Last year many of you were brave and invited friends new and old for an (in) real life meetup at your church. {Have you heard about our (in)RL Webcast – it’s free you know and coming to you the weekend of April 25 & 26! You can register here.}
We hosted an (in)RL meetup at our church last year as one of our women’s ministry outreach events. It was a blast in every way. We had over 30 women attend, half from our church and half from the local community. And what a blessing it was to have a morning together to connect in person and over some good coffee and cupcakes.
This event gave us an excuse to open our doors and make ourselves available to women who were seeking community, even if they weren’t in the market for a new church. It was such a blessing to simply invite friends to pull up a chair and come and share their stories, their journeys, with us. Our church hosts a monthly women’s brunch and so (in)RL was a perfect chance that month to gather together around a study that was prepared for us and designed to encourage us in our heart for creating new opportunities for community.
And part of what surprised me was what an unexpected blessing it was getting to throw the event with our women’s ministry. It was such a time of bonding and connection for each woman involved. Each person getting to lead in her strengths and add her creativity to how we prepared for (in)RL. And here are some of the resources we used that made the event so easy to pull together.
1.) Helpful Hosting Ideas – Here you’ll find everything from figuring out the technical aspects to an opening prayer and welcome. If you’re worried about coming up with ice breaker questions, don’t be! There’s a whole list of great suggestions. We pretty much worked our way down the list and checked off each item as we planned. It was easy and fun.
2.) Save the Date cards – We used these for sharing at church and emailing to our women’s ministry list to let them know about the meetup.
3.) Flyers – Just like with the Save the Dates, simply click to download, fill in your information, and print! Easy peasy. And we posted these on the church doors the day of. {coming soon!}
4.) Technical Checklist – I printed this out and gave it to the church’s techy fellas and they were able to walk through it and get us all hooked up for the webcast no problem. It was a big relief not to have to actually explain any of the technical gobbly-di-goop but just hand over the form. But maybe that’s just me 🙂
5.) Name tags created with the (in)RL logo
The most beautiful part of the whole event was that while the whole group hasn’t connected again, many women who were at our meetup have kept in touch. A neighbor I invited has since become a dear friend this year and she literally lives just around the corner. The meetup was a catalyst for many conversations, for a renewed commitment to making time for one another, and to a deeper appreciation for real life community.
I spend a lot of time online – this is where my job is and where many of the women I admire and love the most are. But God has challenged me through (in)RL to connect with the women he’s placed around me in real life. And it’s a gift I hold onto with both hands. So we’ll be hosting (in)RL again this year at our church and looking forward to seeing many faces from last year. And especially new ones to connect with and discover all that we have in common through the Jesus that connects us.
To see all the (in)courage (in)RL Meetups happening worldwide, Click Here »
Want to know more about how the (in)RL Meetups work? Click Here »
Not registered yet for (in)RL? Click Here »
~Lisa-Jo Baker, community manager for (in)courage and a fan of friendship.
Leave a Comment
Guest says
I am in need of prayer for a few unspoken requests, can someone please pray for me? Thank you so much.
Erica Guthaus says
Absolutely! Praying right now for all that is on your heart and mind…for clarity…for peace…for release! <3 Erica
Kaitlyn@incourage says
Absolutely!
When last did you get together with girlfriends? - Lisa-Jo Baker says
[…] sharing about our (in) real life meetup over here today. Because I’m hosting one again this year. And if you’re in the NOVA area […]
Jennifer says
I love how you are using a church space–lots of room! My house isn’t too big, but I know it will be just the right size for whomever God wants to brings through my door! Thank you for these awesome tips on making this all happen, Lisa-Jo!
Amanda says
I love how you guys make h
Amanda says
Argh, posted too soon. Anyway, you make hosting so easy and fun!! We’re hosting at a church this year and are excited to bring the church ladies and community together!
Kaitlyn@incourage says
Woohoo! We don’t make it look easy and fun – it just IS easy and fun! 🙂
Lee says
I don’t see that anyone is organizing one in Columbia, SC. Has there been any interest? Our church is about 30 mins away, but I’m willing to offer my home to a few sweet souls – the only problem is that we live on a main road, and parking is… well… a problem.
Anyone meet in a public place?
Kaitlyn@incourage says
Not sure how close this is, but there’s one in West Columbia at a church.
http://www.meetup.com/incouragemeetups/West-Columbia-SC/
Cathy B*****y says
Kaitlyn and Lee… my best girlfriend of 30 yrs lives in Columbia, SC.. I wanted her to come here as I haven’t seen her for 2 yrs. I will definitely tell her about the 2 of you.. can either of you msg me with your emails to give to her. Her name is Linda..and she is a beautiful Christian. my email is pbprojecthope at yahoodotcom Cathy
Melissa says
So much fun! I’m hoping to go, maybe host, not sure yet.
Kaitlyn@incourage says
Yes, sign up Melissa! Whether you host or not, definitely come to a meetup! Connecting in real life is what this is about! 🙂
Ashley Ditto says
This seems like a great idea and has sparked something in me to host one! 🙂
Kaitlyn@incourage says
Well we just think that’s a great idea Ashley 🙂
Tips for Hosting (in)RL at your Church | (in)courage | Church Ministry says
[…] Church Ministry Source- Google Blog Search- Church Ministry Outreach We hosted an (in)RL meetup at our church last year as one of our women's ministry outreach events. It was a blast in every way. We had over 30 women attend, half from our church and half from the local […]
Tips for Hosting (in)RL at your Church | (in)courage | Church Web says
[…] Google Blogs Source- Church Webcast Last year many of you were brave and invited friends new and old for an (in) real life meetup at your church. {Have you heard about our (in)RL Webcast � it's free you know and coming to you the weekend of […]
Amy Tilson says
Gasp!! I just saw my name from last year. 🙂 Can’t wait to get me one again. I will come bearing cupcakes. This really is such an amazing opportunity to hang out with girlfriends or, if you are like I was last year, make new ones that are completely fabulous!!! It can be a life changing event!! Trust me on this one.
Tips for Hosting (in)RL at your Church | (in)courage | Church Tech says
[…] From “Church Webcast” Google Blogs […]
Tracey Hooks says
Hello,
I am so thankful I found your site. Unfortunately it is the day after your webcast gathering! I’m so sad! I will watch for future events and host an (in RL) event. Thank you for your love and encouragement for women and God!!!!
Joanne says
Just a tip for those that need ideas where to host a meetup. Check your local library. Ours has a few rooms open for meetings at no charge. Possibly your local library does too. If your meetup is small this may work out great. You might be able to get the library to allow you to borrow pillows and items from the children’s area to make your space cozy. Or get some beanbag chairs from a local thrift store to use and then donate them to the library when finished. God bless!