Lessons Learned from Family Fun Day

by Lindsey Funtik, Coordinator of Volunteer Ministries, Ashland First United Methodist Church,  Ashland, Ohio and Pastor at Polk United Methodist Church, Polk, Ohio

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This week is one of those weeks in which ministry is fast paced and busy. There is never a “normal” schedule while working in a church office, and this time around my working hours have been overtaken with planning our first ever Family Fun Day. Our church has partnered with two others in our immediate neighborhood to provide a Saturday in which anyone is welcome to come and enjoy some lighthearted food and fellowship. I am so excited for this to happen. 

Despite my joy, however, helping to lead the charge has also been a time of growth for me. This morning, I thought I would just share a few of the nuggets that God has been teaching me while in the throes of this small crucible:

1. We can trust God for little details.

There have been a million times throughout this process in which I have said, “God, I’ve got nothing on this.” and He has provided in some way every, single time. This has proven to me that Scripture meant it when it says to not be anxious. Things don’t always pan out like we imagined, but God truly does care about every aspect of our lives, even the logistic details of a community event. 

2. Community is worth it. 

Speaking of community, it is the most valuable thing in the world. We were not built to walk a life of discipleship alone, and this has been an experience of committing to and living out that truth out in real time. We have partnered as a faith family. We have partnered with the faith families who surround us. We have decided to take a step out into our neighborhood. The Lord is honored when His people come together just for the sake of being together. 

3. Doing your best is doing enough. 

I like to joke that Saturday’s event is one big experiment, and it’s only funny because it’s true. We have never done a Family Fun Day before and I have never led such an event, but we are making it happen! I am learning that, when we try something new, we have to relinquish the idea of being perfect and simply do our best. Experimenting is brave, and doing what we can is doing enough.

4. Volunteers are lifeblood. 

As a Coordinator of Volunteer Ministries, I see the power of volunteers each and every day, but sometimes this truth shines so brightly. I have continually been awed by the sacrificial love of those who have come together to make something like this happen. When planning big days or while simply living life, it is so important to have a team. No person is an island, so lean on those around you and make it happen together. 

5. Take the step of faith.

Trying new things is scary, but it is also where God can and will meet us. When we jump into the unknown and begin to experiment, I can attest firsthand that it won’t always go as you imagined, but you will grow and transform into a version of yourself that is more reliant on the Lord who truly does have it all figured out. So, if you’ve got something you would like to try but fear has held you back, take the step of faith. It will be great. 

Come and see us this Saturday, July 10th, for Family Fun Day!

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Cross-posted from "Reflections on Faith, Words, and The Holiness of Today"