working toward a people focused church generation and not an event based church generation

September 01, 2023.

We all want to serve food at our events when it is possible. It's part of our very nature to eat and enjoy people's company. There isn't anything wrong with that, but not all events and activities need full blown meals or tons of choices. Keeping it simple frees up time, effort, and money.

I am not a believer that you need to always have a choice for dieters or those on special diets. The thing is, we can't please everyone and there are so many eating lifestyles that people have that you really can't prepare for everyone for their special diet. We have carnivores, vegan, vegetarian, non-dairy eaters, no gluten eaters, no carb, low carb, no sugar, low sugar, ketogenic, and on and on it goes. Our women in our groups will fit into probably many of those categories. But let alone the time preparing for everyone in itself that it would take to please everyone, just think of the budget it would take.

When we attend things like meetings and activities with food, people need to learn to just say no if they don't want to indulge in something.

I feel like with bigger meals for large gatherings we might offer a few options, but for monthly women's activities, it just becomes an impossibility to please everyone.

But really, if a woman can't go the hour or so a woman's monthly meeting or activity takes and can't make it through if their diet isn't met, then it seems there is something wrong there. We have got to teach our women to use that self-control fruit of the Spirit in every part of their lives. That self-control fruit gets so overlooked. Doesn't it?

I think I got a little sidetracked, but back to why we are here. Let's look at some simple refreshment ideas for our ladies' activities.

First, here are my 3 Simple Rules

1. Always make sure there is drinking water available, whether it is bottled or there is access to a tap. Just so it's drinkable.
2. Always have decaffeinated coffee available as an option when serving coffee unless you have a small group and know ahead that there won't be anyone who drinks decaf. If you have a small group of ten or less ladies, you probably already know if you need it as an option.
3. Always avoid nuts and nut products. There are far too many people with food allergies.

Simple Refreshment Ideas

For during or after women's activities.

Hot Drinks Only

Serve a choice of tea or coffee.

Cold Drinks Only

Serve a choice of sweet and unsweet tea or serve punch.

Tea/Coffee and Dessert

Serve hot tea and/or coffee along with one dessert choice such as apple pie, coffee cake, nut-free brownies, or fruit crisp.

Veggies and Dip

Serve a vegetable tray and dip.

Chips and Dip

Serve chips with dip.

Tea/Coffee and Bagels

Serve coffee and bagels. Have whipped cream cheese available as a topping.

Fruit

Serve fresh fruit (sliced or cut). Use whatever is in season.

Fruit and Dip

Serve fresh fruit (sliced or cut) with a fruit dip. Use whatever is in season.

Sweet and Salty

Serve chips or pretzels along with sitting out a bowl of small chocolate covered candies.

Popcorn

Serve popcorn. Offer flavorings if you wish.

Pita Chips/Bread and Hummus

Serve pita chips or bread along with a hummus dip.

Cheese and Crackers

Serve a small variety of cheese and crackers.

Cheeseball and Crackers

Serve a cheeseball and crackers.

Nacho Chips and Cheese

Serve nacho chips and melted cheese sauce.

Corn Chips and Salsa

Serve corn chips with one or various type salsas.

Fondue and Bread Cubes

Serve a fondue cheese sauce with crusty bread cubes, or get creative with a few things to dip.

Bagels and Cream Cheese

Serve bagels (regular or mini) with regular or flavored whipped cream cheese.

Coffee or Orange Juice and Donuts

Serve regular donuts or mini or donut holes along with coffee and/or orange juice.

Hot Cider and Donuts

Serve hot apple cider and donuts (or donut holes). Makes a great fall refreshment to serve.

Hot Chocolate and Cookies

Serve hot chocolate and cookies. Makes a great winter refreshment to serve.

Bread and Flavored Butters

One type or a variety of breads served with flavored butters such as garlic or honey.

Sometimes just going the simple route can make the activity go just a little smoother, not only in planning, but in serving and eating time, and clean-up as well.

Copyright 2023 Julia Bettencourt

Go to Activities Index.

Find more simple ministry ideas in the Simplified Ministry Index.

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