Encourage social growth in your class by planning a class lunch every Sunday. While Sunday School time is focused on the lesson and prayer, getting together for lunch moves the focus to socializing and getting to know one another.
How often should the class have lunch together?
It's best to plan a class lunch for every Sunday. When I first started teaching my class, I tried to have lunch just once a month. This didn't work out because people would forget about it and make other plans. With a weekly lunch, the class always knew that it was going to happen and tried to make it. And even if someone couldn't make it one week, there's always the next week to catch up with them.
Who do we invite to the class lunch?
EVERYBODY! Regular class members, attendees that pop in and out, and visitors. A good way to cause strife is to limit invitations to select people. This isn't healthy for the teacher, the class, or the church as a whole.
Someone should be assigned to make the special effort every week to invite the visitors to lunch. They may be new to the area, so make sure that the visitors have a map or directions to the restaurant. A cell phone number could also be useful in case they get lost. A group could even carpool to the restaurant and invite the visitors to ride with them.
How can we remind the class of the lunch?
If you don't already, you may want to start sending out a weekly email to the class, including information like the next lesson topic, lunch location with directions, and any other social activities planned. (This would require that you have a list of email addresses.) It's also a good idea to have an announcement sheet that you pass out every Sunday morning that includes the restaurant name, directions, and a contact number.
What restaurants are good choices for class lunches?
Any restaurant that is buffet-style would be a good choice. Try to avoid places that require everyone to pay on the same ticket. Also, keep cost in mind. Lunch can get expensive if you have an entire family to pay for. If it's too expensive, people just won't join the class for lunch.
Are there alternatives to going to a restaurant?
You might see if someone would open their home for a potluck. Lunch may start a little later if people need to go pick up their food from home after lunch, but it could save them a lot of money. And it would be great for those with children if their kids have someplace to play. Just be sure to thank the hosts!
An afternoon in the park is also a great alternative. All everyone will need is a change of clothes and some fast food. A bonus would be organizing some games. Just be sure to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
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