'Twas and 'tis the season

It's now close to mid-summer and an opportune time to look back on the last few weeks - and in particular to the previously mentioned "Kid's Christmas" in the park.

The heart behind this event was very simple: to tell the story of Jesus at Christmas time to those who value some form of spiritual input at Christmas for themselves and their children even if they would not consider themselves to be regular churchgoers.

We held the event in the local park where we are currently meeting (with the surf club as wet weather back-up). We hired a marquee and set up a manger scene. The service revolved around carol-singing and using "pass-the-parcel" and the unwrapping of "gifts" to bring out props and impromptu "actors" to tell the story. It flowed naturally into an opportunity share the heart of the gospel explaining the little fridge-magnet gift - "Jesus is God's gift to us" - that each child could take home.

It was fun. We had advertised widely, in schools and shops - and we weren't sure who or how many would turn up. But a good number (about 60) did of whom many were people who we hadn't seen before or were passers-by that had come to check us out. The feedback was good, relationships were formed.

It was an opportunity to advertise "Connections Summer." The response to the question of "Where do you meet regularly?... In the park" continues to be a question that causes thought about what church is and why that matters.

A few months ago some church-planting friends from Queensland asked the question - "What is the folklore in the community about your church?" The "in the park, enjoying summer" folklore seems to be spreading. As long as it moves people to those substantial questions of what is church, and who is the God who can draw such a diverse bunch of people together and why - then it is a valuable folklore and I am glad.

In the weeks that have followed Christmas engagement amongst our members is high and it is a wonderful thing to see the Holy Spirit stir us.

Photos courtesy of Jonathan Adamczewski.