This article is in the January/February Issue 22 of Torah Sisters Magazine. Click here to subscribe. Click here to see back issues.
By Tina Fallstead
Depending on where you live, fellowshipping in person can be challenging during winter. Between inclement weather and illnesses passing from person to person, you can be kept from congregation or other fellowship gatherings for weeks at a time. I recall a few times when my children were little when we were housebound for weeks, and the cabin fever was real!
Now, we have the benefit of technology, which bridges the distance and helps us connect with one another. Multiple platforms are available for virtual meet-ups, each offering unique attributes and requirements. You can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Consider hosting an online fellowship gathering. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it can be if you want it to be. I have done a few different ones over the years, and each one has been a great way to stay connected and fill up your fellowship cup.
I have put together a few simple suggestions to get you thinking about what you might like to try. They are straightforward and not anything that you probably haven’t already thought of since you began to read this little article. I like to keep things simple, even when I am feeling fancy. As always, plan your event/gathering to the capacity that allows you to enjoy yourself.
Coffee klatch
This is an old-fashioned term, but the activity is alive and well, especially in my state where we take our coffee very seriously. Pick a time, grab your mug, launch your platform, and get ready for a casual social gathering with coffee and conversation! This is one of my go-to choices to catch up with friends who have moved to other states, as it takes minimal planning to pull it off.
Craft project
You can choose to have all those attending virtually make the same craft together while visiting or consider letting this be when everyone is working on their unfinished projects. If you are doing the same project, coordinate with each person to get them the instructions and supply list far enough in advance that they can gather their materials. This is a great time to start making any crafts you want for Pesach. It will be here before you know it!
Cookie or cupcake decorating
Each person prepares their cookies or cupcakes and gathers their supplies. Seeing others’ ideas and decorating techniques can be fun and inspiring. When you are all done, you could even have a contest for best in show. Plus, you can visit with your friends and enjoy a sweet treat simultaneously. Your family will enjoy the fruits of your labors, too! Our ladies’ group had the best time together one year making hamantaschen. Who knew there could be so many variations on the same cookie?
Scripture discussion
You can come together and discuss the weekly portion or a previously agreed-upon topic or allow others to share what they are studying. We can gain so much valuable insight from one another. You may be surprised to realize a topic you grappled with is a common thread in your group. Stay humble and take the study buddy stance. This is about allowing each other to be heard and gleaning from one another, not forcing a point or belief you may hold.
Watch online teachings
Have your own mini-conference by listening to online teachings and discussing the content together. Don’t forget the food. Everyone can pull their snacks together and enjoy visiting with a bit of nosh. If you are unsure what to watch, I invite you to check out past years’ Torah Sisters Retreat videos.
Oneg
You know what to do here. Grab your plate and have a great time virtually visiting over a meal. Nothing fancy is required. If your friend’s meal looks tantalizing, you may want to do a bit of recipe-swapping!
With a bit of creativity and flexibility, you can adapt many in-person gathering ideas to take place virtually. These virtual gatherings are simple and easy to set up, making it convenient for most everyone to join. If you are blessed to have the ability to gather in person, you could give one of these simple gatherings a try in person, too.
Happy fellowshipping, sisters!
About Tina
Tina Fallstead is a wife and mother whose passion is to enable other women to become all that the Father has created them to be. She and her husband are blessed to lead a congregation in their community called The Way of Life Ministries. Tina has recently launched a women’s ministry called Geulah Gals, focused on ‘Hastening the Geulah through serving the community alongside our sisters.