Let's Do the Things
We had our first Blueprint for Hospitality last week and it was a lovely start to a year-long series on how to become people and places of welcome and radical hospitality. We’ll be meeting once a month to share something that’s on the hearts of ministry leaders all over. The first one was on relationships - hospitality really begins with relationships. Every time we talk to or see someone is an opportunity to get to know them better, share from your heart and do something for the other. It’s like Jesus did - he gave people more than they even asked for at every encounter. We are called to do the same.
I love lists. I like to read articles that give me lists - especially numbered ones. I love them, and I also like to create them. They give me a sense of possibility. I thought I would give you the top ten ways to reach out this week to those in your ministry and build on your relationships:
Call. Yes. Not texting, flock note, email or messenger. Call. It’s etiquette these days to ask ahead if you can call, so the first text is just fine. But the call is personal. Your voice is a gift and the effort made is priceless.
Door knob hangers with notes. This requires some travel: create a fun door knob hanger and put them on the doors of your volunteers, catechists, helpers, families, staff. Invite people to help with that. It's a surprise and it’s sweet. See the link here for the pattern.
A warm and happy beverage mix to share in the mail or dropped off. Aztec hot cocoa, spiced tea, chai, s’mores hot cocoa - Pinterest is your friend here. Attach a heartfelt note and a scripture verse.
Invite people to a dinner party - on zoom. Send out recipes, conversation starters, table décor and then meet up on zoom one weeknight for dinner. Ask a family or catechists to lead the meal prayer. Mic’s off, it’s still fun to eat together. Mic's on - someone can use those conversation starters! If you like - choose a theme like “pasta palooza.” It’s something all ages could make.
All Saints and All Souls Day are quickly approaching. Create an online vigil for families or invite them to name those who have died in their families and add them to prayer list. You could create a little video with all the names, some lovely slides and a song you can use with copyright.
Invite people to share favorite memories of Halloween or post their costumes for this year. Staff and pastor included. Add a note to share best and worst all time Halloween candy.
Virtual ethnic food event. Celebrate your community’s culture. Set a date, invite folks to join in and share a food favorite from their cultural heritage or one they love. Let folks show off what they’ve made and just stay on to chat about customs, family, history and you can add the faith perspective - what might be your faith heritage? Tell the stories.
With all the phone calls and checking in, it is easier to have a sense of what your community needs. Food? Respite from care-giving? Space for school pods? Ask first and then invite the community to a town hall meeting to start off a week of giving. Food donations, offering to bring a meal over, check-in on kids at home with virtual school. All the safe environment requirements are still there, but don’t let that get in the way - it’s time to reach in and be there as the pandemic continues.
Life events during COVID - a Facebook live or zoom event to talk about all the things that have happened to us, for us, in us, during the pandemic. This could include a slideshow from the staff sharing 2020 Baptisms, First Communion, wedding photos, ordinations to the priesthood and diaconate, births, milestones like drivers licenses, college acceptances, awards and any good news there is. It’s a great way to let people know that life is still happening and we belong to each other.
Hopes. This is a little project that connects. Send out a few triangles to each parish member. (think party banner size) As them to write a hope they have for this coming year on a triangle and then return them to the parish. The staff can create a really long super-festive bunting that can be used all during Advent or for Christ the King. Take pictures and post on social media and share some of them up close. A great way to lift hearts!
So each of these are just a little way to connect. They don’t take much money, mostly time and preparation. Invite others into leadership here and give the list away letting volunteers take them on, to build community, offer a welcome, and let people know that they belong.
Peace,
Jane
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
