Fun in the sun

It’s the hazy, crazy days of summer and many rejoice just as Alice Cooper declares in his 1972 hit that “School’s out for summer!” And while this may be true, what we also know is that your congregation doesn’t go on summer vacation and is still in full session.

Summer can be a great season for your congregation, a time for outreach, faith and fun. Creative summer events can be a great experience as long as they are planned effectively. Here are some fun, family-friendly outdoor summer events your congregation might enjoy trying.

1. Outdoor worship: Enjoy God’s beautiful creation, fresh air and sun while worshipping with your congregation. Set up lawn chairs, blankets and an altar to serve as the sanctuary and then bring the music and praise outside and begin making a joyful noise to the Lord. Outside worship does not have to be every service or even every week. One great idea is to create a fun summer series such as a theme about water. The Scriptures are rich with stories and imagery using water. Then plan your worship service utilizing water within the worship: maybe a nearby lake or stream, or a small pool or a large bowl. The possibilities are endless! As you prepare to worship outdoors, invite your neighborhood to come check you out.

2. Movie nights: Set up an outdoor movie night for your congregation and community members. Project a movie on one of the exterior walls of the church and pop fresh popcorn for viewers to enjoy. Encourage people to bring a friend.

3. Picnics: Everyone knows Lutherans love to have potlucks and what better way to spend a warm summer day than a picnic at the park. Invite congregational and community members to the event and plan fun activities for all ages. If the temperature begins to rise, water balloon tosses and sprinklers are a fun way to cool off.

4. Sports: Your congregation can never go wrong when planning a sporting event. Whether it is a sports camp for kids, a tournament for teens and adults or a benefit for a charity, sporting events are sure to be a hit with your congregation. Sports camps can be opened up to the community as well and are a great way to reach out into the community. Plan softball tournaments, 3-on-3 basketball, soccer games or bocce ball to name a few, and have participants create teams. Golf benefits are also very popular among adults and can help out a local charity that is important to your congregation.

5. Fundraisers: There are endless opportunities for fundraisers in the summertime. On a hot day have your children’s ministry or youth group set up a snow cone or lemonade stand, and when someone buys an item, give them an invitation to attend Sunday worship. Plan a car wash to help support a group in the congregation or a local charity. Collect items from members of your congregation and community and set up a garage sale in the parking lot. At all of these events you can sell cold drinks and food and share with your community members the mission of your congregation.

All of these fun, family-oriented summer events can be used as major outreach tools for your congregation. These events are also a great way to bring your congregation together in fellowship and worship. Publicize all events on your congregation’s website, outside the building, and through personal invitations and posters in local venues making this summer one of outreach, and enjoy your congregation’s fun in the sun summer events!

You might also want to read or watch:
An unconventional ministry
Outdoor food safety
A camp that heals hidden wounds