This Sunday is the church picnic. Rain is forecasted all weekend. It is the Chiefs home opener (part of KCs Super Bowl pre-party). So the church had a bit of a panic moment mid-week. But soon we remembered we owned, but thankfully had not installed, the second projector. The Chiefs will be on the BIG screen. And, while the rain would hinder s’mores, more fun could happen inside. From food to an inflatable.
The church takes place in real life. It moves from this building – the one we have set aside as a place to worship God – and goes into the world. A world of sporting events, coffee, deadlines, Facebook, grocery lists, lawn care, family time… the church goes to meet everyone where they are in life. We don’t demand change but offer cups of living water, which tastes of God’s love and acceptance. Water which fills us with a calling to be God’s child. Growing up to be like Jesus.
This Sunday we continue our BE vision, focusing on BEyond. In our post-Christian society we must be faithful. But faithfulness is not more stringent legalism. To be faithful is to fulfill our mission to go and meet people where they live (Mathew 28:19-20). We go just like Jesus, who was propelled by love and demonstrated the fullness of love.
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3)
