From the Pastor – May 2024
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:12,13
One of my favorite parts of growing up was visiting, either going to visit a family or friend’s home or having someone stay with us. You learn so much about people–that we are all unique and very much the same. Everyone has their own house rules that make sense for their setting. Most importantly, it causes you to learn how to be a good host and guest. This I think is a key skill that serves us well in all areas of life.
Perhaps you have heard all the news about The BRICK. They are most of the way through a critical renovation of their building on Ellis. The renovation will vastly increase usable space, improve flow through the building, triple bathroom capacity and cut down on drafts. You may have heard about their project when we were asked to help out by painting the newly reconstructed walls. Everytime we do a painting project I am stunned by the difference a coat of paint makes! It is also a great time to get to know each other better by working together. Our church is filled with people who care and make time to make a difference.
To accommodate all the progress, The BRICK had moved its food pantry operations to the concessions stand behind the civic center. This temporary move has worked out pretty well; however, the City will need the concessions area for upcoming events and the renovation continues until the end of June. This is where we come back into the story…
Our Youth room is an ideal temporary location for this work. It is accessible, close to The BRICK offices, and roomy. Just like when we housed the SPARK
program, we can secure the CE wing of the building from the sanctuary side, so our ministry continues uninterrupted. Even more importantly, The BRICK’s ministry really is the core of our ministry, so it makes sense to offer hospitality until their renovation project is completed.
Therefore, with the blessing of the Session and the youth group, The BRICK food pantry will be using the Youth room from 9 am to 3:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and from 9 am to 7 pm on Thursday. There may be some minor inconveniences along the way, mainly to our staff, that will need to work around each other. But, I think it is worth it. It makes sense to welcome this ministry. It is a great time for us to share what we have been given. It is a great opportunity to practice hospitality. Please join with me in welcoming The BRICK’s staff!
Peace,
Jim