Popsicles in church, and other signs of radical welcome

Sunday I visited a friend's church that completely bowled me over to what church could be.  It was called 'Family of Hope,' and when I left that night, I left with a strong sense of family, and of hope, too, for our future church.

 

Lawrence, a precocious three-year old, served as the announcer, praise song leader, and usher.  He would get everyone's attention, at full volume, and then the pastor would fill in the details.  When he wasn't fulfilling one of his duties, he was dancing in the aisles, or visiting a variety of folks in their pews.  Nobody gave a second thought, they just visited with him quietly as the service proceeded.  One of the banners of this church's mission is:  'Child-Inclusive.'  They clearly had this down pat.  Why shouldn't children help lead church?

 

It was hot in the church--a ninety degree day with too much humidity in the air, and it overpowered the fans.  No matter, this church had a new summer tradition--it handed out freez-pops to everyone, adult and child alike, during the children's sermon.  We all held our brightly colored pops, and listened, and it was so great together, so simple, so delightful.  Why shouldn't we have popsicles in church?  There were, of course, plenty of napkins.

 

The day would continue to be adventurous--a huge thunderstorm blew in and knocked out the electricity (but not the 'power') of the sermon; it cleared up just in time for the afternoon party, celebrating the third year of the new church start (the benchmark for sustainability).  We feasted on fried chicken, orange sherbet punch, and an enormous cake with a winding road to symbolize the spiritual quest they had been on together.  Then there was the "Extravaganza"--friends from neighboring churches and ministries sharing their music with us, from a variety of styles--and two young leaders of this church sharing their vision for reaching out to the youth of the community--teenage girls and pre-teen boys especially, something I've rarely seen before. 

 

Two more phrases caught in my mind:  the pastor said "You are welcome here no matter how well you make it look put together--or how broken up it really is."  She called out that painful facade so many of us in the churches put up for so many reasons.  The regional minister present emphasized the church's dedication to 'Welcoming, Healing, and Growing.'  I could see for myself they were living out this expansive call. 

 

In short, this is a church of the new revolution.  Where young and old and single and partnered and all races and backgrounds and orientations are welcome.  This church doesn't have to be so far away.  This church, with the right spirit, the right vision, could break out in all our churches, all over. 

 

We just have to let it.

 

peace,

 

Le Anne