Every year, we celebrate moms on the second Sunday of May. We give them flowers, say “Happy Mother’s Day!” and eat special brunch food (french toast, anyone?)

While we’ve got nothing against flowers and french toast (see #1 and #7, below), there are plenty of ways to celebrate motherhood. And since Mother’s Day invariably falls on a Sunday, it’s up to the church to help honor moms on that special day. 

In the following article, we’ll look at seven ways that your church can plan for and celebrate Mother’s Day with joy, creativity, and thoughtfulness. 

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Mother’s Day Ideas for 2025

Whether your church has 25 members or 25,000 members, you can plan something special for Mother’s Day. Here are seven ideas that any church can execute with the right resources, tools, and planning. 

1. Honor Moms with Individual Gifts

Not every mom wakes up to breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day. Providing small gifts at church ensures every woman feels seen and celebrated.

Gift ideas for Mother’s Day at church:

• Individual flowers. Carnations and ranunculus can be cost-effective alternatives to roses, and they’re just as beautiful (Roses also vary in price according to demand–look for colors that are less popular, and you may be able to afford roses). 
• Mugs. Order custom coffee mugs with your church logo, “Mom,” or another sweet saying about motherhood. 
• Chocolates. Look for individually packaged chocolate bars, small boxes of truffles, or even a packaged chocolate dessert. Just make sure they won’t melt in the sunshine. 
• Inexpensive bracelets of keychains. Custom woven bracelets can be inexpensive and easy to hand out. 

Review your church database to estimate how many gifts to order, and remember to include grandmothers, expectant mothers, and women hoping to become moms.

2. Acknowledge All Forms of Motherhood

Mother’s Day can be both joyful and tender. Some women are grieving the loss of a mother or child, struggling with infertility, or navigating the complexities of foster or adoptive parenting.

Incorporate language in your sermons, prayers, and materials that honors all forms of motherhood. Reflect on verses like Isaiah 49:15, which highlights God’s compassionate love, and create space for both celebration and empathy.

3. Launch a Giving Campaign for Mothers in Need

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (Acts 4:32)

Channel the spirit of Acts 4:32, where believers shared everything they had, by organizing a special offering.

Ideas for a Mother’s Day giving campaign:

• Support single moms or families facing medical bills
• Provide childcare scholarships
• Purchase practical items like cribs, car seats, or home essentials

Use tools like Tithe.ly for text-to-give campaigns, online donations, and tracking progress. Promote the campaign through social media, email, and in-person announcements, and share updates so the congregation can celebrate the impact together.

4. Create a Short Mother’s Day Video

A video can move hearts and inspire your congregation.

Video ideas:

• Tell the story of a mother in your church
• Highlight mothers in Scripture like Mary, Hannah, or Elizabeth
• Compile member interviews sharing what they’ve learned from their moms

Even a simple smartphone video, edited with free apps like iMovie or Canva, can create a memorable moment during Sunday service or on social media. 

5. Run a Social Media Campaign

Help your church community anticipate and engage with Mother’s Day all week long.

Tips for a Mother’s Day social media campaign:

• Pick a theme and stick to a consistent font, color palette, and hashtag
• Schedule posts in advance using tools like Buffer or Later
• Share scripture, mom stories, volunteer spotlights, or event reminders
• Use interactive posts like “Share your favorite lesson from your mom” or “Tag a mom who inspires you”

Authenticity is key—celebrate the messy, real, and beautiful sides of motherhood.

6. Host a Panel Conversation 

Instead of (or alongside) a sermon, invite a panel of moms to share their experiences.

Suggested discussion questions:

• How has your view of motherhood changed over time?
• What Bible verses strengthen you as a mom?
• How can the church better support mothers?
• How does motherhood change the way you view God?

Choose diverse voices—young moms, grandmothers, adoptive moms, single moms—to reflect the variety in your congregation.

7. Treat Moms to a Brunch They Don’t Have to Cook

A classic, yes—but still a beloved option.

Brunch ideas:

• Organize a potluck (non-moms bring the food!)
• Set up a waffle or omelet station with volunteers
• Offer free specialty coffee drinks for moms
• Decorate with flowers and thoughtful table cards

Make sure moms are guests of honor, not behind the serving table or cleanup crew.

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Tools to Help Your Church Plan Mother’s Day

To pull it all together smoothly, consider these tools:

• Tithe.ly ChMS: Manage volunteers, set up workflows, and coordinate event details
• Tithe.ly Giving: Launch giving campaigns and track donations
• Tithe.ly Events: Organize event registrations and follow-ups
• Tithe.ly Media: Access free graphics and social media templates

With the right systems in place, your team can focus on blessing mothers without adding stress.

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Final Thoughts

Mother’s Day offers churches the chance to reflect God’s love in a powerful way. Whether through a simple gift, an inspiring video, or a joyful brunch, your efforts can uplift women and remind them they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.

Plan ahead, communicate clearly, and invite your church family to help make this day special for every mom who walks through your doors.

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