Oh the skating parties!!. My congergation was in a small town that didnt have a skating rink. We would travel to the next town about 45 minutes away through winding narrow roads ( before they made it a 4 lane highway.)
We would make arrangements with the kids down there and get a group of us together from both congergations.
Remember the disco ball and girl's choice?
I really think the society really messed up when they started discouraging get togethers . Those social bonds can be strong if you can nourish them.
Our congergation would have get togethers just because.
Now they have to manufacture an excuse.
edit to add: There doesnt seem to be the same closeness anymore. People are more distant with eachother.
You are only expected to be social before & after the meeting and out in service.