Where to Gather that isn't Home

It's time to get out of the house! The warmer months bring so much joy and wonder to our lives, but they also tend to fill our calendars. Don't let a full plate stop you from making time for your village.

When in doubt, simplify. One of the best things about late spring through early autumn is that gatherings don't always have to be at home. Let's be honest. Sometimes it really is easier for everyone to bring a dish and meet in a mutually agreed-upon spot! No cleaning and dividing the hosting duties can be a Godsend in the throws of a busy season. Whether you're looking for a good kid-friendly outing, a couples' date night, or a spot for your next bible study there's a place for you.

Here are a few home alternatives to consider during the warmer months (April-October typically):

Parks & Picnics This is an obvious but fun option you can dress up or dress down however you need. Someone could take on decorating the table, someone can bring flatware (disposable or reusable; your choice), someone can bring beverages, and a few of you can contribute different dishes. You can even try ordering from a local spot to bring everyone's orders with you; no preparation necessary. Just get together and start catching up! We love this option because it allows you to make it a mom's day out or a play date with the kids. Easy to shift as your village welcomes more little ones to the mix!

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing"(1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV).

Having an option that feels doable for all seasons of life can really make a difference in strengthening your bonds as a group.

Check Out our Picnic Must-Haves Here!

• Joy & Strength Utility Tote

• Refresh Tumbler & Tray Set

• Grace & Gratitude Blessings Breadbasket

Fire Pits

This is a great bring-your-own option. Have each member of your village bring their own cooler of goodies, to share or not. It's totally up to you. Keep it really simple and fun! This is a great way to just get something on the calendar so time doesn't slip away with hectic travel schedules and family commitments. Pick a date, book a sitter, and show up ready to kick back and enjoy a night off with fellow village members. There's just something about fires that tend to take the pressure of socializing and shift the focus towards deeper conversations.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works," (Hebrews 10:24, ESV).

Make the fire pit the spot where you all discuss your faith, share those thought-provoking questions, or consider joining a local ministry as a group. You never know what ideas will come from a quality fireside chat.

Check Out our Fire Side Favorites Here!

• Filled With Joy Stainless Tumbler

• Good Things Tote

• Modern Scripture Shareable Cards

Local Cafes

While not an outdoor option, it is outside the home! Cafes are great for those surprise snowstorms, rainy seasons, or heck, those spells in the summer when it's just too hot to be outside! This is perfect whether you want to host a bible group, book club, or birthday brunch with the ladies. Everyone will enjoy making time for each other and love getting to sample a new menu without breaking the bank. You'd be surprised at the number of coffee shops with a large community table ready for mingling. Contact the manager or owner and see if they'd be willing to have you reserve the table for a group. As long as you're ordering off their menu, most owners will be accommodating. And hey, it's another option for minimal prepping during those busy seasons. You can focus on the most important piece of getting together, each other!

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind" (1 Peter 3:8, ESV).

Check Out Our Study Group Supplies!

• Bible

• Bible Encouragement Tabs

• Bible Organization Bag
  

• 100 Days of Believing Bigger: A Devotional Journal - Marshawn Evans Daniels
  

• Prayers to Share: 100 Pass-Along Notes for Believing Bigger - Marshawn Evans Daniels
  

Finding time to be together allows us to check in on our village, lend a listening ear, and share our own truths. It helps us shift our perspective from our own lives to see that we are not alone and that we can play a vital role in helping others in our community.

God calls us to surround ourselves with His people. He calls us to serve one another.

Be that your neighbors in need or your fellow village members, there is so much we can offer with our finances, time, and talents. Gathering with like-minded and like-hearted people helps us refine our focus and energy to God's greater callings in life; big and small. Let us be a community of gatherers who seek to lift one another up.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Matthew 18:20, NIV

No matter the time of year or the season of life you find yourself in, you'll never regret making time for your village. Whether you're outdoors letting the kids run around, gathering around the fire, or meeting up for a rainy afternoon bible study, there's a perfect gathering space just for you. Now go find a way to gather your village!

Have another type of gathering spot you think we should mention? Comment below!

Have a gathering story you'd like us to consider featuring on Faithfully Gathered? Share Your Story on our contact form. We'd love to hear from you!