By Luann Brehmer, Faithbridge Church, McKees Rocks, Pa.
Hello, ladies! If you want to do an outreach that is powerful and fun for everyone, check this out: Last year, we hosted a community baby shower. We held a BBQ with games and music for the whole neighborhood while celebrating life by giving away baby gifts to expecting and new parents. It was a joy-filled event.
Here’s how it worked:
We gave away a free raffle ticket to each expecting and/or new parent when they arrived. That ticket was their entrance into the gift room where they could choose 1-2 items off of each table: each received diapers, wipes, formula, blankets, and outfits, etc. Next, their ticket was entered in a drawing for a chance to win a grand prize: one of three new diaper bags filled with nice surprises, or one of a few other big prizes to choose from.
The recipients of the raffle tickets were asked to provide their name and phone number on the ticket stubs, so after the event, we could follow up with each one to see what their needs are, and to build relationships with them.
It was very affordable because members of the church (and their families, friends, and co-workers) were so excited to go shopping and buy baby gifts and diapers, and get in on the fun and worthy cause; the BRN generously offered us a grant to purchase the grand prizes (and even the Woven Women blessed us with a beautiful gift that put a big smile on a pregnant, young mom’s face!); and the church provided the yummy BBQ food (prepared by the “best chefs” in the Rocks!).
We handed out half-page flyers to all of the daycares, grocery and drug stores, pregnancy centers, and even contacted the social worker at the local high school who graciously accepted donations afterwards for their young parents.
We had a table with spiritual information on it and prayer warriors available to talk and pray for them, and bless the children.
And here’s the feedback we received:
The new parents were so surprised and grateful for all of the gifts, and even more than that, we received many testimonies about how delightful it was to be able to go shopping for the precious babies! Everyone was truly blessed!
Do you have a creative ministry idea to share?
We’d love to hear about it! Simply email the following info to be considered for a future posting:
- Name of ministry leader
- Name of event
- Blurb outlining the purpose, frequency and how it works
