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You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. . . . In the same way, let your light shine before others . . . -Matthew 5:14,16a, NIV
This past Sunday, the light was shining at JCPC. According to what I've been told, our church was first named "Church of the Hills" because we are literally on a hill. But this past Sunday, I think we lived up to our original namesake by letting our light shine from the hill of our campus. Many came by for our first Drive-by Offering, which was more than simply handing in our gifts as we waved. Neal and I greeted each car, checked in briefly, asked for prayer concerns, and offered to pray for those needs or to give a blessing. Many folks shared some deep hurts they, or someone they cared about, were experiencing. Hearing Neal pray for our folks may have been the highlight of the day for me.
Then we invited folks to share their offering, if they had one, with our elders who were holding the offering plates while wearing masks and gloves. I watched as many of those encounters turned into conversations and a time to catch up.
Heidi and Christian then shared the CD of music they had created from our recent online services. They told folks the CD was not only a gift to comfort them, but something they could pass along to someone who needed it. They could also download the music from our website on the Church@Home page link and enjoy it that way.
Then most of the folks who came brought canned goods, pasta, and/or monetary gifts over to the church bus where Brian and the youth received them. They filled the back of the bus with food to support "Hands of Christ" and help those who are really struggling at this time.
More than one person asked if we could do it again soon. Our Stewardship Ministry Team decided last night the answer was a resounding "Yes!" So, if you missed out on this or want to do it again, come Sunday, June 21, from 10:00 a.m. until Noon and join in the joy! I know you will be glad you came.
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