Hanging Out as God's Family

Let's have a feast and celebrate...we had to celebrate and be glad. -- Luke 15:23, 32

It's almost summer, and a lot of the "business" of church meetings slows down for the summer. Everyone is running here and there, hanging out with family--Memorial Day picnics, Fourth of July Picnics, family vacations and cookouts and getaways, Father's Day and Labor Day.

That doesn't mean we forget about God. On the contrary, when Jesus talks about what God is up to in the world, the image is of a big family party. The church is most the church when we are having picnics, enjoying one another, and basking in the peace we have with God.

The church is most the church when we are having picnics, enjoying one another, and basking in the peace we have with God.

God, the Creator of all, is our loving Dad, welcoming us all to the table, setting down ground rules to make sure we all get along.

Salvation is restoration to the family: those who had distanced themselves hear the call to come back to acceptance and forgiveness.

Selfish pride softens to humility, as we all realize that we don't have to impress anyone with our accomplishments. We can love and be loved for who we really are.

In this family gathering, the last are first, so that those who have been frozen by shame can feel the warmth of acceptance and honor. The first are last, so that those who have been on the high horse of self-importance get taken down a peg and re-learn the joy of being children.

God rejoices over us and delights in us (Zephaniah 3:17).

Every Sunday at 10 a.m. we celebrate God's resurrection power at work in those who follow Jesus. We're having a special church picnic on June 8 at 4:30 at the Laughlintown Community Center. Come hang out with us as the family of God.

--Jonathan