Your program year has begun. What tone did you set for this year? Do you have plans for your next celebration?  How can you build on the momentum you have set?

Evaluating What Happened

I am a “list” person. I like to brainstorm with people who were involved in the beginning (Rally Day) celebration and list the yes’s, the no’s, and the wishes.

In the Yes column, we list all the things that went well and that we would like to do again. We include the communication that worked, the tone that was set, and which of our goals were met.

In the No column, we list all the things that were planned or happened that we would not do again, were not well attended, and the things that weren’t worth the effort.

In the Wish column, we list what could have been added, emphasized, or planned better or differently. We look at each age group. Were they involved? Was enough happening to keep everyone engaged? What age groups were missing? What areas of your celebration were the best attended? What was missing?

What Is Next?

Do you have plans for your next celebration? You may already have your congregation’s traditional celebrations in place. Think about how those and/or something new can add to the momentum that you have established. Look at your evaluation columns and add or subtract according to your lists.

Both the church year and secular year have many options and ways to celebrate. Here are a few to get your creativity going.

• All Saints’ Sunday/Halloween: Parking lot Trunk N Treat, random acts of kindness hunt, carve pumpkins with Christian symbols, service project, bring treats to a nursing home (reverse trick or treat)
• Thanksgiving: Gratitude board, pie fest, a service project of sandwich making for shelter residents
• Advent: All-out blue day (blue colored clothes, food, decorations, crafts), prayer partners meet-and-greet, service project of making cards for ill and homebound residents
• Christmas: All-congregation living nativity, petting zoo, service project of pet toys for an animal shelter
• New Year’s: Talent show, dance, potluck, service project of items for housing-insecure families
• Epiphany: Photo booth with royalty props, parade following a star, making stars, caroling, exploring Epiphany celebrations in other cultures, service project of re-gifting leftover or extra Christmas gifts to a school

Acknowledge

Look at your Yes list and congratulate and thank all the people who made your beginning celebration possible. Whatever you did, whatever happened, and however your day went, there are things to acknowledge the work and the effort that was made. Take a moment to pat yourself and those around you on the back.

Remember to pray. Remember to breathe.

Grace & Peace

Kirsten Patterson

About the Writer

Kirsten is an educational professional with 28 years of experience in communities of faith, skilled in motivating, teaching, and team building. She has demonstrated expertise in building an arc of faith formation and educational opportunities from age 2 through adult. This has included fellowship, outreach, and intergenerational and age-specific classes.

With Spirit & Truth Publishing, Kirsten is happily employed as a writer and collaborator.

This blog post is part of a monthly series of practical advice for faith formation leaders by faith formation and education professionals. Summaries of these posts are sent in a monthly email to email subscribers. Subscribe today!