Lutheran Family Fellowship
This was one of those ideas that may or may not work out. The goal is to provide an event that an entire family -- both children and adults -- may attend, in which the adults and older youth have the option of attending a Bible class or similar discussion with people their same age, while the little ones are engaged on-site in a beneficial activity appropriate for their own age. In addition, we want everyone fed and able to leave by 7 PM. The discussions, classes, and other activities should be open-ended, so that anyone can jump in having missed one or more weeks due to schedule conflicts.
Usually, mid-week Bible classes are attended only by those without children. Usually, it's a bit of a hassle get a family fed and kids in bed at a reasonable time while fitting in some kind of church activity after working hours. Usually, when you miss one or more meetings, it's awkward to come back to it later.
We've had three meetings so far, and the idea seems to be working. We meet at 5:30 for devotion all together in the sanctuary. After that, we may sing a few hymns together, then split into whatever activities are available that day. The attendees are welcome to bring appropriate games, videos, or the like.
Bible class or book club activities for youth and adults meet in the pastor's study. There are two TVs with VCRs available, and one of them also has a DVD player. We have a number of games in the library, and many tables on which to play them. We can use the playground and grass outside (volleyball, tag, etc.), as well as the basketball hoop. There's space for preteens or teens to hang out and talk, if that's what interests them.
At 6:40 or so, we gather in the dining room for a simple dinner together. So far it's mainly been pizza and Kool-aid, with some extra dishes brought by volunteers that have made things more interesting. At about 6:59, we close with a brief prayer, and any volunteers help Pastor clean up the kitchen.
That's Lutheran Family Fellowship, and everyone is encouraged to come when you see it scheduled on our calendar. It should meet no more than every other week, and no less than once a month. Bring as many friends as you like. The point is to enjoy one another's company in fellowship around God's Word.
