We do it at our church - we call it K.O.F.F.E.E. Sunday (kick off for fall energizing event). It takes place after the service. There is a social aspect to it as well as a series of table display where you are invited to sign up for varying tasks. Because we are near the university, this is often a Sunday when newcomers show up. I like to think that it shows them a little of who we are - we don't pressure them into signing up, but can show them different aspects of our church that they might not already be aware of. I hope it doesn't turn them off, but I don't know for sure.

I think it is more successful for some teams than others. For example, I'm on the Historical Team and we won't be setting up a table because of the lack of success in finding volunteers on that day over the past couple of years. I'm also on the Children, Youth and Families Team and we will be setting up a table because this is a day for Sunday School registrations - and a day where lots of people sign up to be helpers with the program.

We don't send around such a list. Basically anyone who wants to do something in the church just requests the opportunity to do so from the pastor. There are a couple of jobs that the same people do on a regular basis -- worship leading, supervising dinners, choir leading, to name a few. Still, if someone else also wanted to do those jobs we would find some way to meet their needs.

anyone else?

I don't think anyone should have to sign up if they prefer not to, but I do like the idea that people are given the option to help out. It's been my experience that when people do get involved they feel more a part of the church family than those who don't.

I think it's good for the church to guide those who would normally not participate into participating more. There are those that just don't know how to do this yet may yearn to help and sometimes it does take someone to take them by the hand to get involved.

I have seen it done various ways.

I have seen a passed roster with it getting signed and people looking for ways to serve. It has been passed and people grumbled and did or did not sign. People have actually walked the list around and said "where can I put you down" like you are being volun-told, I have heard, "choose between this or that"....(prep or clean up)

I have seen people being asked about chores and it driving them away. I have seen people driven away by not being allowed to assist, wanted as help or seen as an intruder. I have seen it not passed and posted without anyone signing it and I have seen it posted and people in droves signing it.

It depends on the people.

I wouldn't like that. Reminds me of the money dish they pass around.

K.O.F.F.E.E. Sunday went well for my team - we had several volunteers sign up. At one point someone suggested, half-jokingly, that I should ask a newcomer who was chatting with someone who had already volunteered. I refused. If she had approached the table and seemed interested, then I might have asked her, but that was not the case - she simply happened to be standing near us and chatting with a member of the congregation.