FTO Feature: Wednesday night suppers - 8 fresh ideas

by Diana Davis

Wednesday night supper at the church is a great tradition. It provides a joyful opportunity for fellowship and gives many Christians the extra boost they need to make it through a tough week.

Has your church’s midweek dinner slipped into monotony lately? Need some fresh ideas to keep it special? Here are eight simple ones ...

1. Get logo aprons and savvy servers. Purchase inexpensive bib aprons by the dozen, and monogram the church logo or motto on them. It won’t cost a fortune, and it will add a touch of class. Our deacons serve Wednesday dinners (Acts 6:2-3). Using a rotation schedule, they demonstrate joyful fellowship and servant leadership. This gesture brings recognition and respect for our deacons, and everyone loves their servant spirit.

2. Use sign holders at each table. Purchase appropriate-sized plastic sign holders for each dining table. Display Wednesday evening schedules and room numbers for all ages on one side and upcoming church events on the other side.

3. Extend an outdoor invitation. Occasionally advertise Wednesday dinners on your church’s exterior sign, i.e. "Join us for dinner Wednesday at 6 p.m. Cheap price; Invaluable conversation!" Be sure friendly members are ready to assimilate guests.

4. Set up a pastor’s table. Give a printed invitation to new members of your church for a free Wednesday dinner with the pastor at a special pastor’s table. If there are extra seats at the table, invite their Bible study teacher or another church member their age to join them. Treat them like kings! Make a "welcome new members" table sign and print their names on place cards. Give them a small gift, such as a church license plate cover. At our church, the deacons actually "bussed" the pastor’s table, and church members made a great effort to stop by to reintroduce themselves to new members. Best of all, the pastor can learn names, hear stories of the new members’ Christian walk, discover interests and gifts, and help plug them into ministry and friendships.

5. Take reservations. To help with planning dinners, request an RSVP using a tear-off in Sunday’s worship bulletin for one-time or standing reservations.

6. Offer an informal summer schedule. Wednesday evening schedules in the summer might be more informal. For example, our church adjusted Wednesday menus to a lighter fare of salad, soup and loaded baked potato. Our Wednesday evening prayer service was held around the dinner tables.

7. Provide a family rate. Aid families by limiting the maximum cost per family or offering reduced rate children’s meals. Always provide meals free for church staff families.

8. Add simple extras. Don’t get in a rut. Live or recorded background music is always a nice touch. Rearrange the dining tables occasionally to add life. Add one-time extras, such as fresh flowers from a member’s garden, a strolling violinist, or youth servers. Keep Wednesday evening meals fresh with occasional surprises.

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