Picnics say a lot...
Here in Maryland we're in picnic season. This is surely so at Evangelical Lutheran Church, and as a pastor I've attended several lately. The weather and the food have been great, but even more so is the statement these events can make about a place.
1) ELC's Wee Folk School (our pre-school) held their annual picnic at Staley Park. The image was that of a couple hundred kids on the playground, running, laughing--basically doing what adults should do more often! With moms, dads, grandparents, and teachers, we then shared a meal. It was a great event AND it says that Evangelical is a place that cares about kids. We take seriously the Call to teach the children about the love of Jesus. It's reflected in our Wee Folk program, our partnership in the Trinity School of Frederick, our Sunday School, our summer Vacation Bible School, and the ongoing $1.9 million renovation of our Frederick Sunday School building. I'm glad we're a place that cares.
2) Gordon and Teri generously opened their home for a special spring picnic. Kids? Nope--not at this one. These children of God move a bit more slowly, but their smiles and warmth brought that same sense of joy I saw at Staley Park. This picnic was for homebound members of the congregation. Older folks, ranging from their 70's to almost 100, with physical ailments and issues that keep them from doing the things they used to do--the things they love the most. At Evangelical we care about our homebound members (and many who aren't even members). We have teams take communion to them. We take them videotapes of worship services and bulletins if they want them. And now we have a picnic so they can enjoy their church family and share the Lord's Supper together in Gordon and Teri's back yard. I'm glad ELC is a place that cares.
3) The 17th annual Twin Spires Open Golf Tournament (best ball format). Lots of players (most of us are hackers)--but the winners (at 7 under par) won a
trophy, as did the losing team. The golf was fun, but the picnic, hosted by the council president and his family, was even better! Burgers, beans, and recounting glorious shots from the day--fellowship in Christ where people grew in friendship. Days like this help to anchor folks more deeply in their Christian family--a partial vision of the Kingdom, one might even say. I'm glad Evangelical is a place where people care.
And most importantly, God, through the gift of the Church, provides many, many such places. If you're reading these words, know that God loves you. He might change your life through a congregation that cares and shares loving fellowship like I've mentioned above. If you live close to Evangelical (Frederick or Urbana), I invite you to share some time with us. If you're reading from somewhere else, I encourage you to see where the Spirit may want you to worship and find friendship and strength. It will change your life!
Pastor Dave+