Today we reach day three of the three-part series of ideas for community outreach. 10 more to chew over:
- Launch a community newsletter - last year my church launched The Proclaimer and distributed it to all letterboxes in the Parish, and online.
- Display generosity and give something away. In the current financial climate, generosity will stick out like a (well received) sore thumb.
- Coordinate an art show, encouraging locals to submit artwork expressing what they love about their suburb. This was the brilliant idea of the Community Pastor at my church - Hayley Neal. Read more about the I HEART KIRRIBILLI art exhibition and prize.
- Write cards, and give them to local business owners, thanking them for their service of the community.
- Coordinate a 'clean up our suburb' Saturday - with a BBQ back at the church. This year my church got involved with others in the community during Clean Up Australia Day - and hosted a BBQ back at the church.
- Run a course at the church, offering skills in managing your finances in tough times, or helping people to cope with depression, or 10 weeks of conversation French - or whatever skills people in your congregation have.
- Encourage the youth group to run a community car wash on a Saturday outside the church - with all proceeds to a local charity.
- Create a community calendar, sponsored by local businesses, including details of church service times and activities (along with other community news), and distribute to local letterboxes.
- Host a Q&A night at the church - inviting locals to come and ask any questions they have about Christianity.
- Copy some sermons to CD and drop them in local letterboxes.
There are many, many ideas for how we can be getting involved in our communities. Let's continue the discussion. What ideas do you have? Do you have any suggestions for websites with more resources?
