Yes, a greeting for those who have just joined is entirely appropriate.
In a church worship service, a warm word to all those present, including those who arrive a little later, helps create an atmosphere of acceptance, respect, and Christian love.
When the leader or minister addresses the congregation, it is important that the words sound natural, sincere, and kind. If you want to add a phrase like “we welcome those who have just arrived,” it is not only possible, but very appropriate. Such an approach reflects the biblical spirit of hospitality, mutual love, and unity in the body of Christ.
Why a warm greeting is important
The Bible teaches that God’s people should receive one another with love. A greeting in the house of prayer is not just a formality. It is a way to show that every person is precious before God and welcome in the congregation.
“Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” Rom. 15:7
This biblical principle also applies well to a brief introductory word at the beginning of the service. Even a simple phrase such as “we are glad to welcome those who have just joined us” can help a person feel not like an outsider, but part of the shared worship.
Natural phrase options for worship services
Since your question concerns practical wording, here are several gentle and natural options in Ukrainian that sound good in a church context:
1. Blessed Sabbath, dear brothers and sisters, and welcome to God’s house. We also warmly welcome everyone who has just joined us.
2. Blessed Sabbath to everyone present. We are glad to welcome those who are just now arriving and joining our worship service.
3. Welcome to God’s house. With love we also greet everyone who has just arrived and is joining in our worship together.
4. Blessed Sabbath, and a heartfelt welcome to everyone. We are especially glad for those who have joined us just now.
The most natural and shortest wording often sounds like this: “We warmly welcome everyone who has just joined us.” Such a phrase is simple, warm, and does not overload the introduction.
What should the style of a church greeting be like?
In a Christian setting, especially in a Seventh-day Adventist congregation, what is valued is not eloquence, but sincerity. Therefore, it is good when the leader’s words are:
— brief;
— clear;
— kind;
— centered on God;
— uniting for the congregation.
The apostle Paul reminds us that everything in the church should be done for edification.
“Therefore let all things be done for edification.” 1 Cor 14:26
That is why the opening remarks should not be too long. Their purpose is not to take up much time, but to prepare hearts for worship. It is good if, after the greeting, there is a natural invitation to stand for singing, prayer, or Scripture reading.
An example of a prepared text for the service leader
Here is one ready-made option that can be read at the beginning of the worship service:
Blessed Sabbath, dear brothers and sisters! Welcome to the house of God. We warmly greet everyone present, as well as those who have just joined us. May the Lord bless our worship together. I invite everyone to stand, and we will begin the worship service with a song of praise.
This version sounds solemn yet natural. If desired, it can be made even warmer or even shorter:
Blessed Sabbath to everyone! We warmly welcome you to the house of God. We are also glad for those who have just joined us. Let us stand and begin our worship service with a song of praise.
The biblical spirit of hospitality in the church
Hospitality and acceptance are of great importance in the Christian church. This is especially important for guests, new people, or those who arrived late and may feel uncomfortable. A kind word from the pulpit helps relieve tension and reminds everyone that the church is a place of grace.
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9
Ellen White also emphasized the importance of Christian kindness, attentiveness, and heartfelt treatment of people. The Spirit of Christ is revealed not only in preaching or singing, but also in simple words of greeting that can open the heart to God’s truth.
Conclusion.
Therefore, adding words of welcome for those who have just arrived is not only acceptable, but worthwhile. It sounds natural, Christian, and helps make the atmosphere of worship warmer. It is best to use a simple and sincere phrase, for example: “We warmly welcome all who have just joined us.”
In practice, this can be done as follows: prepare a short introduction of 2–3 sentences that includes a general greeting, a separate mention of those who have just arrived, and a smooth transition to singing or prayer. This ministry of the word will help the whole congregation feel unity, peace, and God’s presence.
