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COMMUNITY

by Liz Montes, Editor, CTL
"Summertime and the livin' is easy." For this ordinary time season, try to bear that song in mind. Plan events that honor that summertime nostalgia. How about a parish picnic -- better yet, three or four picnics? Make them midweek at a local park in the cool of the evening, "come as you are" from work or play. Encourage everyone to pick up some fast food and bring picnic blankets, baseball gloves, and soccer balls. When it is time to go home, join together for a modified evening prayer liturgy. 

How many long-timers are in your parish? Invite a group to get together over coffee, and ask them to "plan" a short oral-history walking tour of the area. They’ll know interesting tidbits of history that may soon be lost. Once a month, offer small group walk- abouts. Start in the church with morning prayer, then take off on the community adventure. 

Start a summer Bible school. One parish involves children and adults in learning a particular book of the Bible and translating it into a musical extravaganza. 

Hold a parish cleaning day. Invite the whole parish. Have everyone bring cleaning supplies. You provide hot dogs, chips, beer, and sodas. Keep it short and manageable. Have a sing-along at lunchtime. 

Whatever you do, keep it simple. Help the faith community to see God in their ordinary lives.