10 inspired ideas to celebrate God, family, and fun this
summer
Summer evenings are unbeatable -- kids and families can't get
enough of being outside together, enjoying the smell of fresh-cut
grass, an impromptu touch football game, or a leisurely walk
through the neighborhood. So why not capture the fun for ministry
moments?
We asked children's ministers to share their favorite,
tried-and-true ideas for summer evening fun to come up with a list
of 10 fabulous ways to celebrate God and each other on a warm
summer evening.
1. Father's Day Car Show
Celebrate Father's Day with an outrageously fun
car show guaranteed to draw dads. Sponsor a car show that showcases
antique, collectors', quirky, and modern cars in your church
parking lot. Promote the show throughout your church and auto clubs
in your area. Have participants and guests vote for best in show
and other honors, and award trophies. Consider selling snacks and
beverages to raise money for your ministry. An event like this is
sure to draw tons of curious visitors, lots of cars, and lots of
fun.
2. Night Sky Insight
Contact a local conservatory or college and invite
astronomy experts to bring telescopes to your ministry. Ask experts
to provide insight into the summer night-time sky. Rarely do kids
get to see the stars through a telescope, so give families a chance
to look for stars and planets, and talk about what they see. After
a presentation about the sky, hand out plastic telescopes
(available at craft and hobby stores), and let kids decorate them
with permanent markers. Tie your night-time viewing to Genesis
22:17 (Abraham's descendants are as numerous as the stars) or
Philippians 2:15 (God wants us to shine like stars).
