How does your church reach out to the community during the holiday season? Here are some ideas you could use this year.
Coat collection. Most people have at least a couple extra coats, plus accessories such as gloves, scarves, and hats sitting in the closet. Why not connect with a community organization and partner in their annual coat drive? You could even make your church a drop-off site.
Caroling. On Friday night or Sabbath afternoon, send groups from your church caroling in the surrounding neighborhoods. Consider distributing home baked treats and invitations to your church’s Christmas and New Year’s Eve programs.
Food baskets. Find creative ways to contribute to a local food pantry. You could go door-to-door can collecting or even hold a contest to see which Sabbath school class could donate the most food. Make it something the whole church can get excited about.
Holiday meals. Your church could host a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal for people who might not be able to prepare their own or who don’t have anyone to spend the holiday with. Many of your church’s families might also enjoy the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving together.
Soup kitchen. Recruit church members to serve a holiday meal at a soup kitchen. You could also distribute warm clothing and provide games for the children.
Community-friendly service. Plan a candlelight Christmas Eve service with lots of favorite Christmas songs followed by a reception with treats and hot drinks. You could also feature a nativity play. Be sure to invite the community. You could also plan a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party with plenty of activities for children, teens, and adults.
Gifts that last a lifetime. Instead of getting gifts for all your friends at church, you could choose something from ADRA’s Really Useful Gift Catalog to give in their honor. Visit www.adra.org for ideas.
Promote your activities. Be sure to include information about holiday programs on the church website. People in the community would be interested. Also be sure to have your plans listed on community calendars with the local newspaper and radio and television stations.
