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ELLICOTT CITY - Bethany UMC welcomed 41 new members to the church on March 19. The new members included 15 who joined on profession of faith and four adults who were baptized. Another 33 new members joined last October.

The Rev. David Simpson reflected on how the church accomplished this growth. Members are encouraged to invite friends and neighbors, he said.

'Any person who comes will get five touches,' Simpson said, explaining the hospitality ministry starts at the door with the greeters and ushers.

'Every Sunday at every service we recognize by name each visitor,' he said. 'We welcome John, Susan, Harry and Beth today.'

He also said an important part is the message. 'We preach Jesus; not Bethany, but Christ,' he said.

After the service members take newcomers to the visitors? center where they receive information packets.

During the week a 'welcomer' follows up by delivering a loaf of bread, made by the bread ministry.