In July, I typically write an article that encourages congregation members to stay connected to the church. Activity appears simpler on the surface, but very important processes and activities are happening. I write and remind us all that Children and Student ministries are going full-steam with big ministry events. The Nominating and Finance Committees are working to develop our leadership slate and ministry budget for the coming year. I remind everyone to continue with consistent financial support to avoid the stereotypical summer stewardship slump. Above all, it’s good to remember that time away from Yates is not time away from God. Take time for worship, for prayer, for devotion and for service. Remain connected to the church and its ministry, no matter where you may be.
Seldom do I write to encourage the members of the church to stay connected to one another, though. To that end, I’m excited to invite you to be a part of several big events to be held in local parks on Wednesdays this summer. We will cook out. There will be recreational events. It will be lots of fun.
I hope you will also see something more. In their book, Bringing Heaven to Earth, Josh Ross and Jonathan Stormant describe the significance of picnics and parties in Jesus’ own ministry, at one point calling him the “Prophet of Potlucks.” The parties of Jesus were ways for Jesus to celebrate the Good News of the Kingdom of God, welcome strangers as friends and proclaim the forgiveness of God. The church, they suggest, should be the place where the best parties are thrown. I couldn’t agree more.
As I anticipate getting together for Big Wednesdays, I hope we all can embrace their deeper purposes:
There are relational purposes: You never know what you might learn about someone you’ve known until you eat, laugh and play with them. Big Wednesdays give us all a chance to grow closer together that is in synchronicity with the season. It is a summertime way of strengthening the bonds of fellowship and love that make Yates so strong. Yates is a congregation that places a premium on relationships. Many challenges a church faces are only overcome by diligent commitment to koinonia, to the integrity of the fellowship, to the “unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:3)
There are missional purposes: By dislocating from the church grounds, the church is setting aside its “home field advantage” to be present, visible and active in the community. Though this sometimes feels a little strange, it makes sense to bring ourselves to the neighborhood if we’re serious about loving our neighbors. Consider inviting someone you know who’s a little shy about Sunday mornings, or bring an extra lawn chair for a new friend you might make that night.
There are forward-looking purposes: I think being diligent in maintaining personal connection is a must in these days following a long self-study and decisive vote about our future, facility and finances. As we step into the far-reaching Kingdom commitments we’ve made, our “fellowship muscles” will need to be as strong as possible to carry us all in unity into Yates’ future.
Finally, it will be so much fun: Nuff said! I look forward to seeing you this summer.
Grace and Peace,