PARISH FAMILY NIGHT

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A parish program which can be led or sponsored by a Brotherhood Chapter to help build a spirit of community and provide learning opportunities.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

It is recognized that a regular opportunity should exist for the parish to come together as a family to eat, sing, have fun and learn together. This can be done on a monthly, bimonthly or weekly basis. It can be sponsored by almost any parish group but it requires a certain amount of coordinated effort. The Brotherhood is suggested as a group that can handle this in many cases; however, the cooperation and help of all parish groups should be solicited. This activity is especially appropriate as a Lenten program.

HOW IT WORKS

The starting point is thorough and careful planning of the entire operation. This must include the rector and Christian Education staff. It may be that a weekly program is best initially although this may be difficult to sustain. Pick an evening which will, maximize attendance, although don’t expect that everyone in the parish will be able to attend every week. It is important for the rector to be present most evenings.

The program normally should not continue past 8:00 p.m. There are generally three phases:

A. A covered dish (casserole) dinner (perhaps with participants bringing their own plates and silver to avoid a washing operation at the church) and a monthly rotating volunteer kitchen crew providing coffee milk and rolls. This crew could set up tables if the parish staff can’t do it. Start promptly at 6:00 to 6:15 P.M.

B. A general session with singing of hymns, songs and announcements. This should begin about 6:45 P.M. and last about 15-20 minutes.

C. Groups meeting and possible activities according to age levels:

  1. Preschoolers with arts and crafts
  2. 1st to 4th grades on projects selected by students.
  3. 5th and 6th grades - choir practice or projects
  4. 7th and 8th grades - selected teaching or study, etc.
  5. 9th to 12th grades - Bible study and sharing.
  6. Adults according to selected study programs.

Groups should end promptly at 8:00 p.m. Encourage spontaneous prayer by individuals.

Periodically, instead of group sessions, presentations of the work of groups could be made at general sessions and special programs presented. It is important that teachers, group leaders, etc. be rotated periodically, say every 4 to 6 weeks. An overall planning committee needs to meet periodically to evaluate and plan. Enthusiastic leadership and promotion plus some faithful work and innovative ideas are needed to have a continuing successful program. Bringing in lay witnesses, youth and adults from other parishes and denominations should be done periodically. Keep the singing lively. Use guitars if possible. An occasional informal Eucharist is suggested.

HOW TO GET STARTED

After the chapter has enthusiastically agreed to support such an effort and prayed about it, a meeting of clergy and parish leaders should be called to discuss the idea and enlist more support. The key to doing this successfully is a capable, interested and talented leader. Do not start the program until this kind of person is avail­able. Keep praying about it and the Lord will provide the right person.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Much program material for both youth and adult groups is available from many sources. Write for lists of materials from the NATIONAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Last Update 03-31-2007