Some of you may remember when I said in a sermon a few weeks back that I’ve always wanted to create a fully funded ministry of joy in the church. To hire a pastor of parties–a reverend of revelry, a minister of merry-making, if you will–whose only job is to create opportunities for folks to enjoy themselves, celebrate life, and find great delight just by being together.
And somewhere in all that having a ball, I imagine everyone learning more and more about each other and finding even more reasons to celebrate. I imagine people being introduced or reintroduced over and over again to something that’s part and parcel of the love of God and how that love gets expressed—JOY! Deep gladness, heartfelt delight. And I picture everyone getting to know the God of love who delights in them! The One the prophet Zephaniah says is right there in the midst of you—a Savior who saves. The God who rejoices over you with gladness, renews you in love, and delights over you with singing!
If you want to know a little about what that looks like, think back to our parking lot party last week on Sunday Funday. Just a blast! I loved seeing the food you brought, the conversations you were having, and the connections you made with people you knew and others you were getting to know. Live music from Park Avenue folks, laughter, joy! I don’t know about you, but may I have more of that, please?
Thank you to all who worked so hard to put Sunday Funday together. Here are a couple of pics. Enjoy!
And, by the way, during the party, you had an opportunity to learn more about how to find your place of belonging at Park this fall. Is there still time to sign up for a place of learning or serving? Absolutely. Just click the button below to see how you can take the next step to learn together or serve together at Park.
Much love,
Pastor Gregg
