FATHERS’ DAY
BY THOMAS BARSTOW

 

The story goes that a youngster once was asked to define Father’s Day and he replied, “It’s Kinda like Mother’s Day, only you don’t pay as much for the present.” I suppose that explains why we do not regard this very special day as much as Mother’s Day. But, we can make it a big day in our Sunday school with a little bit of work and promotion.

It probably would not work as effectively every year, but it can be a good day with some emphasis such as, “We do not usually make a great deal out of Father’s Day, but this year we want to make it a day to remember for all of our Dads.”

Following are some suggestions for making this day special:

 

I. USE DIRECT MAIL

Nothing seems to work quite so effectively as a letter from the pastor that gets right into the hands of the church members. You might even use a special letterhead (inside your regular envelope) for this correspondence. In the letter the pastor can earnestly appeal to the membership to make this a big day for the sake of the Lord’s work and for all of the Dads of the church.

 

II. COMMITMENTS

Since everything good begins with a commitment, don’t hesitate to push hard for all of the members to commit themselves to help make Father’s Day a day to remember. The sample commitment card may be helpful. It should Be Designed As follows

FATHER’S DAY

Unless porvidentially hindered I will be present on FATHER’S DAY to help make it a very special day in our Sunday school.

Name____________________________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________,__________ Zip________________________________

 

_ I will do my best to make sure that my Father is with me. _ I will bring someone as a special guest.

 

III. RECOGNITION OF THE LARGEST CLAN

It will be interesting to see which Dad present has the largest “family. with him (Children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc.). Have a nice gift for the Dad with the largest clan present.

 

IV. HAVE A SMALI, GIFT FOR ALL DADS PRESENT

One of the nicest gifts I can think of for dads would be “The Cross In My Pocket.” It is a small, metal cross with the words inscribed on it “GOD LOVES YOU.” It is most suitable to carry in one’s pocket. In fact it is designed for that purpose. Every time the person carrying it pulls it out it is a reminder of the love of the Heavenly Father.

They may be obtained from AGORA, P. O. Box 54342, Atlanta, GA 30308. Telephone (404) 9648255. They will send a free sample upon request.

 

V. BUS KID’S DADS

Have the bus workers put a special emphasis on the bus children bringing their dads. Make sure the children know that their dads will get the special gift if they are present. You may use some other incentives if you wish.

 

VI. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

You might come up with another list of your own, but the following may give you some ideas on dads to recognize. Have another small gift or memento of the occasion. Recognize the:

1. Oldest dad present.

2. Youngest dad present.

3. Dad with the most children present.

4. Dad who has been a Christian longest.

5. Dad who has been a member of your church longest. You may not want to use this one if you have several men who are charter members.

6. Dad who is the youngest in Christ.

 

VII. HAVE A SPECIAL SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

From the primary age and up you may want to have a special lesson dealing with father/children relationships.

 

VIII. FOLLOW-UP

It will mean a great deal to the dads and to the children if the follow-up is done quickly. Have someone call all of the visitors the Sunday afternoon of Father’s Day, thanking them for coming and inviting them to return the following Sunday.

Visit in their homes as soon as possible; preferably within the next 48 hours of their visit. The sooner the better, but surely during the week following Father’s Day.

Send correspondence from the pastor to the home, including a brochure presenting the ministry of the church and a Gospel tract if you do not know if the person is saved or not.

I hope these suggestions are helpful and have a good….

FATHER’S DAY!!!

 

THE ABOVE MATERIAL WAS SUBMITTED BY THE UATHOR IN BOOKLET FORM. THIS MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED AND MAY BE USED FOR STUDY & RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.