Events

“What you have done for the least of these, you have done it unto me” (Matt 25:40)

The purpose of the National day of Service is to promote the Brotherhood’s Discipline of Service, bringing our Christ-centered ministry to as many people as possible on one specific day. 

Here are some ideas chapters and members-at-large can use when planning Brotherhood National Service Day activities.

For starters, explore the chronology of your chapter. When was it formed? Who was the original small band of brothers?

What has become your signature event on a regular or annual basis? How has this event or activity helped others become Christ’s disciples?

What would be the most appropriate activity for your chapter on the Day of Service? Besides your signature  event, some other ideas could be:

• An evening prayer service with testimonials – conducted by Brothers – to give thanks and to introduce others to our fellowship.
• A grandson, father, son (or daughter) breakfast to share appreciation or to honor military service. This activity could include a gathering of care package items for the troops deployed.
• A morning prayer service to commemorate your signature event or, to cite one example, the tenth (insert appropriate number) Habitat House your parish has supported – with recipients expressing their experience in their new surroundings.
• A special prayer breakfast for those needing healing in the parish community. The rector would bless the sacraments, sending the disciples out to spread the message. Brotherhood teams would then deploy to various nursing homes, hospitals, or to shut-ins with healing prayers and communion. The youth could even prepare “thinking of you” notes to be delivered during these visits.
• Prison ministry: conduct a service with inmates expressing their own testimonial on finding Christ. Another option would be to include those who have graduated to the outside world to return to tell their faith journey.
• A chaplain recognition day for those men and women who service local colleges, Episcopal Church Homes, VA centers, military installations, Masonic Homes, local hospitals or nursing home plus Episcopal or Anglican clergy. Think of ways to make it upbeat and exciting to share the common fellowship.
• A youth day with parents featuring local testimonials from past Junior Brotherhood members. Let them tell how their participation helped them meet the challenges in the grown-up world.
• A Boy Scout recognition with parents: present a St. George Award to a parish Scout leader. Share the history of Boy Scouting and The Episcopal Church.
• A feed the homeless celebration: serve the meal then have a hootenanny-type revival event, singing for 20 to 30 minutes and concluding with a special healing or prayer service over those who seek Jesus.
• A missionary support day to recognize the Brotherhood’s support for orphanages and other ministries. Tell the story then have a fund-raising event or visit an orphanage.
• A Brotherhood project day: build ramps for disabled or handicapped persons.
• A mentor recognition day for youth camp volunteers: tell the history with testimonials on what the program has meant to the children. Present unique awards to the leaders.
• Patriot Paws handler demonstrations with training routines and success stories with those who benefited from the four-legged companions.
• Host an inter-denominational gathering on Why Men Don’t Attend Church. Open the forum with breakfast (donations welcome), kick it off with three separate sessions and conclude with a noon-day service, praying together.
• A father-son campout with fishing, hiking and an overnight visit to a local state park.
• A theme park visit with youth from the parish, orphanage, abuse center or situations with children growing up in homes without a father figure.

Hopefully, these ideas and sharing topics will enable you to create a unique event for your chapter. One suggestion: select your event early. Share this idea with your assembly president and diocesan coordinator.