At a church meeting, someone...
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Object:
At a church meeting, someone asked why the church no longer held social events. The
group began reminiscing about church picnics in the park and ice cream socials in
fellowship hall. These events were well attended, someone said. Aunt Bertha said she
remembered how much people looked forward to the annual church picnic each summer.
And the picnic would last all day and no one would ever leave early.
Dawn told the group that she was willing to plan a game night at the church. A date was set, an article written for the newsletter. Dawn began talking to people before and after worship, inviting them to attend the game night.
Everyone was surprised when over twenty people attended the game night. People brought their favorite games. It was obvious to everyone that Dawn was enjoying herself as she played Trivial Pursuit with several others. At times, her laughter rose above all the conversation in the room.
Upon further reflection, someone mentioned that Dawn lived alone and seldom left her apartment. She had very little contact with people other than on Sunday morning. She would spend time on the telephone and internet but that was not the same as face-to-face interaction. Dawn seemed to appreciate this social event more than anyone else. She was one of the last to leave.
At the beginning of the church, believers gathered daily, "Day by day, as they spent much time together ... they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people." The believers needed the daily support and encouragement from the church. Are we missing out because we claim we are too busy to attend church socials?
Dawn told the group that she was willing to plan a game night at the church. A date was set, an article written for the newsletter. Dawn began talking to people before and after worship, inviting them to attend the game night.
Everyone was surprised when over twenty people attended the game night. People brought their favorite games. It was obvious to everyone that Dawn was enjoying herself as she played Trivial Pursuit with several others. At times, her laughter rose above all the conversation in the room.
Upon further reflection, someone mentioned that Dawn lived alone and seldom left her apartment. She had very little contact with people other than on Sunday morning. She would spend time on the telephone and internet but that was not the same as face-to-face interaction. Dawn seemed to appreciate this social event more than anyone else. She was one of the last to leave.
At the beginning of the church, believers gathered daily, "Day by day, as they spent much time together ... they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people." The believers needed the daily support and encouragement from the church. Are we missing out because we claim we are too busy to attend church socials?
