Great Celebration Suppers

We are planning our Celebration Supper (also may be called Alpha Introductory Dinners). Any suggestions?

An Alpha Introductory Dinner or Celebration Supper done with excellence can actually make a big impact on a potential guest. For this meal, many courses use real silverware and linens.  If you can find a pianist or small band to play background music, this is a good way to create the feel of a nice party.  However, it is important that you know the audience you are trying to reach and have the meal atmosphere be appropriate.  For example, a church in Texas might have a great barbeque and fiddle players!

Here are some suggestions:

• Music: Choose music that un-churched people would be comfortable with.

• Atmosphere: Do you have an “atmosphere architect” in your church...someone who can create a beautiful atmosphere? Let them help you plan the evening.

• Host: The host’s language is crucial: thank guests for trusting their friend enough to come to the meal; acknowledge the courage of the guests. Invite them back without being pushy.
  
  
• Table talk: Remind the table leaders/facilitators to steer away from conversations about religious topics.  Ask guests about their hobbies, work and other interests.

• Consider playing Mr. Bean Goes to Church.  Many courses play this hilarious comedy sketch of Mr. Bean (comedian Rowan Atkinson) trying to fit in at an Anglican Church service.

• Alpha Testimonies: Choose people to whom your guests will be able to relate. Here are other guidelines on using testimonies.
  
  
• No small groups:  Remember that there is no small group discussion this week.  Inform the guests that next week there will be a chance to discuss after the talk is given.
  
  
• Click here for a suggested agenda for the evening.

Final thought.... do everything with excellence!

Real life illustration:

Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London, where the Alpha course began, goes all out for their Celebration Supper.  They transform the sanctuary into a beautifully decorated banquet hall with vibrant colors, fresh flowers, tasteful table decorations, and long banquet tables adorned with white tablecloths.  The front of the church is layered with white streamers draping from the ceiling with colored lights shining upward.  A professional band plays light jazz and the whole atmosphere communicates fun, energy and welcome.  The food is of the highest quality, and a decadent dessert is always served with additional chocolate.  People are treated like royalty and the smiling faces of the volunteers communicate how glad they are that you’ve come.