Fellowship Brunch, Luncheon, or Reception

A fellowship time after the Invite a Friend Sunday worship service provides an opportunity for your visitors to make new acquaintances and to cement existing relationships. Be sure to consult the timeline.

Brunch, Luncheon or Reception?
You will need to determine this based on your church’s situation. A brunch or luncheon will allow more time for relationships to build, but it will happen with a few people with whom the guests are seated. A reception allows for more floating, is less costly, and may be less intimidating for new people. Use your best judgment for your situation.

If your church has more than one service, be sure to consider the best time(s) for the fellowship event(s).

If You Choose a Brunch or Luncheon
If you go the brunch or luncheon route, you could plan it as a traditional potluck. If you do, secure the help of the group that normally coordinates such events in your church. Remember to ask the persons in your congregation to be sure to bring plenty of extra food, since you won’t ask your guests to provide food or beverages.

You may decide to have the meal catered. This will be more costly, but it will free all your people to mix and mingle with the guests. Also, it will not leave guests of those preparing the food alone. A catered meal will also indicate how much you value your guests. You might fund a catered brunch or luncheon by asking persons to purchase tickets for themselves and for their guests. Or you could underwrite the cost of guest lunches, so as not to be a burden on those who are faithful in inviting others.

If You Choose a Reception
If you choose a reception, be sure that it is very special. While cookies and punch are an old standby, consider something new and different. One idea is to have a dessert buffet. Volunteers could be recruited to donate desserts, minimizing expense and preparation time on the day of the event.

In Either Case — Mingle!
Encourage church members to mingle with visitors. Ask those who brought guests to introduce them to a few other persons with whom they might have something in common. The worst possible thing that could happen is for church folks to have a good time visiting with one another and to neglect the guests!

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S. Joan Hershey, A Guide to an Effective Invite a Friend Sunday: Sharing Hospitality with New People.
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