To say that our country is facing an economic downturn is a huge understatement! In most of our lifetimes we have never seen more foreclosures, bankruptcies, and layoffs. Yes times are very difficult for many, and that means they will go in search of three very important things. They will be looking for faith, hope, and love. People want to have faith. They want to have enough faith to truly believe that things will get better. They want that level of hope needed to face their ever increasing daily challenges. And while they may not realize it…they crave being a part of a community of people that will love and support them.
What does this mean to all local churches? It means that we will likely see more visitors in 2009 than ever before. As members, volunteers, and staff we have the strategy in place to take care of them. However, we also need to make sure of one very important step in welcoming this new set of visitors to FOTP. We have to make sure that we have more than enough room when they arrive. When someone is broke, busted, and disgusted the last thing they need is to show up to an over crowded parking lot and foyer! Obviously we would love to build a 1200 seat worship center and move back to 3 services and make room for more people, but we simply can’t afford to do that at this time. Think about all of the benefits of a Saturday night service!
For those of you with very young children, it may be much easier it is to get your children ready in the afternoon than in the morning. And for you night owls…it will reduce the number of guilt ridden Sundays. You know what I’m talking about. Those mornings where you couldn’t shake the cobwebs out in time to go to church, and then you are miserable. Well miserable might be an understatement, but that is what I pray over you when you miss just so you know! Last but not least, you will be out by 6:00 which will give you plenty of time to get to Billy Bobs! Okay, I am not condoning that last one, but it is a valid point.
Put it on your calendar, Palm, daily planner, or Blackberry…FOTP’s version of Saturday Night Live will begin on February 7th at 4:45! By adding a service we will also need several more volunteers. If you would be interested in volunteering please email us at serve@fellowshipoftheparks.com. Don’t worry! We are also going to have a worker’s service for all volunteers at 6:00 Saturday evening. So that means that everyone will have a chance to sleep in on Sunday morning! I am very excited about this new opportunity for all of us to reach out to more people in our growing community. It is through our love that they can come to a faith in Jesus Christ, and it is in their faith that they will find the hope that they crave!
I love you,
Doug