This weekend we were privileged to host some friends from Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS, who helped us with a cookout in Spring Forest Park. I love these Temple folks greatly and it was wonderful to link arms again with them doing kingdom work. This particular park is located right beside the school where we meet on Sundays. We probably served about 75 people a fantastic catfish dinner and had many gospel-centered conversations with our guests.
Prior to the cookout we also went through the neighborhood and in the commercial areas inviting people to our preview service (yesterday) and our launch service (9/11). I have no idea how many total contacts we made, but it was a fruitful day of outreach, and we are prayerful that many of these folks will join us for worship soon. We know that a one-time shot is not sufficient, however, and we hope to keep doing these Saturdays in the park.
In addition to the outreach, it was also just a super fun time with our IDC folks. I cannot explain how much fun it is to be part of this fellowship.
On Sunday we had a glorious day of worship. As with all our Sunday services, our worship times include: singing, multiple Scripture readings, an exposition of Holy Scripture, prayer, the Lord’s Supper, and more singing. Our services conclude with the reciting of the Lord’s Prayer (which was the sermon text for this past Sunday). This past Sunday we also covenanted with several new members at Imago Dei.
We also served up the best coffee on the planet, thanks to our friends at Jubala Coffee! Our adult guests also received real bottles of Coke (the ones with sugar and not syrup!) and Capri Suns for the kids, along with gift bags. I think someone counted 72 people in all.
We are working hard at doing both Christ-centered worship and Christ-centered hospitality well. I love Paul’s words:
Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Romans 15:7
Christ has welcomed us and as his people we welcome you to come and join us for corporate worship this Sunday on 9/11, as we talk about the great hope we have in the Gospel.
