Family Reunions

Having a Family Reunion?
A family reunion is an occasion when many members of an extended family congregate. Sometimes reunions are held regularly, for example on the same date or time every year. A typical family reunion will assemble family, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, grand parents, or even great-grandparents for a meal, a visit, with a likely chance of some recreation or other discussions.

If you have had a family get together for a birthday, wedding, funeral or a Holiday like Christmas then you have had a family reunion. This means someone you know already has the experience of organizing some type of reunion!

Truthfully, a more traditional family reunion can be as simple or as complex as you wish it to be. The complications come into play because of timing, location, activities and numbers. The larger it gets the more organized it needs to be.

And there must always be someone in charge and with their core supporters. And please remember that like any children’s birthday party, there will be things that happen not according to the best laid plans. Be willing to be flexible and have a sense of humor!

For those who wish more information to get more ideas there are books and articles on planning, executing and completing a Family Reunion. See list below. And, of course, do not forget those on line sources.

There are web pages that go through the steps of organizing, selecting the type of reunion, dates, guest list, location, budget and many nifty ideas. This includes how to keep people busy and focused on the reunion theme. And you can even buy a family reunion organizer computer program or use online versions.

But I also know other groups that started small and grew based on what their extended family likes to do. They did it based on their life experiences. Remember to focus on what the majority will like to do while having alternate options. Not everyone will enjoy a raw egg toss or a quilting bee!

I know one small extended family that spent time together going on annual cruises or vacations to places like Disneyland and other places. It really helped that a few older members of the family were better off financially. One of them said to me that they were spending their children’s inheritances by building memories. I thought that was rather thoughtful! But very few of us have rich uncles, aunts or grandparents willing to do this.

Are there trick and gimmicks that work for one family that does not work for others? That is an honest truth. While you can find examples of family reunions and what worked for them, be aware of your target audience. Keep focused on your budget, and what it will cost for the people attending. Do not forget transportation to and from with all those living and sleeping issues.

The list below is not everything on the subject. I do not endorse any item on the list. But, it will give you some ideas. Some offer free and some paid material.

What ever type of reunion you have, please enjoy!

Articles
Planning the Perfect Family Reunion - 15 Articles in: Planning a Perfect Family Reunion - About Genealogy - http://genealogy.about.com/od/family_reunions/

William Douse: A family reunion taps into history http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2014/08/17/william_douse_a_family_reunion_taps_into_history.html

8 Tips for a Great Family Reunion by Amy Goyer http://blog.aarp.org/2013/06/27/amy-goyer-organize-a-family-gathering/

The Purpose of a Family Reunion by Kristeen Cherney, Demand Media http://traveltips.usatoday.com/purpose-family-reunion-52387.html

Family Reunion Survival Guide: 26 Tips for Success - It's easy to plan, with our expert tips from A to Z By Chanize Thorpe http://www.grandparents.com/family-and-relationships/family-matters/family-reunion-planning-tips

How to Organize a Family Reunion - The Family Reunion Institute – Temple University http://www.temple.edu/fri/familyreunion/organize.html

Books
Family Reunion Planning Kit for Dummies by Cheryl Fall – Available in paperback (324 pages) and Kindle format. This is the most complete reference to planning a family reunion. The accompanying CD features planning tools, genealogy software, and more. … ISBN-10: 0764553992 ISBN-13: 978-0764553998

Family Reunion by Jennifer Crichton - Available in paperback (280 pages). Planning a reunion is a pleasurable but complicated undertaking that requires foresight and planning, and here to assist is Family Reuinion, an indispensable guide and sourcebook that shows how to organize and conduct four basic reunions: … ISBN-10: 0761105859 ISBN-13: 978-0761105855

Your Family Reunion: How to Plan It, Organize It, and Enjoy by George G Morgan – Available in hardcover (180 pages), paperback (200 pages) and Kindle format. This book is a guide for organizing a successful and exciting reunion, regardless of whether it is a casual backyard barbecue, a get-together at a hotel or resort, or a weeklong cruise. … ISBN-10: 0916489973 ISBN-13: 978-0916489977

The Reunion Planner: The Step-by-Step Guide Designed to Make Your Reunion a Social and Financial Success! by Linda Johnson Hoffman and Neal Barnett - Available in paperback (198 pages) and Kindle format. The Reunion Planner, How to Make Your Reunion a Social and Financial Success, is now in its 4th and completely updated Edition. … ISBN-10: 0974726583 ISBN-13: 978-0974726588

Fimark's Family Reunion Planner A Reunion Planning Guide Workbook & Keepsake by Mark A Askew – Available in paperback (130 pages) and Kindle format. Family reunion planning at it's best. Everything you need to plan organize and manage a family reunion event. Scores of fun family activities. This complete family reunion event planning guide is a workbook and keepsake heirloom for generations to come. … ISBN-10: 1461124239 ISBN-13: 978-1461124238 How To Plan Your African-American Family by Krystal Williams - Available in paperback (224 pages) – out of print available used only. All the guidance readers will need for planning a perfect family reunion, from the simplest to the most elaborate. ISBN-10: 0806520973 ISBN-13: 978-0806520971

A Family Affair: How to Plan and Direct the Best Family Reunion Ever (National Genealogical Society Guides) by Sandra MacLean Clunies and The National Genealogical Society - Available in paperback (320 pages) – out of print available used only. "Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Rutledge Hill Press (June 25, 2003) Language: English ISBN: 1401600204 Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 7.5 x 9.2 inches Whether planning a small annual get-together or a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of hundreds" ISBN-10: 1401600204 ISBN-13: 978-1401600204

Planning programs online
Mister Spiffy’s Reunion Planner. You can get a reunion organizer program for $29.95. http://family-reunion.com/

FamilyReunion® the family social network™ You can sign up for free, but there are different levels of cost depending on what you use. https://familyreunion.com/

Places catering family reunions and family gatherings
Branson FamilyReunion Planner.com (Branson, Missouri) An example of a place that provides free information and pay for use facilities. http://bransonfamilyreunionplanner.com/

The Ranch at Rock Creek (Philipsburg, Montana) An example of a facility that hosts, weddings and family activities. http://www.theranchatrockcreek.com/

Family Reunion Talk
The following is from a talk prepared by John R. Carpenter of the La Mesa II Ward, SDE Stake. It is an example of a Family Reunion encouragement talk.

Hello,

Family reunions can be large or small. If two people have not seen each other for a while and they come together to renew a common thread of friendship or family - That is good. That is a reunion.

Most families do not live within walking distance of each other today. Yes, we send emails and post relationships of Facebook and other media websites. But that is far from the personal one on one and eye to eye contact with a member of family.

Despite the advances in technology, there will be always something missing despite high definition (HD) screens and quadraphonic speakers. It is that personal one on one where all senses become engaged and the little things of gestures and vibe come together. And even those sometimes embarrassing stories that are passed around.

Most family members make a special effort to get together for a holiday, a celebration like a wedding, or a death. They forget that this too is a reunion of family. And most get reminded, in one way or the other, of family traditions, taboos or the odd little things that make up their family so unique.

For Church going families, a once a week renewal of their spiritual needs with their Church family is also good. It is a reunion of faith. The grandest reunions will come after our mortal sojourn in the hereafter of our earthly family and our heavenly family.

Family reunions can be simple or complex. They can last a short time or literally go on for too many weeks. Some are hosted and some are pay your own way. The best family get-to-gethers are those with a purpose. It may be for joy, or sadness or better yet, just for the fun of it.

I have seen special shirts made that announce on the front the name, place and date of the reunion and on the back a four generation pedigree to announce how that person is related to others.

I have seen printed family packets that have family genealogy, stories, speakers and activities for all age groups. And of course, what is expected by you and your family during the reunion.

There have been Family Reunion members partaking of LDS Temple sessions, of visiting graveyards to visit the ancestors and even to family compounds where all can safely gather in.

Let me now tell you of another type of Family Reunion.

While I have sat in front of my computer screen and the pixels are a-pixel-a-lating, I have had a spiritual reunion with many of my kindred dead. One can nobly call it the Spirit of Elijah. Or even a renewal of spirit of family kinship and unity. Or, even one small step to the fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi.

That being in the last days that Elijah "will turn the heart [IE our soul, affections and love] of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers" (Mal. 4:5-6).

I seek out, to try to boldly find, my ancestors. This includes the sours grapes, lemons, the grumpy ones, the jokesters and those that simply awe me to what they have accomplished. Some are easy to find and others seem to be actively hiding from me. And mind you, I have been doing this since my baptism in December of 1976 when I started my very first four generation pedigree.

Yep, I used to hand write and even type on a typewriter on those long books of remembrance forms. I have written thousands of letters and visited relatives both living and dead (in graveyards!) gathering family together. I have gone on vacations with my genealogy in toe. Why? Just in case I ran across a relative or to talk about genealogy. Yep, I have an addiction.

Hi! My name is John. I am a genealogical addict.

I even attend weekly meetings for my addiction. Where? Why at the San Diego Family History Center in Mission Valley, of course. There I over come my addiction for my family by helping others with their genealogy and family history.

Today there are far more tools and resources to properly document and gather together your family genealogy and histories. Many seem daunted and put off such work until later in life. I can not tell you how many times I have heard … I wish I could have asked those questions when they were still alive.

Elder Richard G. Scott in October 1990 General Conference wrote:

“But what about you? Have you prayed about your own ancestors’ work? Set aside those things that don’t really matter in your life. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but feel that you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don’t have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those who can’t help themselves.

“This is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil where help is given in both directions. It begins with love. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful.”

There is an old Chinese proverb … Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for life.

Our Lord and Savior called men to be fishers of men, some to be shepherds of His Word.

Come to the Family History Center and learn how to fish, to gather up your ancestors and shepherd them to the first steps of Eternal Life and Salvation.

We will teach you how to start your most glorious Family Reunion. We will provide the tools, education and encourage you to do this most important work.

Then the next time you go to the Temple, you will have much more appreciation about your true extended family. You will know them and they will know you for doing the labor of love.

I testify that the Spirit of Elijah will not be just the letter of the law unto you, but a much more fulfilling and rewarding work of joy. And at that grand reunion of family in heaven, they will herald you and your efforts for the eternal work and glory of your Family.

This I say in the name of our Lord, The Christ, forever and ever more. Amen