Growth Ideas 101: Calendaring Events (February 4, 2026)

When is that happening? What time? Where? Who are the key contacts? Who’s looking after what? What else is happening that week? What’s going on in the wider neighbourhood that might support—or conflict with—your plans?
A calendaring event brings people together to explore their shared hopes and priorities for the year ahead. Once you’ve created a master calendar for the first year, it becomes a valuable resource. Simply duplicate it annually: one version for the current year and one working draft for the next. When someone says, “We should remember that for next year,” or “We might try that,” those ideas can be added immediately to the future calendar.
Many communities find it helpful to keep a working document for notes, seasonal rhythms, and recurring events. Be sure to include activities happening in the wider community as well. Planning a church event on the same weekend as a major hockey tournament is one of those regrettable surprises that good calendaring can prevent.
As you plan, pay attention to who has energy, skills, and interest—and who is committing to each project. Consider who in the broader community might also be willing to help.
When it’s time to share your calendars, colour coding can make them easier to navigate. For example:
• Music related events (concerts, choir practices) in one colour
• Community dinners and food related activities in another
You might even host a community wide calendaring event at a local centre, school, or other third space. It’s a great opportunity to cross check dates, build partnerships, and extend invitations. And don’t forget to have reminder slips or handouts ready so people can easily take upcoming dates with them.
If you’d like to explore these ideas further or reflect on what might fit your context, please contact me, Sharon Ballantyne, Growth Animator, at 506 306 0500 or sballantyne@united-church.ca.
You are also invited to a virtual 30 minute drop in conversation every Wednesday morning at 9:45 a.m. Atlantic (10:15 a.m. Newfoundland and Labrador). Contact Sharon for the Zoom link.