This spring and summer, engage with those in your church and community in new ways.
Refresh Your Church’s VBS
Consider rejuvenating your vacation Bible school plans with these ideas:
- Scheduling
Most VBS programs run in the morning for four or five consecutive days. However, churches need not be bound by this time schedule. For example, Greenwood Church of the Nazarene (Facebook.com/GreenwoodNaz) in Greenwood, Arkansas, has held VBS in the evenings for years. Volunteers don’t have to take time off from their jobs to help, and in the evening temperatures are cooler.
- Training
Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs, so why not use this approach when recruiting and training VBS volunteers? Partner a seasoned volunteer with one who is new to the program not only to cross-train on VBS responsibilities, but also to foster a new connection.
- Offering
Many VBS programs include optional giving opportunities for the kids to support missions. Connect the children at your church with an organization that helps kids in another country, and ensure the funds collected support it.
Autism Awareness Day Is April 2
According to Autism Speaks, those with autism and their families can be hesitant to attend church for several reasons, including:
* sensory issues that cause them to be uncomfortable or disrupt others
* the need for regular rhythms
* negative past experiences
* the fear of judgement
As part of acknowledging Autism Awareness Day on April 2, try these ideas:
* Have your church participate in a community event focused on autism awareness.
* Bring in a local expert to educate volunteers (greeters, kids’ ministry, youth ministry, AV ministry) on what autism is and how your church can become more welcoming.
* Invite someone in your church with autism or the family of someone with autism to share their story.
* Create a sensory-friendly space in your church for those with autism.
Additional resources for churches are available from Autism Speaks.
Hed: The 5 Love Languages on Mother’s Day (May 10)
Gary Chapman’s bestselling book The 5 Love Languages covers five distinct ways people naturally give and receive love. As you plan for Mother’s Day Sunday, consider using this book as a framework for your celebration.
- Acts of Service
Have the men of your church cook breakfast—for example, eggs, pancakes and juice—for the moms. Consider simple ways to make the moms feel special as they are being served.
- Receiving Gifts
Provide a small gift for every woman (a carnation, a verse card, a bookmark). Or, give a larger gift in their honor to support a local women’s shelter or ministry.
- Quality Time
Offer a Mom’s Night Out, while your church’s children’s ministry takes care of the kids. Moms can enjoy an evening away from the mental load of parenting.
- Words of Affirmation
During the service, take time to recognize all women on Mother’s Day. Be mindful that while many openly celebrate, some are hurting on this holiday. Offer a prayer for all women—how they are created by and loved by God, and appreciated by friends and family.
- Physical Touch
As children leave the kids’ ministry, remind them to hug their mothers. During the service, gather friends and family around each mom to pray for her.
Just for Fun: Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Grab a bag of peanuts and help your church enjoy the new baseball season—and engage with the community.
Join a Rec League.
Gather groups of adults, teens or kids and enter teams in a local recreational league. Plan regular practices and be sure to encourage kindness and integrity while playing the game. You can add an optional Bible study after practice, and invite others from the community to join in.
Consider Upward Sports.
More than 2,000 churches have implemented Upward Sports programs in their communities. The materials are affordable and allow you to focus on connecting with people. Upward supports a variety of youth sports programs. And, they just added an adult program for running.
Help with Concessions.
Offer to staff the concession stand for a local high school baseball program. Your church will surely be a blessing to the community.
Share Your Church’s Facilities.
Highland Park First Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, has two full-service softball/baseball fields on its property, perfect for Little League Tee Ball or Coach Pitch games. Sunday evening Bible studies are followed by a softball game each week, starting in late May.
