Did you know that at most churches, after Christmas and Easter, Mother’s Day is the highest attended Sunday of the year?
Yet, Mother’s Day in church is often lost in the mix, and an opportunity to connect with new people can be wasted. However, this doesn’t have to be true of your church.
Little things go a long way when recognizing moms and the women in your church. Know that even the littlest act of love may be what makes people feel seen and loved even weeks after Mother’s Day has passed.
Want to make sure you make the most of Mother’s Day this year? Here are 5 tips to make the most of mothers at your church in 2024.
1. Provide a Photo Booth or Backdrop
Setting up a photo booth or backdrop allows families to take a family photo and remember the day. For many moms, this could be the greatest gift you give her.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Keep it simple. You don’t need elaborate props or backdrops. Moms want the focus to be on their family…not the background.
- Consider having volunteers available to take photos with people’s phones. This way people already have the photo and it reduces administration.
- Depending on the size of your church, set up multiple locations. This will help to prevent long lines and encourage more families to take photos together.
- Have a sign near the photo booth with a hashtag for your church (ex. #mothersdayatFBC). This will encourage families to use the hashtag when posting photos on social media that your church can share.
Remember, moms are often the ones taking photos of their family, so creating a place for her to be in the photo with her family is a little thing that makes a big difference.
Pro Tip for Those Less than Crafty: If you’re intimidated by setting up a photo booth, don’t be afraid to take to Amazon. A quick search will result in multiple backdrop options you can purchase and easily assemble at your church.
2. Be Mindful in Scheduling Volunteers
Here’s a big tip that may seem obvious: don’t schedule moms to volunteer on this day.
Yes, you’ll need volunteers, but this is an opportunity for those who may not regularly serve in the church to step up and give moms a break.
Not only should avoid scheduling moms, but also try to avoid scheduling dads who have young kids as this puts an extra burden on moms.
If you’ve ever watched a mom wrangle a pack of young children into church alone, you know it’s not an easy task. Help her by making sure she has help, too.
Volunteer Recruitment Pro Tip: Start early and ask people in person. When you ask, be sure to remind them this would be a huge gift to the moms who usually serve.
3. Create a Fun Video With the Kids
Another fun way to make the most of Mother’s Day at your church is to create a video that can be shown in your services.
Before Mother’s Day, ask kids funny questions about their mom. For example:
- What’s your mom’s superpower?
- What’s the funniest thing your mom does?
- How does your mom show she loves you?
- What’s something your mom always says?
- What’s your mom really good at? What’s she bad at?
- What does your mom do when she’s not with you?
- Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
- How old was your mom when you were born?
Then, compile their answers into a short video. Not only will this give your church a good laugh, but it’s a sweet way to remember children at different ages.
Quick Reminder: As always, get permission before filming children especially if you plan to post the video online. You don’t have to spoil the surprise by telling moms the details of the video, but they’ll want to know if their child will be included or not.
4. Acknowledge that It’s a Difficult Day For Some
Whether people are struggling to become mothers, have lost their mothers, or have other difficult circumstances, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not always a happy day for everyone.
Take time to pray and discuss with your staff the best way to minister to those who may be hurting.
This may be addressing those hurts from the pulpit and taking some time to pray specifically for these people. Or, it may be having leaders or ministers available to meet with and pray for those who want to talk to someone.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure it’s done with sensitivity and love.
Greeter Pro Tip: You won’t know who is hurting or grieving on a day like today. Because of this, it may be best to encourage your greeters to avoid “Happy Mother’s Day” language and instead say things like, “We are so glad you are here today!” Encourage them to be welcoming but sensitive.
5. Give a Gift to the Women of the Church
Lastly, consider giving a gift to women in your church to make Mother’s Day memorable.
It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, but something meaningful will go a long way. Here are a few ideas for gifts to give:
- Have a flower bar set up for women to stop by and make a small bouquet
- Gift cards to a local coffee shop
- Books or other resources on motherhood
- Cute coffee mugs, water bottles, or tumblers
- Self-care items like lotion, chapstick, or bath bombs
- Scripture cards or prints that can be hung in their homes
- Offer breakfast items like donuts or bagels
Pro Tip: Make it clear that the gifts are for all women at the church.
Conclusion
As a church, don’t miss the opportunity to make the most of Mother’s Day this year! Not only will these things go a long way in caring for the women in your church, but they will also help guests feel welcome and celebrated.
This will give you further opportunities to connect and continue living out your mission as a church!