And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
-Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
We all need excuses to spend time together and our community uses Cake Day as our monthly “we HAVE to see each other and eat cake” celebration.
How to host your own Cake Day:
- Cake Day is celebrated on the first day of every month.
- It doesn’t matter what type of cake is used. You can change it up every month or eat red velvet twelve times. Whetever your cake experience lends you.
- Place the number of candles on the cake that coordinates with the month you’re celebrating (i.e. four candles for April because it’s the fourth month).
- Light your candles, turn off the lights and sing the Cake Day song, lyrics below:
Cake Day. Cakeus Diem.
Oo loo loo. Oo la la.
Let’s eat cake!
(one clap)
- Everyone blows out the candles or you can designate a special someone.
- Finally, EAT the cake* BUT HOLD ON…no plates are allowed. Only utensils. Everyone digs into the cake for as many bites as they please.
* you know there’s going to be that one gluten free person. Be kind and get them a mini gluten free something-something to make sure they don’t feel left out.
Cake Day was inspired by a friend in college who invited me to one of her celebrations. I had no idea what Cake Day was, but I knew I wanted to see my friends and cake seemed like a good reason to spend time together. The first time I sang the song, I honestly felt like I was a part of a new dessert cult but something special was going on. From then on, sharing cake became something special that I wanted to incorporate into the tradition of my future communities.
Why?
Each month we gathered to stuff our faces with cake created a real, dedicated group of people. You could be a stranger when you first arrive but by the time you’ve shared forks with someone, you leave different then when you first walked in the door.
Connection like that keeps people coming back because rhythms of spending time together is essential for rooted community!
Communities create their own culture with rhythms, celebrations, and inside jokes. The silly celebration of Cake Day was just a tool to create a consistent rhythm that celebrated the promised hope of God together through our friendships. The author of Hebrews saw the difference between communities that met regularly versus those who “neglected to meet together” (Hebrews 10:25):
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV).
Community is called to strengthen one another’s faith and spur one another on towards good things. This starts with meeting together regularly—and cake is an easy way to gather folks.
You may wonder, how can I possibly do anything like this! Well, YOU, sister-friend, are a culture-creator. If you set a precedent that spending time together is essential to creating healthy and meaningful community, it will happen.
You’ve heard the adage: you get what you put in. It’s the same with God and His community. Managing this time with a true gospel-led spirit is a great start to creating a community culture that has depth and consistency. No matter what your unique celebration or tradition is, let the time be one of fun, encouragement, and truth.
Questions for Your Community:
On a scale from 1-10 (1 being “are we even friends” to 10 being we are so close we share the same fork”) how great are we at creating regular meeting times together?
What rhythm would fit our community?
How can we use our time together to encourage each other towards knowing God?
Challenge:
Get together with your roommates, husband, or neighbors and host a Cake Day! Or create your own special get-together that is silly but serious about supporting one another in faith.
What is the tune for the cake day song??
I need to include a little video. Make up whatever tune you want! It’s more like a chant.
We have long like: caaaakkkee daaaaayyyyy, cakeuuussss diiieeemmmmm
then really fast: oo loo loo, ooo la la, let’s eat cake (clap)
How large of a group do you typically have at your cake days? I love the idea, and I’m just trying to think how I can best apply it to my group of people in an effort to blend groups from different circles and build that intentional community. Have you found a number that seems to be too big or too small?
Meredith! Such a great question. One time we had four people, one time we had fourteen. The beauty of cake day is that it is a perfect time to bring together friends from other circles. It’s low maintenance and people can come and go as they please. There are also months where cake day is just a celebration between me and my husband. So, it varies but I think it’s an excellent time to have lots of people over at once without having to cook a big meal or have an agenda.