What a fun day!
As Calvary has grown (8 worship gatherings in 4 different locations) we’ve had to address some of our needs in unique ways. The gathering that I lead has been meeting in the local high school auditorium for the past 2 school years. It’s been an adventure to say the least. The process of set up and tear down can get a little wearisome, especially for those of us who aren’t morning people! But it’s been so good to be in the school. We love the fact that our school district is willing to work with us. There are a couple of ways that we’ve found to be of practical, tangible help to the school.
The first is through CityServe. We send a team of volunteers to the school to do some clean up around the property. One teacher told me today that she’s never seen the courtyard look so good. She commented on this to the custodian, thanking him for his hard work. He replied that it wasn’t him; it was the folks from Calvary who showed up to do the work. That’s a win.
The other is an appreciation luncheon. We bought enough food to feed a small army! The teachers were informed that lunch was on us today, and they showed up with hungry bellies and left with thankful hearts. There were no strings attached–we didn’t preach to them, invite them to church, or anything else. We tried to stay out of their way and let them talk with each other and eat together. We simply wanted to thank them for letting us invade their classrooms each week. We were available to chat with anyone who wanted to, but other than that we just said, “Thanks!”
Being at the school isn’t easy, but it’s good. We have the opportunity to rub shoulders with loads of folks who don’t attend church/Calvary. We get to involve lots of people in the process of set up/tear down each week. New leaders are developing as we find each gathering growing. New life groups are forming as people are looking for community, discipleship, and opportunities to serve. Of course, there are obstacles and difficulties. Many of them are packaged in with all the great things that are happening (set up, tear down, etc).
I’m so glad that we’ve chosen to do church in multiple places, multiple styles, with multiple leaders. We just launched a new gathering at Camp Kanesatake last Sunday. There were 53 adults and 15 kids at the first meeting! As the Calvary movement grows, there will continue to be obstacles and opportunities. I love the fact that we’re thinking out of the box, looking for ways to remove the barriers that people face in coming to faith in Jesus. And along the way, we get to be a blessing to our communities. Win-Win…
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