How might we build community and connections within all ages/stages and between different ages/stages?
General Approach
• encourage people to participate in activities without committing to committees
• personal invitation
• support a range of talents and new creative developments
• recognize the spiritual stages, and support and welcome the journey to worship and action in the church community
• Research: What are successful congregations doing?
Worship
• alternative worship times, study, discussions; alternative location (lounge) social for those for whom Sundays don’t work, e.g., nursery care
• drum circle with First Nations in worship time
• church band – all ages; play non-secular music
• more contemporary music and instruments
• livestreaming – continue, publicize and help having it streamed in long-term care and assisted living
• bring-a-friend day
Connection Within Ages and Stages…
men
• more men’s groups to meet on a social level
• “invite a friend” to men’s coffee group
couples
• couples club
• young couples’ events – look at ways to attract
children and youth
• Vacation Bible School and follow-up (note: invites are sent to VBS participants each year to come to Rally Sunday)
• rummage sale and auction, items for kids; only kids, gift cards
• dedicated programming for high school – volunteer homes
• something external to Sunday School for youth
Connection Between Ages and Stages…
establishing small groups
• intergenerational small groups and families created within the congregation
• forming groups within the church to participate in community event and charitable activities e.g., Terry Fox Run
other ideas
• asking/noticing child – talk to them/engage
• mentorships for youth
• continue Friends in Faith (confirmation)
• hold more community wide events: e.g., golf, concerts, games nights, seminars, etc., for all ages/interests
• Bible studies times/days to include all ages
• provide opportunity to learn life skills: e.g., cooking, sewing, etc. in youth groups and other age groups
• informal events and opportunities to interact: e.g., floor hockey, movie night, tea
• workshops, craft groups, Lego competition
Bring the Community In
• activities to draw in community: moms’ group, dads’ group, crafts, health, eating
• events open to those outside our church: floor hockey, camping, soup luncheon, kids’ movie night, lake skating nights
• toy library for parents and tots
• a freezer at church where frozen soups, vegetarian meals, frozen spaghetti, sauce, etc. could be donated – free to anyone – help yourself
• open space to new activities: e.g., floor hockey, games night
• job fair
Take the Church Out
• if a community event, have a dedicated group of church folk attend/help
• going out into the community
• community projects (existing and new): e.g., Santa Claus Parade, Pride Picnic etc.
• Participating as church in established community events: e.g., Port Perry Fair
Advertising and Social Media
• pot-luck and games night posted on social media
• advertise games night, floor hockey (signage and social media, lawn signs, newspaper)
• increase communication of activities in community, list of groups and activities, storytelling
• publicity/social media to reach out to tell our story to younger audiences
• advertising to stages: humour, constant/safe.
General Approach
• encourage people to participate in activities without committing to committees
• personal invitation
• support a range of talents and new creative developments
• recognize the spiritual stages, and support and welcome the journey to worship and action in the church community
• Research: What are successful congregations doing?
Worship
• alternative worship times, study, discussions; alternative location (lounge) social for those for whom Sundays don’t work, e.g., nursery care
• drum circle with First Nations in worship time
• church band – all ages; play non-secular music
• more contemporary music and instruments
• livestreaming – continue, publicize and help having it streamed in long-term care and assisted living
• bring-a-friend day
Connection Within Ages and Stages…
men
• more men’s groups to meet on a social level
• “invite a friend” to men’s coffee group
couples
• couples club
• young couples’ events – look at ways to attract
children and youth
• Vacation Bible School and follow-up (note: invites are sent to VBS participants each year to come to Rally Sunday)
• rummage sale and auction, items for kids; only kids, gift cards
• dedicated programming for high school – volunteer homes
• something external to Sunday School for youth
Connection Between Ages and Stages…
establishing small groups
• intergenerational small groups and families created within the congregation
• forming groups within the church to participate in community event and charitable activities e.g., Terry Fox Run
other ideas
• asking/noticing child – talk to them/engage
• mentorships for youth
• continue Friends in Faith (confirmation)
• hold more community wide events: e.g., golf, concerts, games nights, seminars, etc., for all ages/interests
• Bible studies times/days to include all ages
• provide opportunity to learn life skills: e.g., cooking, sewing, etc. in youth groups and other age groups
• informal events and opportunities to interact: e.g., floor hockey, movie night, tea
• workshops, craft groups, Lego competition
Bring the Community In
• activities to draw in community: moms’ group, dads’ group, crafts, health, eating
• events open to those outside our church: floor hockey, camping, soup luncheon, kids’ movie night, lake skating nights
• toy library for parents and tots
• a freezer at church where frozen soups, vegetarian meals, frozen spaghetti, sauce, etc. could be donated – free to anyone – help yourself
• open space to new activities: e.g., floor hockey, games night
• job fair
Take the Church Out
• if a community event, have a dedicated group of church folk attend/help
• going out into the community
• community projects (existing and new): e.g., Santa Claus Parade, Pride Picnic etc.
• Participating as church in established community events: e.g., Port Perry Fair
Advertising and Social Media
• pot-luck and games night posted on social media
• advertise games night, floor hockey (signage and social media, lawn signs, newspaper)
• increase communication of activities in community, list of groups and activities, storytelling
• publicity/social media to reach out to tell our story to younger audiences
• advertising to stages: humour, constant/safe.
