One of the church consultants I follow on social media recently said, “The sabbatical is over. It’s time to put away the resort wear and pick up the clipboards. It’s time to prep for fall.”

He encouraged churches to set a re-entry marker—a clear, exciting moment to help people shift out of summer mode and back into a rhythm of worship and ministry. The key? Name it, hype it, and invite people back with clarity and expectation.

In the past, “Promotion Sunday” filled that role, but we decided to try something new this year: a Tailgate Party on the Sunday evening before the kickoff of college football. It was the perfect re-entry marker for our intentionally multigenerational congregation.

Each ministry hosted a tailgate with games, activities, and ministry info—like a ministry fair, but with all the fun of a tailgate!
Children’s Ministry: decorated megaphones and fan flags with fabric markers
Engage Team: pickleball matches
Youth: face painting with team logos + free popcorn
Family Ministry Dinner Team: a dessert potluck
Men’s Small Group: boiled peanuts
Men’s Ministry: grilled hot dogs
And, of course, corn hole everywhere!

A gifted lay leader shared a great devotion about hydration (timely, since it was HOT!), and we played a game at the volleyball court that our youth had learned while serving at an English Camp in the Czech Republic.

Everyone left with a church-logo drink cup (thanks, Imprint.com!) and plenty of ice water to stay cool. Best of all, folks came dressed in their favorite team gear—hats, shirts, and jerseys—which made for lots of fun conversations. Now we know who’s rooting for who, and new friendships are springing up in hallways and parking lots as people swap football stories.

We learned a few things too:
* We’ll move the microphone and speakers to a better spot under the trees.
* Next year, we’ll add a corn hole tournament (because with that many boards, how could we not?).
* We’ll start 30 minutes later to enjoy more shade.

The following Sunday, I noticed something beautiful—people lingering after worship, chatting about the weekend’s games, and connecting in new ways. Folks who might never have struck up a conversation before now had something in common to share.

That’s what this re-entry marker was all about—connection, community, and coming back together with joy and intention.

So, what did your church do for its re-entry marker this year?

“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” Psalm 47:1