A lot of churches forget to just have fun together. There are a lot of great things to celebrate in August that can build relationships within your faith community. Plan something different for back-to-school month using one of these themes.
Foods to Celebrate in August
August is National Watermelon Month. What better time of year to cut up some fresh melons and chow down? Since it’s also Eat Dessert First Month, there’s no guilt when you have sweets before the main meal. Offer a selection of meats, cheeses, condiments and vegetables to celebrate National Sandwich Month. Encourage everyone to try one new vegetable on their sandwich to boost healthy eating.
Every day in August has its own food to celebrate. August seems to remember frozen desserts more than any other month:
- 6 - National Root Beer Float Day
- 14 - National Creamsicle Day
- 18 - National Ice Cream Pie Day
- 21 - National Spumoni Day
- 25 - National Banana Split Day
- 26- National Cherry Popsicle Day
- 31 - National Eat Outside Day
Month-Long Observances
On a more serious note, August is also Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Kids are going back to school and participating in sports. This would be a good time for your church to take time to make sure all the kids have the right eyewear for safety. If you have single parents who already have a stretched budget, this would be a big blessing.
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by patches of red, scaly or itchy skin. Sadly, many people with psoriasis are embarrassed by it. It can appear quite startling, but it’s important to remember that it is not contagious. There is no cure. Treatments simply help to control the symptoms. Awareness reduces the stigma associated with the disorder.
Continuing the back-to-school theme, August is also Children’s Vision and Learning Month and National Immunization Awareness Month. Faith organizations can provide information to parents to help them make good choices for their kids. Many parents forget to have their child’s eyes checked by a doctor. The American Optometric Association recommends that babies should get their first comprehensive eye exam at the age of 6 months, then again at 3 years old. Children entering kindergarten should also have an eye exam.
Planning Your Legacy
August is also known as “What Will Be Your Legacy? Month.” A faith community is the perfect place to talk about how you want to be remembered when you’re gone. Take some time to reflect on your past and present life to think about how you’re affecting the future. Give out some tips like these to help people create their legacy:
- Create lasting relationships that offer mutual influence.
- Live life the way you want to be remembered.
- Know what type of legacy you want to leave behind and plan to make it happen.
- Treat people with kindness.
- Do your part to make the world a better place.
- Don’t worry that you can’t do everything.
- Remind yourself that your time is limited. No one wants to remember their own mortality, but it reminds you to make good use of your time.
Actually, everyone creates a legacy, whether they realize it or not. The real question is whether you’re leaving the legacy you want to create. How will your children and their children remember you?
Encourage Togetherness
August is Family Meals Month. Family mealtime is making a comeback, but many families still have problems getting together at the table. Eating together builds relationships, gives your child a sense of stability, saves money and lets children practice social skills.
Take some time this month to celebrate something new with people in your faith community. Build bridges with other faith communities by reaching out and doing something new.
