Every six months we do something to thank our volunteers. We've put on a couple of ice cream socials. And we've also given away little trinkets (the last was an Angel Coin). Our budget only allows for about $250.00 - and there will be anywhere from 50 to 100 people attending - so it's hard. The ice cream socials have worked well - but we were hoping to do something new. The next event will be in August - and we can either do it in a park - or in space at the church. Any suggestions? If you have hosted this kind of thing - what have you done?
Just another note that our church puts on a very fancy dinner/dance event for anybody who tithes regularly. So we're not cheap when it comes to honoring folks. The volunteer recognition is new - and give aways have been more of a token of recognition.
2007-02-06 04:32:42 · 10 answers · asked by liddabet 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
and to James - and others...
we do not consider tithing 10%. It's nice if you can - but the celebration is for anyone who "tithes regularly" - even if it's just a dollar a week or something.
2007-02-06 05:01:59 · update #1
To start, as a volunteer coordinator, I must say that there are three reasons people volunteer: leadership, socialness, commitment to service.
The first type resonds to recognition, the second to social events, the third (usually the largest segment) requires no recognition (but may enjoy it anyway).
Certificates may hold more meaning than trinkets. A social event should be well-received. A thrid possiblity is a public display listing names of "this year's volunteers" (maybe a plaque, bench, memorial bricks, etc. listing the names -- in my synagogue, donors are sometimes honored in this way).
2007-02-06 14:07:46 · answer #1 · answered by xwdguy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So many people who are volunteers in churches tend to be very busy and often are the people who volunteer again and again and again. Perhaps something that would be special for volunteers is have a non-volunteer week - where other members of the congregation who don't do things run all the programs/activities carried out by volunteers to show their appreciation for the people who do it most of the time!
OR,
offer to host a night of free babysitting for volunteers with children so that they can go on "dates" with their significant other
2007-02-06 06:46:49 · answer #2 · answered by PrevMed Resident 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
~ Their "works" are treasures in heaven.
It's true, we humans want rewards here on earth... recognition.
But, in Matthew 6:20 it says "But lay up for yourselves TREASURES IN HEAVEN, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:" (emphasis added by me)
Perhaps the Pastor can just acknowledge the group as a whole... in front of the whole congregation... and those involved will know who they are, and be blessed by the Lord.
On regular tithers being given a very fancy dinner/dance event: how does that make the poor husband/wife... man/woman feel about their inability to tithe like the wealthy? What's the message to them? That they don't deserve the special blessings of the very fancy dinner/dance... they are unworthy members of the organization/church?
2007-02-06 04:45:25 · answer #3 · answered by James N 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are so many ways that I think are very good to say ,"thank you", that are very inexpensive. I have gotten certifactes of apperciation for volunteer. I have gotten gift certificates from my favorite stores. Thank you notes are good. May be a nice dinner at church. You could ask all the non volunteers to bring a dish. Also, at one of the churches I have gone to, we have had volunteers stand up to be reconized. The get applause as they stand up. Take care, and God bless.
2007-02-06 04:42:40 · answer #4 · answered by gemandsue 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have the congregation (volunteers excepted) contribute to a potluck social.
2007-02-06 07:03:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We gave out certificates of appreciation to the volunteers. They appreciate it. If you buy one you can scan it to your compute and make as many as you want. They sell cert. like this at office supply place and a gold sticker placed on certain one's for special appreciation.
2007-02-06 04:47:08 · answer #6 · answered by Extra Blue Note 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have a picnic they bring the food and you bring the prizes and tokens
2007-02-06 04:36:14 · answer #7 · answered by sarell 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is in August you could have a nice picnic and games.
2007-02-06 04:39:24 · answer #8 · answered by his temptress 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I think if you want to show them they're recognized you should write them a letter thanking them. Make it personal. God bless!
2014-01-18 17:59:44 · answer #9 · answered by Trevor 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what about a movie night with popcorn and soda
2007-02-06 04:38:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋