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Special Events:
New Years and Easter
Ideas for New Years
In late December or the beginning of your program year, ask each group member to write down one change she would like to make in her life, signing her name. Redistribute the papers by pulling names from a hat, and ask each person to be a coach for the person whose change they pick. The coach serves as an encourager and resource, helping to brainstorm ways to help the person meet her goal. The pair should check in with each other monthly. In one year, regather to share about the year and celebrate progress made. Emphasize the importance of trying your best, and note that results will vary.
Create a time capsule by having group members write on notecards answers to a variety of questions (i.e., What’s important to me now, My goals for this year, To me God is ____). Place them in a tin to be opened and read the next year. Alternatively, brainstorm ideas of things that represent your group’s legacy to the next generation. Collect these items, arrange a way to store the capsule, host a festive event to dedicate it, and set a date when it will be opened at a big celebration.
Select a child from your congregation, or another special person in your life, to hold in prayer during the next year. Put a photo of this person in your Bible as a reminder of your commitment.
Ideas for Lent and Easter
As a group, choose a special form of prayer during the Lenten season, such as daily prayer at a certain time. Or pledge together to use the daily Lenten materials printed in Leader magazine; order from (800) 245-7894.
Research the history and symbolism of hot cross buns, and make some to share with your families or congregation.
Have individuals write on pastel, egg-shaped papers, “I thank God for (group member) because ______.” Decorate an egg tree with these blessings.
Invite one or more persons of Jewish faith to speak with your group about the traditions, and their memories, of Passover.
Fill plastic Easter eggs with small toys or balloons and messages of God’s love. Hide them for neighborhood children to find in a local park.
Purchase butterfly cocoons for each group member; watch them open and celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
Printable PDF of this page.
In late December or the beginning of your program year, ask each group member to write down one change she would like to make in her life, signing her name. Redistribute the papers by pulling names from a hat, and ask each person to be a coach for the person whose change they pick. The coach serves as an encourager and resource, helping to brainstorm ways to help the person meet her goal. The pair should check in with each other monthly. In one year, regather to share about the year and celebrate progress made. Emphasize the importance of trying your best, and note that results will vary.
Create a time capsule by having group members write on notecards answers to a variety of questions (i.e., What’s important to me now, My goals for this year, To me God is ____). Place them in a tin to be opened and read the next year. Alternatively, brainstorm ideas of things that represent your group’s legacy to the next generation. Collect these items, arrange a way to store the capsule, host a festive event to dedicate it, and set a date when it will be opened at a big celebration.
Select a child from your congregation, or another special person in your life, to hold in prayer during the next year. Put a photo of this person in your Bible as a reminder of your commitment.
Ideas for Lent and Easter
As a group, choose a special form of prayer during the Lenten season, such as daily prayer at a certain time. Or pledge together to use the daily Lenten materials printed in Leader magazine; order from (800) 245-7894.
Research the history and symbolism of hot cross buns, and make some to share with your families or congregation.
Have individuals write on pastel, egg-shaped papers, “I thank God for (group member) because ______.” Decorate an egg tree with these blessings.
Invite one or more persons of Jewish faith to speak with your group about the traditions, and their memories, of Passover.
Fill plastic Easter eggs with small toys or balloons and messages of God’s love. Hide them for neighborhood children to find in a local park.
Purchase butterfly cocoons for each group member; watch them open and celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
Printable PDF of this page.
* * * * * *
From Women Together: Ideas for Women's Groups, volume 1. Printed booklets of Women Together 2, with no duplicated material, are available for $8 U.S./ $10 Cdn. plus postage and GST.
U.S. residents: Send checks for $8
U.S. (payable to Mennonite Women USA) to the MW USA office.
Use our order form.
Canadian residents:
Order directly from the Canadian Mennonite Resource Centre; you will be billed
$10 Cdn. plus postage and GST. E-mail your order or call
toll free: (866) 888-6785.
11.29.2005
