Brainstorming
Now that I have made some decisions, the angsty energy that has been driving me nuts has finally made some good progress at draining away. Now it's time to have some fun! During my last meeting with Beth, she asked me what my three big areas of interest in the church are. Probably rather predictably, those areas are 1) Liturgy, 2) Pastoral Care, and 3) Outreach (order is not significant). So, she has asked me to come up with an outreach project that I feel passionate about. Problem is, I feel pretty passionate about a number of things, and when I start to look at them, they seem to not be good choices for outreach. So, putting the rule of good brainstorming into play (ie, no editing- there are no bad ideas in brainstorming), I want to throw a bunch of things out on the table, and invite you to do likewise. If your church (and I don't care what flavor of faith it is) has done some darn fine outreach work and you'd like to share, please feel free. Here's the list I've/we've come up with so far, Some are pretty common, but remember the rule! Your ideas will be added into the post as I get them.
community garden -- labyrinth -- Sponsor/adopt a classroom/scout troop
"welcome home" for servicemen/women -- support for military families
-- support for returning military --
"homecoming" dinner (invite old members back) -- book giveaway --
parent's night out (cheap/free babysitting once a month) --
Random Acts of Senseless Kindness -- School supplies/backpacks for kids
Mid-week sack lunches for homeless -- laundry day for homeless
meals for shut-ins -- seasonal day-camps -- family craft nights --
family movie nights -- day trips to places of interest --
grief support groups -- parenting classes -- 12 Step groups
single parent support groups -- College Day (ie, have food and they will come)
health screening fair -- cooking on a budget classes -- exercise classes
cupcake/cookie decorating for kids -- packing budget friendly lunches bento style
quidditch tournament (like I could leave that out)
Various Appreciation days (fire/police/teachers/military, etc) -- community picnic
blood drive -- TEMPLE AKIBA'S ANNUAL MITZVAH DAY -- "sister" houses of worship
Online mass/worship -- podcasts of sermons -- podcasts of inspirational talks
facebook for daily prayers, etc -- phone app for prayer --
"One light" prayer times (interfaith - stop for short prayer at noon)
Habit for Humanity -- micro-loan groups (Kiva) -- men/women shelters
Your turn! Ideas please?
community garden -- labyrinth -- Sponsor/adopt a classroom/scout troop
"welcome home" for servicemen/women -- support for military families
-- support for returning military --
"homecoming" dinner (invite old members back) -- book giveaway --
parent's night out (cheap/free babysitting once a month) --
Random Acts of Senseless Kindness -- School supplies/backpacks for kids
Mid-week sack lunches for homeless -- laundry day for homeless
meals for shut-ins -- seasonal day-camps -- family craft nights --
family movie nights -- day trips to places of interest --
grief support groups -- parenting classes -- 12 Step groups
single parent support groups -- College Day (ie, have food and they will come)
health screening fair -- cooking on a budget classes -- exercise classes
cupcake/cookie decorating for kids -- packing budget friendly lunches bento style
quidditch tournament (like I could leave that out)
Various Appreciation days (fire/police/teachers/military, etc) -- community picnic
blood drive -- TEMPLE AKIBA'S ANNUAL MITZVAH DAY -- "sister" houses of worship
Online mass/worship -- podcasts of sermons -- podcasts of inspirational talks
facebook for daily prayers, etc -- phone app for prayer --
"One light" prayer times (interfaith - stop for short prayer at noon)
Habit for Humanity -- micro-loan groups (Kiva) -- men/women shelters
Your turn! Ideas please?