A Simple Tradition That Opens Doors
Family Skate Night

I have always loved our Family Skate Night at the Springfield Roller Rink. Our church has been gathering there for fifty years, and this February’s event carried that same mix of laughter and quiet ministry that has made it a favorite tradition. Twice a year, we reserve the rink for two hours of simple, unplugged fun. This time, we had eighty-six people join us for skating, fountain drinks, and Little Debbie snacks.

It was not a drop-off event; parents stayed to skate and talk alongside their kids. My favorite part of the night was walking from table to table, introducing families and helping conversations get started. Before long, the rink was full of people of all ages—skating, wobbling, falling, and getting back up again.

One of the biggest joys was seeing four of our Good News Club families from the local elementary school join us. This night is meant to be a low-pressure first step into our community, and seeing them relax in a safe environment was a huge win. I also loved watching connections form between the parents. Dads from our “Dad Collective” group met face-to-face for the first time, and moms I’ve invited to MomCo were finally able to sit and connect.

In terms of planning, it’s the easiest event I run. I book the dates, confirm with the rink, and pick out the snacks. Yet, God consistently uses this simple, long-running tradition to open doors and deepen friendships. I am so grateful we still get to roll into the rink together after all these years.

Todd Hixenbaugh
Kids & Family Pastor