1. Pop-Up “Backpack Blessings” - Host a fun back-to-school event and provide small gifts of school supplies. Take time to pray a prayer of blessing and encouragement over the children. Expand the event into your community. Provide gifts of supplies and include written prayers or cards of encouragement! Fun alternate for Spring – do an end of school “summer” blessing and provide fun activities and crafts for kids to do at home!

2. Community Block Party - Encourage families to host a booth at their neighborhood block parties or holiday parties as a great community outreach. A family (or group of adults) can support their community and be a witness for God’s love by participating in local events. Giving out water, playing a fun kid-friendly game like a ring-toss or bean-bag toss, and providing a face painting “booth” are great ways to be present in your community and have an opportunity to show love for children and families!

3. Fall Festival Event - Many churches try doing a “Halloween” replacement event, providing a welcome, safe alternative for trick or treating. Host a fall festival event or pumpkin patch festival, where families who might not come to a regular church event would feel welcome to participate. Paint pumpkins, serve fresh apple cider, create a maze, and invite your families to be the hosts. As some areas of the country are still just beginning to allow gatherings again, see this as a chance to reintroduce your ministry (and Jesus!) to your community.

4. Trunk-or-Treat Events in Neighborhoods - Do you have adults who want to serve kids but aren’t necessarily in neighborhoods with families? Encourage them to sponsor “treat stations” in family neighborhoods for Halloween. Host silly games and treat stations in communities with lots of children. In this way you take church to the community instead of bringing the community to your church (consider providing treat cups or items that can identify your church as a great place for families to visit).

5. Community Christmas Party or Children’s Christmas Program – Get your families to invite friends and participate this year in a community Christmas party or even as part of your Christmas program. Search online for “children’s Christmas service” and take advantage of free ideas that make for an easy event.

Whatever you do – in the neighborhood or at your church - make sure that you take time to pray for your families and the families they’ll be inviting to know Jesus better! 

Jane Robinson is the brand manager for CTA – Christ to All (ctainc.com). Jane’s background is in Christian education, children’s choirs, and product development. She enjoys meeting new friends in ministry and spending time with her husband, Paul, and three grown children.