TIPS FOR USHERS

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Welcome People

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People are coming to church from lots of different perspectives and experiences. Your welcome can help to prepare them to meet with God.

Several tips…

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  • Smile

  • Use names as much as possible

  • Help with coats

  • Assist parents with small children

  • Pay special attention to visitors

  • Give a firm handshake

  • Be helpful but not overbearing.

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Provide A Pleasant Experience

a. Monitor physical environment

Lighting should be as bright and cheerful as possible.

Temperature should be monitored carefully and adjusted as needed. 

b. Deal with disruptions in the service

Ushers should be alert to anything that causes people to lose their focus on what God is doing in the service. 

Several possibilities for disruptions: 

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  • A crying child

  • Disruptive teens

  • Medical emergencies

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Pleasant exit

Your work does not end with the benediction. We also desire that people’s leaving be as pleasant as possible. This may vary from church to church, but think about how you can help people’s exit to be pleasant. Your work after the service has ended may not be structured the same as at the beginning but there are three areas to which you can be alert.

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Look for needs

Be alert to physical needs.

 

  • Assistance with coats or small children.

  • Does an elderly person need assistance getting to a car?

  • Does someone need directions to another part of the building? 

  • Do parents know where to find their children? 

  • Are children being disruptive? (Banging on the piano or musical instruments, etc.) 

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Be alert to social needs

 

  • Recognizing persons who are not engaged in conversation and help them get involved.

  • Especially recognize the awkwardness felt by visitors during informal times. Do you have a plan of what to do with visitors? 

 

Be alert to spiritual needs

 

  • Does someone look discouraged and need some counsel or a word of encouragement?

  • Are there people needing prayer ministry and if so, what is the arrangement for that? 

 

Leave a good last impression

A smile and word of cheer as people leave can be as powerful as your welcome. 

 

  • “Thanks for coming.”

  • “Have a great week.”

  • “I hope you have enjoyed your time with us.”

  • “Come again.”  

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Rainbow 2019

Rev.Richmond was outstanding as our guest speaker. Deacon Johnnie Pettiford (usher emeritus) served graciously as our Presiding officer. He reminded us (in an eloquent manner) of the rich and royal history that we as ushers share. The capstone of our celebration was when all ushering teams honored Sister Mary Vanhook with gifts and words of love and appreciation. Her Pastor (Pastor Davis of Mt. Zoar) spoke of the loving and everlasting bond that exists between them. A grand time was had by one and all.

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