By Aaron Earls
Mother’s Day can be a complicated Sunday for many churches. This Mother’s Day may be the most complicated in quite some time.
A 2012 LifeWay Research study found Mother’s Day to be one of the three highest attendance day for churches, but pastors often struggle with how to recognize mothers while not ostracizing others.
With most churches still refraining from meeting physically, they are forced to rethink how they plan to honor moms this year.
Here are a few ideas for how your church can make mothers feel special this year even if they aren’t seated in your pews.
1. POST AN ENCOURAGEMENT VIDEO.
In addition to your regular worship service, record a special video to recognize mothers. Share applicable verses, and let moms know you’re praying for them.
Encourage moms, including single moms and step moms, that God sees all the extra work they’re doing now to care for their children. Remind them He will honor their sacrifices.
Also use the time to speak to women watching who long to be mothers and aren’t. Lift up those who experience pain on Mother’s Day (whether through a death or fractured relationship).
2. MAIL CARDS.
This time of social distancing has brought new joy to old habits. Things like checking the mail and opening letters have suddenly become daily highlights.
Consider pulling out the post office stamps to have your church honor moms in this retro way.
3. DELIVER FLOWERS OR SMALL GIFT.
If your church is small enough or if you have enough leaders and volunteers, you could make house calls to the moms in your congregation on Mother’s Day.
If your church usually recognizes moms with a flower or other small gift, why not hand-deliver those?
4. TAKE FRONT PORCH FAMILY PHOTOS.
Moms often enjoy family photos on special days, but that will probably be more difficult this Mother’s Day.
If someone in your congregation has access to a nice camera, send them out to take photos of moms with their kids.
Churches could email the photos to the moms as a special treat and post them on social media (as long as the families approve) so the entire church family can see each other.
5. HOST AN ONLINE GROUP FOR A MOM’S NIGHT IN.
As many moms have been unable to go out and have a free night with friends, set up a place for moms to hang out virtually and share with each other.
Make sure this is an open invitation for women in the church, so certain ladies do not feel left out. Having various perspectives can make the night even more special.
6. SEND IDEAS AND RECIPES TO DADS.
Both as a way to remind the men in your congregation and as an encouragement for them to serve their wives and families, send some quick and easy recipes for Sunday dinners to dads.
Encourage the men to get kids involved in making the day special for moms at home.
7. WORK WITH RESTAURANTS.
Local restaurants have been struggling during this time. Partner with them to provide coupons for families for takeout or delivery.
Restaurants may not be able to create any new coupons or deals specifically for you, but they’d probably be glad to share with you any ongoing promotions.
Collect all of the ones you can and send those out prior to Mother’s Day. You’ll be giving a nice treat to moms and helping local businesses during a difficult time.
What other ways can churches recognize moms during this unique Mother’s Day? What does your church have planned?
AARON EARLS (@WardrobeDoor) is online editor of Facts & Trends.
This article was originally published by Facts & Trends at factsandtrends.net