By Cyndee Ownbey
I’m a big fan of continuing to host women’s ministry events through the summer, but this year it’s especially important that we offer opportunities for our women to gather because:
- Most of your women are anxious and ready to gather again in person—don’t make them wait until the fall.
- In the last year, new women have started to attend your church. You might not even know that they’ve been quietly attending online services for months.
- Summer church calendars are often sparse. You may be surprised by the interest and attendance.
- Women need Jesus every month of the year.
There’s just something about summer that lends itself to casual gatherings, potlucks, and simple décor. A more relaxed atmosphere can also result in hearts that are more receptive to the Gospel.
While it can be tempting to give your team the summer off, summer events and activities don’t have to equal more work for your team. Keep things simple. Ask for volunteers to host events in their home or backyard (in a larger church, you may need multiple host locations). Meet outdoors when you can, minimizing the need for décor and room resets.
Need fresh ideas for something to do with your women this summer? Check out these ideas and adapt them to best suit the women in your church and community.
- Ice Cream Social—Request women bring their favorite topping and have some sign up to bring homemade ice cream or have a tasting party of favorite store-bought flavors.
- Cookout or BBQ—Many women are happy to open their home for a meal. Ask women to bring a dish to minimize the work and cost.
- Outdoor Concert—Check your local newspaper or online events calendar for upcoming concerts.
- Walk—Get outside and hit the trails at a local park or nearby nature center. Your group may want to prayer walk in a neighborhood near your church.
- Progressive Dinner—Drive (or walk) to each course (appetizer, salad, entrée, dessert) served at a different home.
- Water Sports—Schedule an afternoon of kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, or boating on the lake.
- Farmers Market or Fruit Picking—Search online for pick-your-own strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, or peach farms. Show and tell your purchases before heading home.
- Play Tourist—Explore popular tourist spots in your hometown.
- Go to a Game—Support your local baseball or sports team.
- Day Trip—Carpool to the beach, mountains, or a local shopping center.
While most of the ideas above are focused on fellowship, don’t forget to point women to Jesus—consider gathering before or after your event for a quick prayer and a brief devotional or testimony.
May God use your summer fellowship events to deepen the relationships between women in your church.
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