Ideas for family fun in the sun!
Summer offers plenty of chances to do things together which seem less appealing in the cold winter months and can be a prime time for engaging with the community with local fetes, flower festivals, events and summer visitors milling around.

Think how your church could use this time as an opportunity to provide a friendly, welcoming and engaging experience to those you know locally and those you don’t!
- Get to know people by getting involved at an existing event. Offer simple, free activities and use it as a starting point to have a conversation. If people show an interest have something to give them which offers them an open invite to other services/activities the church runs.
- Consciously involve families in church events, such as making a collective ‘creation garden’ or running a flower arranging activity based on a bible story as part of a flower festival.
- Plan an event that attracts all ages. Organise a bike ride or village treasure hunt starting and ending at the church, with prizes for different age groups, and refreshments, afternoon tea or a picnic to join in with at the end.
- Serve a need. Summer holidays can be a long, tiring and expensive time for families looking to occupy children for six weeks. Organise a series of ‘mini-holiday’ sessions which offer a place for families to meet, play and have fun. Plan these around a bible theme or story.
- Use your expertise. Build relationships with young people by sharing what you love and growing
their skill set. Offer short practical sessions or workshops such as photography, art, sport, writing, wood-work, bike repair, knitting etc.
Whatever you do remember to plan well to ensure that it is:
- Intentional – Who are you reaching? What is your message?
- Specific – Is it achievable and relevant?
- Missional – Are you actively ‘Going out’ to meet people in their context rather than expecting them to ‘come in’ and understand yours?
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