A small committee is in the kitchen buttering bread for grilled cheese sandwiches, pastor is practicing songs on his guitar, and there is a stack of games in the corner of the school gym, just waiting to be pulled down and played with. 

Is it a youth group meeting? A lock-in? Evening Vacation Bible School? Instead, the first people to show up that evening are women three elderly women. Following them are men and women of all ages coming in carloads, by the couple, and alone. Behind them are some young families with children, and finally the congregation’s junior high and high school youth appear, just as supper is served.

This is “Funtastic Family Night,” an opportunity for members of the community to join together once a month in the school gym for a free supper, board games or card games, and a wonderful chance for fellowship with one another. Once a month, a committee or group from the congregation takes its turn providing and preparing the meal for an average of 85 people. 

Once the meal is eaten and the tables cleared, Pastor leads those gathered in a brief meditation on God’s Word and in song. On this particular night he chose songs traditionally associated with church camp, and accompanied them with guitar.

Following the meal, dinnertime conversation, and time in God’s Word and in song, chairs scrape and voices rise as the games come from the corner and groups are formed around the tables. There are children on the gym floor playing Battleship, mothers and their children are playing CandyLand, various groups form to play cards, and still others tackle board games. The volume level in the room is evidence of the genuine enjoyment of this time together. 

The pastor came to this congregation of 565 members a year ago and began this “Fun Night” when school started. Word about this time of fellowship has been shared in the community newspaper and by word of mouth by members and non-members alike. Currently, 25-30% of those in attendance each month are non-members. Pastor notes how these evenings of fellowship have increased the visibility of the congregation and his role as their shepherd throughout their community. He is now stopped as he goes about his business by people who have attended “Funtastic Family Night.”  This activity has helped make the church part of the community and has helped create relationships both in the congregation and into the community. 

One lady shared the following: “I am so glad they do this. I love alone and like playing games, so this is a good time to come and visit with others while I eat and to play games with people. I don’t go to church here, but I came for Easter Sunday service, and it was wonderful!”

What a joy that God is blessing the efforts of this congregation. For more information on “Funtastic Fun Night” and how your congregation could begin holding such an activity in your community, contact Pastor Jonathan Meraz at the Zion, Plainview, church office at 1-402-582-3312.