Those Chairs Aren't Just for Four Year Olds!

            Last week, I was reminded of a truth I learned years ago, that some of the most powerful “God moments” happen during the week, as opposed to just in weekend worship.  It was something simple but I just had to take a picture:

 

            This is an image of something that happens all the time around here; people gathered for Bible study.  But this particular Wednesday afternoon, our “Senior Saints” and others were at the church for their study.  They usually meet in one of our nice new classrooms.  But, here they are in a very different place. 

            As I hope you know, we were hosts to our CARITAS guests last week.  This ministry works with folks who are temporarily homeless.  They live in various locations, usually churches, from week to week until they can get their feet on the ground again.  So, they slept in our classrooms and ate in our activity rooms.  We had the privilege of sharing meals and getting to know them and their stories.

            All of our regular classes had to cancel, postpone, or move.  That is why this picture is so special.  It is of our seniors and others, in a tiny pre-school art room, sitting on tiny chairs, around a table designed for four year olds.  Our oldest members led the way to make room for those who need a bit of help.  They would of course say that this is no big deal, they didn’t even think about it.  Perhaps they didn’t but I couldn’t help but notice their leadership in our church, showing us the way of inconveniencing ourselves and our spaces for those who are down and out.

            That picture reminds us of why we do what we do.  This weekend, we are going to continue that adventure and “Give it Away” on Saturday and Sunday.  Instead of gathering for worship in our usual way, we will worship by going out into the community and serving.  Some will be passing out food, others will be painting and repairing, while others will be helping to sing and lead worship in other locations.  Hundreds of people will serve and be served this weekend and our prayer is that each will experience the reality of love and hope that is the kingdom of God. 

            Thank you Woodlake for all that you do and all that you are.  May God bless us as we strive this weekend to be a living testimony of the love that he has for all of us!

 

In Christ,

Pastor Pete