Sometimes the most innocent things can be the most offensive. The humble "announcement' spot during church is often given little attention (by those speaking"”and often by those who are supposed to be listening!) Yet, if adequate care and attention to detail is absent, then the "notices' can be alienating and uncomfortable for newcomers.

On a brighter note, the announcements can also be an excellent opportunity to welcome and include outsiders, and to signal the desire of the regular members to embrace and include those who are visiting and searching.

So what's the difference between a good and a bad announcement? Let me give you an example of a bad announcement:

"Hi everyone! As you know, we had a great time on Thursday at the Don Packer conference, especially when John finally got there, if you know what I mean! If you're a member of Parish Council, then don't forget that we're meeting on Tuesday night at the Smith's house. JABBA is on again on Thursday morning, and I'm told that you need to remember to bring your copy of Johnson, and read up to chapter 4. On Saturday night we're having our evangelistic dance, which is a great night to bring your non-Christian friends along to. Finally, don't forget to bring your tins along and your ABC boxes. Let's stand for our offertory hymn" "

Now, let's give the visitor-friendly version:

"Hi everyone! If we haven't met before, my name is Richard Richards, and I'm the senior minister here at Saint Saints Anglican Church. As many of you know, we had a great time on Thursday when we heard Don Packer, a world-renowned Bible teacher from Qumar. If you're a member of Parish Council, our governing body, then don't forget that we're meeting on Tuesday night at the Smith's house. JABBA, our special seniors' group, is on again on Thursday morning. If you're in the "seniors' age group then you're more than welcome. Details are in the notices, which is the document you received as you came in the front door. Regulars, don't forget to bring the book you're reading by Johnson, and try and read up to chapter 4. On Saturday night we're having our dance night, which should be a terrific night for everyone. If you're visiting us today, or have joined us in the past few weeks, then it will be a perfect opportunity to meet others in the church, and hear a great summary of what Christians believe. For everyone else, think about whether you know some friends, colleagues, or family who might like to come along. Finally, if you've been collecting tins of food for the homeless, then bring them along next week, and if you've been collecting money for the ABC, then we'll be collecting them next week. More details are in the church bulletin. Let's now stand and sing our next hymn, during which some wooden baskets will be passed along the seats" ."

Notice the differences? Here are a few to note:

1. The minister introduced himself. You might feel strange introducing yourself to a room full of familiar faces. But even if you've grown up knowing these people since Menzies was Prime Minister, it is still good to signal that you are mindful of newcomers.

2. The minister gave an explanation of past and future events. He told them what the "Don Packer' conference was about, and who "Parish Council' is. Any newcomers would have been included in the notices, not excluded by being ignorant of this past event.

3. The minister invited newcomers to activities in the normal life of the congregation, not just special outsider events. When he described the nature of the "JABBA' group, he took the opportunity to include not exclude.

4. The minister didn't address visitors and non-Christians in the third person, but instead spoke to them directly, alongside his invitation to the regulars. When we speak of "non Christians' during church, we unwittingly communicate that they are not welcome.

When we give the "notices' or "announcements' we have a wonderful opportunity to welcome and include visitors and outsiders. Likewise, we can communicate a message of exclusion and unfriendliness if we are not careful. People notice notices" give them the attention they deserve.

Jodie McNeill is Year 13 Director and a Youth Ministry Lecturer at Youthworks College. Visit his blog at jodiemcneill.com