The Egg Hunt is On!
A guest blog by Rebecca DeLucia, Next Generation Pastor.
This coming Sunday is our third annual GLOW Easter Egg Hunt and Party!! While this event may get the most foot-traffic through the church and be among the most fun, it does something even greater:
advances God’s Kingdom.
Events like this are a direct invitation to those who may never set foot in the church to do so in a non-threatening way. Games, crafts, and egg hunts also break down barriers. Church is an intimidating place for many, and beautiful stained glass aside, our building could be one such barrier. But fun breaks down walls and shows people we care about them, we want to meet them where they are, and be a welcoming place where they can feel safe.
It demonstrates how God loves and welcomes them.
Our GLOW Egg Hunt, and other joyous events similar to it, allow people to see and experience God’s welcome and also give them a glimpse of what community looks like. One benefit of being a smaller church is the ways we are woven together. The relationships we have here at Central will naturally draw people in and in an increasingly lonely and disconnected world this is a powerful witness. This helps demonstrate God’s desire to be in relationship with them and for them to be in a caring supportive community.
There are also unique opportunities available for us as a church during events like these, primarily found in conversations. As parents wait with their children to go experience the fun of a GLOW Egg Hunt, we can talk to them about our classes and unique events here at Central. While kids complete crafts or eat popcorn, we can hear from parents. We may discover hidden needs in the community or unmet opportunities.
This can be the catalyst not only for what is next here at Central but also the opportunity to build God’s Kingdom in new ways.
These conversations also allow them to experience how God cares about each aspect of their lives, from busy Sundays, community programs, and more.
With every welcome and genuine connection made, we are demonstrating the endless scope of God’s Kingdom invitation. With every glow stick and goodie bag handed out, we are demonstrating God’s generous abundance and love towards us.
With every moment of laughter and joy we are highlighting the joyous victory of the resurrection.
Join us this Sunday, April 6th and help Central continue to become a place that lives by faith, is known by love, and is a voice of hope in the Bayshore.