Christmas in July

On July 25th we will be offering a celebration called Christmas in July; This will take place between 10:30 - 12. All are invited to attend this event and to support it in prayer.

The event is based on Messy Church, a creative, family friendly, and intergenerational way of offering worship/Good News and fellowship which includes creative activities to open our souls and conversations, a time of Good News sharing/ Bible based lesson and a full meal. One of the most striking aspects of Jesus' ministry is table fellowship; he did not only feed people, he sat with them.

Why Are We Doing This? Research in church growth shows us that today unchurched people come to church because of a sense of belonging created by a church who engages with them. In the path forward proposed by our Conference leadership, we are encouraged to "Create new ministries that meet real needs and build relationships with people not currently connected to a church often serving as a first point of engagement." We are doing this to live into our mission of "making and maturing disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world." Churches have been encouraged to experiment with new ministries. It will be fun!

Who is Doing This? All of us! This event is a joint effort of Missions, led by Janey Jones and Faith Formation, led by Lynda Henry. Local artist Heather Clark Pizon will lead the creative activities for this session. We need helpers to decorate, clean up, publicize, and help with the meal preparation Most of all we need folks to be ambassadors for Christ just by being themselves and meeting new friends. That is the most important goal of the event. Sign- up sheets will appear in short order.

What Do I Chat About with People I Don't Know? The arts activity is an icebreaker. We can chat about anything from grandkids to lawnmowers! Common starting points can be the weather, sports, connection to Geneva community, talk about the lunch or community events- Been to Whip and Dip this summer? For some of us this is easy, for some it is a challenge, but we can all find a place where we are comfortable while stretching ourselves a bit. I can tell you that these types of ministries bring me closer to Jesus than just about anything else. I see Jesus in others and discover his love in my own heart as I reach out. We are not going to bring people to Christ by looking at each other as wonderful as that is! It is ok if you are not ready for a chat - you can help in other ways!

Is This a One Time Event? The hope and the vision moving forward is a monthly event focused on different themes; we are looking to Back to School, Fall Fun, The Blessing of Animals, and Giving Thanks. Once people feel safe, they may want to pray with us; These events could create a new worshiping community. Often we are church looking for a mission, but the church has always grown when it is a mission that becomes “church". Truth is some folks have had no church experience. They only see the Christianity often shown in the media. Some folks have been hurt by clergy or by people in churches. Some folks feel they are not good enough and that church people are judgmental. Simple kind contact creates a credible Christianity for the unchurched or de-churched.

I KNOW we have the kindness and welcoming spirit this ministry needs! Let's have fun for Jesus!

Rev. Pam