As we move into the cooler months, we can start updating signage and decor around the church facility to reflect the changing season. From fall colors to serving all things pumpkin spice, there are lots of ways to celebrate a new season at your church.

Idea #1 - Outdoor Fall Decorations

Set the atmosphere by starting the autumn decorations in the parking lot and in outdoor spaces. Consider changing out feather flags, add fall light pole banners, and other outdoor signage for those with the warm shades of fall. We have a variety of fall-themed signs that you could use to refresh the outdoor decor at your church.

Another way to decorate the outside of the church is to display a few items at each entrance.

Pumpkins on small hay bales, corn husks in baskets with leaves and pinecones, seasonal flowers like marigolds are all simple ways to dress up an entrance.

Consider adding wreaths to the front door complete with fall foliage and branches.

Idea #2 - Small Group Reboot

Fall is a time when many churches relaunch their small groups or Bible study programs.

Use fall-themed banners to invite people to sign up for a small group, to provide a warm welcome to small group members, and for each room they meet in at the church.

Idea #3 - Outreach Events

Many churches host a fall harvest festival, Thanksgiving food drive, or Halloween alternative such as a trunk-or-treat or family pumpkin patch outreach this time of year. Each of these events warrant special signage to help direct traffic, welcome visitors, and promote the outreach. You could order a custom church logo sign with your church’s graphics for an event or choose from a variety of signs and banners with fall colors.

Idea #4 - Celebrate Thanksgiving

As Christians, we have much to be thankful for. Invite your congregation to give thanks to God with new stage decor that reminds them to count their blessings. We have several outdoor fall banner options that include fall colors and a "give thanks" message. You might include a "Thankful for" bulletin board or display where people can write and post what they're thankful for this year. Put this in the church lobby and one in the kids ministry area as well.

If you host a Thanksgiving meal, you might consider special signs to welcome friends to that event. You could also use table throws for Thanksgiving festivities, special dinners, or small group celebrations.

Idea #5 - Fall Season Centerpieces

Don't forget to decorate your welcome center, volunteer check-in room, and other areas for fall.

Easy and inexpensive decorating ideas include rustic elements such as:

• Pine cones
• Mini pumpkins
• White pumpkins
• Dried apples
• Small hay bales
• Fall flowers
• Marigolds
• Candy corn
• Fall leaves
• Cute basket filled with mini gourds and autumn leaves
• Corn
• Straw
• Dried berries
• Artificial squash

A bit of spray paint, a few warm shades of fall colors, and some creative volunteers can create several centerpieces and fun fall decorations that can brighten up spaces throughout the church.

Idea #6: Taste and Smells of Fall

Fall comes with its own special scents and flavors. Just like we focus on making a home ready for company, let's make our church lobbies ready for guests and friends alike.

Create a warm and welcoming environment by serving hot apple cider, pumpkin spice coffee, hot cocoa, apple or pumpkin spice muffins, candy corn, and other fall treats. Fill the air with the scents of fall with yummy treats and fall potpourri.

Idea #7: Bulletin Board Decoration

Update bulletin boards with a fall color scheme with fun borders with fall flowers, fall leaves, pumpkins, harvest images, and more. For kids ministry areas, include images of candy corn, a pumpkin patch, and cute fall pictures.

Idea #8: Kids Ministry

Decorate the kids ministry areas with fun fall themes. Use pumpkins, candy corn, cute scarecrows, and cartoon turkeys to provide a fall atmosphere in each room. Ask kids to write down what they're thankful for and post those on a big sign or bulletin board. Consider making a "thankful tree" and putting lots of leaves made out of construction paper on a small table. Kids can write something they're thankful for on a leaf and put it on the tree each week.

Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy cooler weather, savor fall flavors, and reflect on our blessings. A bit of intentional effort can turn your church campus into a warm environment that makes people feel at home and helps turn their focus to God and His hand on their lives.