Looking Back:  Community Day

Three weeks have passed since Community Day filled Parkside’s parking lot and fields. Within a few hours of its completion, only an empty tent stood as a reminder of the thousands of people who enjoyed an afternoon with the people of Parkside. Our hope and prayer since the beginning was that the day itself would have a much longer lasting effect in people’s lives. We pray for eternal fruit.
 
We know that four hours with us on a Sunday probably isn’t enough for someone to decide to call Parkside their church home. Chances are that if we aren’t careful, the warmth and fun afternoon they experienced will become just that: another afternoon event. The good news is that we’ve welcomed people back who said Community Day made them curious about what happens elsewhere at Parkside.  

If you were  unable to join us for Community Day, here are links to a short video or photos from the event.
 
Looking Forward: Continuing to Invite Others to Parkside

Maybe you’ve had follow-up conversations with friends who came, but aren’t quite sure if they’re up for Sunday worship services. It’s also possible that a neighbor you’ve invited shared that they’ve pretty much given up on church because they’ve become jaded from past painful experiences. Regardless of the response, our desire is that you will continue those conversations. In 1 Thessalonians 2:8, Paul says, “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” It’s clear that Paul sets an example of loving pursuit of people who don’t know Jesus and don’t have a Christian person in their life who cares enough to share life with them.
 
Even if the invitation to Community Day didn’t result in a friend coming, we encourage you to keep on and continue inviting your friends and neighbors to upcoming events like the Christmas concerts on December 8-10.  But, we hope that you won’t wait until then to have another conversation, another gospel link in the chain of sharing life with people who don’t know the grace and love of Jesus.
 
For Further Help: This Month’s Book Recommendation

As you converse with others, we’d like to recommend a great little book as a resource for you to read and share with a friend.  It’s called, “How the Church Can Change Your Life,” by Josh Moody. The chapters are direct and speak clearly and easily about why God has made the church. If you’ve ever felt caught off guard when someone asks, “Isn’t church only for Christians?” or, “Should I go back if I have been hurt by a church?” this book is for you.

Don’t let three weeks become more without taking the opportunity to continue a purposeful friendship with someone you invited or met while at Community Day. We’ll be praying along with you that God uses the smiles, conversations, and joy of that day to build his kingdom and his glory!  

You can pick up a copy of "How Church Can Change Your Life," by Josh Moody at Books by the Park.