You Stepped In

Two Sundays ago – which I echoed in last week’s Wednesday email – I challenged you to step in to the mission of the church, and gave one timely example: the Block Party.

You stepped in.

Well done. Thank you.

Sunday’s Block Party, as hot as it was, was a huge success – and I think, another building block for the Kingdom of God in the Bayshore region. We welcomed loads of kids from Atlantic Highlands (judging by the mound of bicycles on the sidewalk), as well as new friends from all over the area. It was a great afternoon.

Here’s what I saw from you, though:

You were there not to be served, but to serve.
You gave of yourself for the sake of our visitors and for everyone present. It was awesome, and it was Christlike. Whether it was working the grills in 90+ degree heat, or carrying tables and chairs, or putting out tablecloths in the face of the wind, or overseeing the mass of children, or working behind the scenes to keep the food moving and the place clean – it was awesome.

You invited friends and neighbors.
I had the privilege of meeting many of them, and besides the fact that it was great to get to know them, it was a joy that they were there because of your invitations. As we seek to continue to find ways to introduce people to Jesus, I encourage you to continue to invite people into the church – on Sundays, for events, and everywhere in-between.

You welcomed others just as Christ has welcomed you.
I was so encouraged by seeing so many of you sitting with, eating with, and chatting with folks who you had never met before. You welcomed them to the (literal) table, just as Jesus did. It makes such a difference – bigger than we realize – as so many people worry when they come to a church event, “will I be welcomed?” We can say and advertise to people that “all are welcomed”, but it doesn’t amount to a hill of beans if, at the actual event, visitors are not treated as and actually welcomed. You did just that.

Thank you. Thank you for stepping in to the mission at Central.

Now, let’s do it again.
And again.
And again.

The summer gazebo services provide more opportunities. But every Sunday does. Every day does. The June 4 AACC Food Pantry BBQ will as well. Who knows what else God is doing on the Bayshore that He’ll call us to join?!? Let’s pray about that one together!

Now, I’ll close by saying this: I know that the thrice repeated ‘again’ up there might overwhelm you, might make you tired (let’s face it, the Block Party is exhausting!), and might make you think to yourself, “I/we don’t have the power, strength, or resources to do all of this!”

Amen. You don’t. We don’t. I know I don’t.

But I am THRILLED to say that we don’t need to, and in fact, we can’t do it on our own. Jesus knew it, and it’s why he didn’t allow his followers to get on with the mission before doing the last thing Jesus DID – which is what we’ll talk about, and newly launch, this Sunday…so don’t miss it!