“Sunday in the Park” Praise!

“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”

- Psalm 103:1

It would have been difficult to imagine a week ago when we were dealing with heat indexes near 100 degrees, that our “Sunday in the Park” would turn out to be a chilly and windy day even with a few dark clouds.  But God certainly has a sense of humor!  Despite the chilly temperatures and windy conditions, around 60 people gathered for worship in the greatest sanctuary ever built – the great out-of-doors - including approximately 24 visitors, many of whom have no church home!   

We faced several challenges including the cool and windy weather, set up in a ‘new’ park with limited shelter space for food, a guitar that got blown off it’s stand by a gust of wind and broke, technical glitches with the PA system, grills not working properly, and some surrounding distractions.  Yet, “Team Grace” pushed through and persevered!  All in all, the music was uplifting.  The message was inspirational.  The food was delicious.  The fellowship was warming.  And, God was glorified!

A special thanks to all who braved the weather and participated with your warming presence!  We thank all who extended invitations, passed out flyers, canvassed the neighborhood, prayed for God’s Spirit to be present, brought a dish of food (or two) to share with others, provided worship music and sound, set up tables and tents, grilled burgers and hotdogs, led children’s games, socialized with newcomers, stayed positive despite the challenges, and glorified God with your heartfelt worship.

It was a challenging day.  But God does indeed work all things together for good.  People were touched.  Meaningful conversations took place.  Connections were made between members and non-members as well as among ourselves.  That’s why we do “Sunday in the Park!”  After all these years, it’s still a great outreach event and lots of fun for those who truly ‘enter into’ it.  We thank God for the warming sunshine.  And we thank God for the “Sonshine” of Jesus in our hearts toward others!