Summer Fun
Unusual Dates for Outreach
July 12: National Paper Bag Day
Paper bags have been in use since 1859. Consider handing out paper grocery bags to those in your church to bring back filled with nonperishable foods. You can work with local food banks or school districts to identify specific needs in your area and ways of distributing the bags of food to families who could use extra groceries over the summer.
Third Wednesday in July: National Hot Dog Day
Whether you prefer classic ketchup and mustard, sauerkraut or chili, hot dogs have been enjoyed for decades in the U.S. Invite families, church members of all ages, and people who live near your church for an evening of yard games in the grass and hot dogs. Offer chips, cookies and soda to round out the fun night.
Aug. 2: National Coloring Book Day
Recent studies have shown that coloring helps reduce stress. Refresh your church’s supply of coloring books, colored pencils and crayons, then invite coloring enthusiasts to sit at tables with at least two other generations represented. Plan ahead and create simple table cards printed with optional conversation starters. For added fun, on the following Sunday give a coloring book and small pack of crayons to every child.
Aug. 21: National Senior Citizens Day
Take a moment to celebrate the older generations in your church. Whether planning a pickleball tournament or an old-fashioned ice cream social, give seniors a chance to tell stories from years past. Consider adding learning opportunities such as tech tips, trivia competitions and ideas to stay active.
Try This
Falling for Autumn
Get the whole church involved in these ideas to spend meaningful time together and engage with your neighbors this autumn.
1. Adopt a School.
Whether a nearby elementary, middle or high school, check with school staff for specific needs they may have as the new school year begins. From mentoring students to paying off lunch debt to bringing in snacks for teachers, your church could provide the smiles and encouragement the school needs.
2. Cheer for Youth.
Check with your local recreation department, sports leagues, schools and dance studios for schedules of students who are participating in sports, or art and music events. With parents’ permission and a little organization, post these schedules for church members to peruse and find what interests them. Parents, grandparents and friends can join together and support kids at a dance recital or football game. Be sure to include students of the arts and attend band competitions, art shows and school musicals.
3. Hold a Caramel Apple Party.
Perfect for those with a sweet tooth or who appreciate nostalgia, caramel apples are sure to satisfy both. Invite neighbors from around your church to come and enjoy an afternoon of sweets. Check online to see what you would need to dip apples in caramel. And don’t forget to include plenty of toppings.
4. Host a Halloween Alternative.
Some churches provide a Halloween alternative where kids can dress up and adults can hand out candy. Especially in areas where walking door-to-door isn’t a viable option, people of all ages will appreciate this fun event.
5. Help Neighbors Rake Leaves.
Encourage church members to get together and rake their neighbors’ leaves. Those who are aging or have special needs will especially appreciate the kind gesture. You can also connect youth with those in your church who might need an extra hand with this seasonal chore. Check with your city or county for any scheduled yard waste collection sites and times.
Count Your Blessings
Celebrate Ordinary Time
When we think of celebration, huge parties full of decorations and delectable treats typically come to mind. But God invites us to celebrate his goodness all the time—in grand ways as well as in the mundane moments.
Within the church calendar, there is Ordinary Time between Christmas and Lent, and again between Easter and Advent. Though, day in and day out, we can celebrate God’s presence, which is far from ordinary.
Consider mentioning Ordinary Time to your church and create a space to collect and celebrate the blessings received during Ordinary Time. People can write down a meaningful conversation they had with a friend, the sun rising in the morning, the provision of clothes and food, or the sound of a child’s laugh.
Whatever display you choose, be sure to include simple instructions and replenished supplies for those in your church to use. You can transform a bulletin board in a prominent hallway with bright-colored sticky notes. Or, hang framed chicken wire and attach notecards with clothespins. Better yet, recruit someone with artistic abilities in your church to create an engaging display that meets your church’s culture.
