Three Activities Any Group Can Try This Year – No Matter the Size

Ruth Guild, the LWML group at St. Lukes in Reno, NV, has been doing some of their activities for many, many years. What that means for you is that they have tried-and-true activities that work for them – and will work for any group, no matter the size.

This sale of gift baskets is held the first Sunday in December – the perfect time to shop for Christmas gifts.

Here is a simple timeline:

• In the months preceding the event, the committee collects donated baskets and purchases needed supplies (basket packing materials, cellophane, decorative embellishments).
• One month prior, members purchase/donate items for the gift baskets using prepared “recipes” which follow a variety of themes. Members also save receipts to assist with pricing.
• Basket assembly and pricing is completed the Saturday before the event. It is a fun and busy day, with a soup luncheon provided for all the workers.

An annual Spring Tea is something that has been brought back to life at St. Lukes. It has proven to be a fabulous way to bring the generations together. Women and girls of all ages enjoy this elegant tea. Ruth Guild members volunteer to host a table and provide their own china and décor. Additional members participate by providing an assortment of tea sandwiches, finger desserts, scones, and of course, tea and princess punch. Each person is invited to bring a small bouquet of flowers, which is placed at the “flower shop.” As an activity and take-home gift, each attendee makes their own flower arrangement.

Looking for some inspiration to plan your tea? There are many resources available. Check out A Friendship Tea, which includes planning ideas, theme suggestions, and scheduling advice.

Providing an annual luncheon called “Older But Wiser” to seniors is a long-standing tradition at St. Lukes. This is another December event and is provided completely free of charge for our seniors. It has become a collaborative event with Ruth Guild providing the food and planning, and youth helping with set-up, serving, and clean-up. Volunteers from choir, worship band, bell choir, and individuals provide musical entertainment, ending with sing-along Christmas carols.

Does a large luncheon or dinner sound overwhelming? Your group might start with something smaller. Perhaps you want to recognize the newest confirmands during a special coffee hour. Maybe you want to celebrate the beginning or end of a school year by having a picnic or hot dog lunch for your Sunday School students – another great way to bridge the gap between generations!

Whatever you choose to do, don’t hesitate to try something new. You will find that the fellowship within your group grows and strengthens with each project you accomplish together. And that spreads to the entire church community.