Games & Activities for a Church Anniversary
Whether your church is celebrating its first year in the neighborhood or has been a pillar in the community for decades, members will want to plan something special for the church's anniversary. There are several enjoyable, spiritual activities your congregation can engage in to make this milestone memorable, and keep everyone looking forward to the next anniversary. Does this Spark an idea?
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Parking Lot Fair
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Set up a fair or carnival for members and their guests in the church parking lot, or use the lawn as well to create enough space for the celebration. Include tables for church members to sell baked goods or small craft items -- proceeds can go towards the building fund or to aid a ministry within the church. Rent a bounce house and dunking booth, and hire someone to provide face painting or create balloon animals. Send everyone home with a favor from the church anniversary fair, such as a key chain shaped like a carnival tent in a color that coordinates with the anniversary. Use gold for the 50th or silver for the 25th.
Guest Speaker and Presentations
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Ask a prestigious guest speaker to grace the pulpit for the church's anniversary to make the service extra special. For instance, choose a good friend or colleague of the pastor's who is also a clergy member, or work with the children in the congregation so they can present a short sermon. Request that the speaker talk about the church's history and accomplishments or say a special prayer for the church's continued growth and development. During the anniversary service, arrange to make presentations like a plaque for the pastor to thank him for his decades of service, or the unveiling of a new items to adorn the church, like an altar or commemorative stained glass window.
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Anniversary Dinner
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Organize a fancy dinner for the congregation to enjoy as they celebration the anniversary of the church's beginning. Find out what most members would like to eat at the celebration by sending out a small survey via email or as an insert in the bulletin a few weeks before the dinner. Host the meal in the fellowship hall of the church if space permits, or reserve a banquet hall close by. Enlarge and display photos of the church in its early years, as well as pictures of members who have been attending the church for decades. Compile a CD of some of the favorite songs or hymns that are often sung or played during worship service. Decorate the party site in the color that matches the church's anniversary year. For instance, for a 15th anniversary dinner, cover the tables in ruby red cloths and deep red balloons and streamers.
Church Scrapbook
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Ask the church historian, or members who have attended the church for decades, to spearhead the church scrapbook project. Post an announcement in the bulletin asking members to submit church photos so the scrapbook team can accurately chronicle baby christenings and dedications, weddings, funerals and renovations to the church building itself. Include pages honoring the pastor and members who hold leadership positions in the church's various ministries. Unveil the book at a special ceremony during your church's anniversary weekend, and serve refreshments for members to enjoy as they admire the book's pages.
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References
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