Let’s have a meeting

Organizations frequently need a committee meeting.  All types of groups need planning, decisions, regular get-togethers like a Bible study, or just for fun meetups (like a book club.)  Of course meetings can be held at a restaurant or coffee shop with little effort by any individual, and that often is the key ingredient.  However, the big plus (maybe even gigantic plus) to meeting at home is the freedom for each person to speak without wondering what other random people will hear.  And this is huge to me in these times of little privacy and the possibility that anyone will feel free to record anything he hears or sees. 

Usually your group will have a customary pattern to the event, whether snacks are served, only beverages, or a meal.  I find it convenient if the person sending out the invite or reminder tells everyone the food plan.  It can be so distressing if a host spends a lot of time cooking something and then most people arrive expecting drinks only and aren’t hungry.  Just let people know what to expect.

When arriving, drinks are offered.  People are comfortable if they know what to do with their drinks once they sit down.  If you want them to use a coaster on your furniture, have many available.  Have a plan for where everyone will sit down.  If you are not absolutely certain of the number of people, maybe keep 1 or 2 chairs set aside.  Otherwise, people will probably sit in the outer seats first, forcing latecomers to dodge seats into the inner circle.  Make certain the house is a comfortable temperature.  My rule of thumb is to set the thermostat 2 degrees lower if 8 or more people are coming over.

If snacks are presented before the meeting, it probably needs to be finger food because everyone will be standing. This is one of my personal targets – meetings should end at the disclosed time.  Everyone has a busy agenda so informal gatherings should allow people to leave gracefully if they need to.  Perhaps you as host have children to get a bath or in bed so you need everyone to leave.

I hope your meeting accomplishes its agenda and reinforces relationships.  Connect with your heart.