by Pastor Jeremy Vaccaro
Recently, we held our very first First Pres Forum. The Forum gave me the chance to talk to those gathered about our Core Values and the Community Building Initiative. The first phase of the Community Building Initiative is launching this summer with a special worship schedule and the start of Community Groups. But as you read the contents of this First Pres(s), you might have a good argument to make that the Community Building Initiative really started on April 26.
On April 26, many of our church gathered in various locations around the city to serve our neighbors as part of the Saturday of Service (S.O.S.). I had the privilege to join Paul and Lori Meadors as they served (with First Pres friends) their neighbors, Floyd and Molly. It was a family affair, too; each of my kids was able to contribute to the work of blessing the Meadors’ neighbors. It turned out to be as much a blessing to us as it was to them. What a joy to serve!
I was so encouraged to know that just down the street, in the same neighborhood, there was another crew from First Pres serving as Bob and Rosemary Avery led a team to bless their neighbors. And, during those same hours teams were distributed in neighborhoods around the city. How cool is that?! It is very cool.
Here’s what I loved about it the most: each of those projects around the city were prompted by you. People in the congregation walked across the street to find ways to help their neighbors. They opened their eyes to potential needs in their own neighborhoods, and God used it to bless others. Others were humble enough to ask for help in their own yard or house, and the church responded. Way to go church!
When I think about the launch of Community Groups on June 22, I get excited about the potential for this type of service to happen more spontaneously all around our city for the sake of Christ. Imagine a group of folks from First Pres coming together to address a need in your neighborhood. Imagine families building relationship while helping each other with significant projects at the house. Imagine a group that gathers for an early morning prayer walk. Imagine a group that cares for a widow or widower. And, imagine all those groups gathering, serving, and loving within the context of their own part of the city. Imagine First Pres folks engaged together in loving our neighborhoods for Christ’s sake. This is just one of the great things that could come with the launch of Community Groups.
In fact, I can’t imagine that it won’t happen in a church like First Pres.
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