When planning a tea, a meal, a special event where refreshments are being served and tables are set up. Consider strengthening invitation by having people from the church agree to host a table and then inviting people to fill the table with people they invite. Try not to invite people in the church, but also be sensitive to ensure no one is left out, or have a mix of hosted tables and sit anywhere tables. Depending on your room size and the eagerness of people, consider tables for four, six or eight. A small community of faith filled their hall with over a hundred people at their recent tea, with about 12 hosts filling their tables of eight. Think of neighbours you might invite, co-workers, extended family, people from other activity or interest groups, or combinations of people. Like the “guess who’s coming to dinner” kinds of events, people are given opportunities to connect with new people. Invitation leads to invitation. Preplan next events and upcoming interests, so you have reminder slips for future dates and times ready to distribute, and are able to invite everyone who comes to the current event to upcoming activities. Reach out with questions and we can develop ideas in your context. Let me know how you include inviting people with a fill the table event. Please contact me, Sharon Ballantyne, growth animator, at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca
Please join growth animator Sharon for virtual 30-minute drop in each Wednesday morning, starts at 9:45 Atlantic, 10:15 NL. Please contact Sharon for the zoom link.
