Spring Into Outreach

7 Ideas to connect with your community during the spring

Spring Tea
A traditional English tea party—especially one in a colorful garden—offers a brief escape for today’s busy women who would never, of their own volition, take the time to sit outside and enjoy a cup of tea and a crumpet. Throw in a speaker (with a topic general enough to appeal to a broad spectrum) or even live music, and you’ll have an event church women will feel confident inviting female friends to enjoy.

Spring Makeover
Organize a crack team of handymen (and women) to tackle a rundown building in your community. Be sure it’s a selfless task that benefits those “outside” the kingdom. Get the proper permission, permits and supplies, and have fun.

Spring Paint Showers
Find a public school in need of an external makeover and gather a team of volunteers from your congregation to paint it or plant a new garden. Contact the school or school board in advance for permission and allow the principal to pick the colors.

Blooming Art
Enlist a gifted congregation member or local florist to teach flower arranging at church. Charge to cover supplies, but encourage participants to bring their own vase, apron and garden clippers. Don’t forget to advertise at local nurseries, farmers markets and craft stores.

Spring Sports Competition
Organize a friendly softball or flag football game at a local park, encouraging church members to bring friends and co-workers to play and watch. Hang a large banner to mark the spot. Be sure it contains your church name and Easter service times.

Pictures Say a Thousand Words
Enlist a photographer in your church—or from the community—then advertise a free or discounted photo shoot to families in your area. Set up a spring backdrop with props like flowered hats and baskets.

Walk, Don’t Run
Organize a walk-a-thon benefiting a local charity, with a course that begins and ends at the church and can be completed by people of all ages. Invite the community to participate and set up refreshment stations along the way.

 
These ideas first appeared in "Your Guide to Passion Week Evangelism," Outreach magazine, March/April 2004. Post a comment below to share what your church is doing. Each issue of Outreach is designed to bring you the ideas, innovations and resources that will help you reach your community and change the world. Click here to subscribe »