6 Fall Fellowship Ideas for Your Groups This Year

Fall officially begins on September 22. That may feel like it’s a long way off, but it isn’t! Because of back-to-school, COVID-19 issues, and Labor Day weekend, time will fly, and we’ll suddenly find ourselves in the middle of some pretty spectacular color changes and cooler weather. If we are not careful, we’ll look up and not have planned for some intentional fun for our Sunday School classes this fall.

It is indisputable that COVID-19 has changed everything about this year. Some people have labeled 2020 as “a dumpster fire” kind of year, but I don’t think it necessarily has to be thought of like that. I could be in the minority on this one, but I think we can recover some of what we lost in the front half of the year, especially as it relates to relationships among the members of our Bible study groups. I am choosing to believe that my Sunday School class and others like it can salvage the back part of the year and not let the months go by without getting our groups together for some much-needed fellowship.

We’ll want to pay attention to COVID-19 data, monitor the situation in our states, and pay special attention to the statistics in the cities where our churches are located. We’ll want to abide by CDC guidelines and those of our local authorities, of course. But even with some of these challenges, it is possible for groups to gather for fellowship. We’ll want to take extra precautions and exercise good judgment. So with that in mind, let’s remember that “normal” fall fellowships may not be a good idea, and we’ll need to choose alternate ones.

Some Fall Fellowship Ideas are Not in Play This Year!

In the very recent past (just last year) I started a new Sunday School class from scratch — a “paper class” if you will — and God blessed us and grew it to about 16 regular attenders. The same thing happened at our next most recent church where we were members. We started a class and began having fellowships there, too. Here are a few of the fall fellowships I’ve done with both groups — fellowships that I would not necessarily recommend to you right now:

1. A day trip in the church van to a local attraction or point of interest. 12 people in a church van for an extended trip may not be the best and wisest way to gather and travel with people.

2. A weekend festival. Yes, I’ve been to the “Banana Pudding Festival” and the “Moon Pie Festival,” but I won’t be taking a group to those this fall. Why? Because of COVID-19 and the large numbers of people who have traditionally attended these events. This means that I’ll be passing on the opportunity to go to the Goat Festival, too (yes, that’s a real thing).

3. A weekend retreat. Going away to the mountains or a lake and putting 12 to 18 people in an enclosed space probably isn’t a good move right now, wouldn’t you say?

4. A movie. Theaters aren’t opening for a while, but when they do, I’d recommend avoiding the temptation to rush back to the theater for a class outing.

5. A football game. Although these are outdoor events, the crowds will be large. And that is if high school, college, or pro games are even played this year. This option may be taken off the table and will be out of our control, anyway.

6 Fall Fellowship Ideas That Might Make Sense in COVID-19

If you can’t schedule “normal” fall fellowships like the ones I’ve mentioned above, what can your group do? If you want to gather your people, here are some ideas that might make sense:

1. Virtual Meal. Not quite tired of Zoom? Good! Use it to have a meal together, even though you are apart. Describe what you’re eating to the others in your group. Fellowship virtually and catch up with the members of your group.

2. Six-Seaters. If you want some in-person fellowship, restaurants are seating groups of up to six people in many cities. Wear a mask, spread out, and enjoy some time together. Use discretion, though, and follow your region’s guidelines for gathering socially!

3. Bonfire. Grill some hotdogs and bring your lawn chairs! Spread out as you enjoy the great outdoors. You’ll have plenty of room for social distancing. Someone in your group probably has some acreage, so why not put that to good use?

4. Campout. This one’s not for me, but I know many people who enjoy camping excursions to state parks or favorite hideaways. You’ll have plenty of spread-out space, and you’ll see some stars in the nighttime sky that you won’t see from your place in the city.

5. Take a Hike. This outdoor activity allows for physical distancing, and it helps you burn a few calories. Don’t relish the idea of hiking? How about getting your group together for a walk? You can absolutely practice physical distancing while you enjoy seeing your friends.

6. Pairs and Spares. If you really desire to be physically present with your fellow group members, you might consider getting together in micro-groups of four people. You can meet in a home, a restaurant, or some other venue. Rotate these group members each month and in time you might be able to meet with most of the people from your Bible study group.