by Gail Marsh
Need a little spark in your summer ministry plans? Perhaps a tip or two will help.
Father’s Day
- Here’s a last-minute idea for honoring Christian fathers, mentors, and role models this Father’s Day. At the close of Sunday services, invite all the men outside for a photo opportunity. Ask them to stand so that the cumulative result is the shape of a cross. Stand on a ladder to capture the picture. Then send a digital image to those who provide their e-mail address. Suggest the men use the photo as a computer screen saver or a print to place where they will see it often. Let the photo serve as an encouragement of what Jesus did for us and a reminder to live each day for Christ.
- Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to link seasoned dads with first-time fathers for prayer support and mentoring. Gather contact information from experienced dads who are willing to serve. Share this information with new dads, and let them connect with the father of their choice for advice and encouragement in Christian fathering.
Patriotic Days
- Purchase inexpensive plastic flags at your local dollar store. Give one flag to each family as they arrive for your June 14 worship service (Flag Day). At the close of services, invite families to hold their flags high as you pray for our country. Encourage families to place their flag at home where it will remind family members to pray daily for the nation and our leaders.
- Consider getting your church family together before this year’s Fourth of July fireworks. Plan a July 4th barbeque cookout for the evening meal. Ask participants to provide side dishes. After the meal, gather together for a short time of prayer—thanking God for our country and also praying for his continued guidance and strength to witness to his saving work in Jesus among those who do not yet know and love him. Walk or carpool together to enjoy the local fireworks.
- Do your outdoor flags need to be retired? Consider replacing them this month. You might even want to formalize the replacement with a simple ceremony after services on July 5th. Invite those members of your congregation involved with Boy Scouts or veterans’ associations to help with protocol and the ceremony. (You might also invite members who have tattered or faded flags to bring them along for respectful disposal.)
- Invite families to show their patriotism as they use chalk to decorate the sidewalk outside your church. Provide chalk and be sure to take pictures so you can save the “artwork.”
Vacation Time
- Ask your local hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfast establishments if you can post information about your worship times and location(s) on their bulletin boards. Or ask that information about your church be included in their visitor’s guide. Check to make sure summer dates and times are correct.
- Help your congregational shut-ins experience a “virtual getaway” this summer. Invite interested families to share information about their vacation with homebound members. Suggest that family members take along photos, postcards, maps and other memorabilia to make the virtual trip even more memorable for the homebound person(s).
- Many families can’t afford a vacation this summer. Perhaps just a change of scenery would boost spirits. Consider organizing a congregational house swap. Interested parties can sign up as host homes along with dates they’d like to switch houses with another family.
- Post a large piece of butcher paper in your fellowship hall and label it “Fun in the Sun.” Encourage families to note local summer favorites: best park for biking, yummiest outdoor dining, best museum for kids, greatest picnic spot, favorite fishing holes, and more. Include some free and inexpensive categories as well as some that charge admission. Suggest that congregation members and visitors check out the places this summer.
