Should the Church Promote Social/Recreational Activities?

"What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you...Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat (the Lord's Supper), wait for one another. But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come" (1 Cor. 11:22, 33-34).

Based on this one verse, as well as the pattern of scripture, how can we justify the incorporation of social and recreational activities into the local church's work? Where is the New Testament authority for the local church's sponsoring of chicken dinners, pizza parties, softball leagues, basketball nights, gymnasiums, fitness centers, etc?

QUESTION #2: Is Baptism Essential for Salvation?

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mk. 16:16).

"Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Ac. 2:38).

"And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Ac. 22:16)

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27).

"There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 3:21).

Based on these verses, is baptism just an "outward sign of an inward grace," or is it essential for salvation? Must one be baptized to be saved? I think the answer is clearly 'YES,' but I would like to know what you think.