Mayovka – Church Picnic

Yesterday our church held a “mayovka” which is traditional picnic that usually takes place in the first part of May.  The last couple of years I haven’t been able to make it to the mayovka so I was excited to go.  The theme this year was “family”  and we had a lot of families show up (about 200 people)! They also asked us to speak on the topic of family.

I was very impressed with the many members of our church who gave of themselves to make this event a success.  Not only was it an enjoyable day but it was also profitable for the church in more than one way.  I am a big fan of informal gatherings like this for several reasons.

1. It provides an opportunity to fellowship in a relaxed and fun environment. Sunday mornings are not always the best times for getting to know people.  However, through sports, relaxation and food it’s easy to strike up a conversation and build relationships that will last.

During our day in the forest I had a chance to get to know several people in our church better, however, I was particularly pleased to meet three families who don’t even attend our church.  Out of 200 or so who attended nearly 50% of them don’t regularly attend our church or any church for that matter!

2. It keeps the family together as a unit. The church is a family and for the church to become strong it needs to be made up of strong families.  One of the ways we can promote this is by provided more opportunities for the family to do things as a unit.  In today’s world husbands and wives and parents and children often go their separate ways in the morning and rarely see each other until late in the evening.  As a church we need to look for more ways to put families together.

3. It gets people away from their technologies. I have to admit that I am a tech junky and can be guilty of being too attached to my gadgets!  Not only is it refreshing to get a way from the computer and TV for day but it is also nice not hear the constant roar of the city.  It helps focus the mind on the things that really matter like God, family and eternity.

4. It tends to level people. When people are dressed casual, busy playing sports, enjoying each other’s company and in general relaxing it tends to level out the differences that might keep us from fellowshipping in a different context.  There is something great about seeing someone in their 60’s or 70’s playing badminton with a few 10 year olds!  The church ought to be a place where everyone is approachable.

Question: What does your church do to encourage informal fellowship?