Photo: Thomas Hawk Many years ago, I went to the Vali-Hi Drive-In with some friends from seminary. Many of us had graduated and this was the last time we would all be together. We got there early, parked in about the 3rd row--all three cars next to each other. Someone brought the grill, someone else brought the cooler, everyone brought something. It was a great community.
I cannot remember what outdoor games we played, but we played some great games, but they don't compare to the surprise that came as the sun was setting. About an hour before the first movie, a friend surprised us all by pulling out some cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla. She poured it into this ball and proceeded to pass it around the group.
I have no idea what the movies were that night. That wasn't the real reason we went to the drive-in. We went to be with each other one last time.
Lately, I've needed some of that.
Community.
I have the benefit of seeing a few of you every week while I record the lectors and assisting ministers. However, it has been tough to feel God's presence without the presence of my faith family.
Now the comparison between the seminary student drive-in and us having Drive-In Worship aren't perfect parallels, but there are some similarities. We won't be having games or grills, and, while I cannot predict whether or not Rob will surprise us with an ice cream machine, I would guess that he won't be doing that this time.
However, we gather to be in community, not for a future absence, but for a present/past absence. We gather for a surprise--not a confectionery surprise--but rather that God is still here with each of us. Whether we are in our cars, at our homes, or anywhere else. God is here. Because, if you're like me, sitting at home alone, God's presence isn't easy to feel.
I hope you are able to come on Sunday for our first-ever Drive-In Worship. It will start at 10:00 AM on Sunday, June 21. If there's a weather event happening, check Facebook or our website to see if it's still on. I'll be there, hopefully with my kids.
Sean Johnson, Choir Director
I cannot remember what outdoor games we played, but we played some great games, but they don't compare to the surprise that came as the sun was setting. About an hour before the first movie, a friend surprised us all by pulling out some cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla. She poured it into this ball and proceeded to pass it around the group.
I have no idea what the movies were that night. That wasn't the real reason we went to the drive-in. We went to be with each other one last time.
Lately, I've needed some of that.
Community.
I have the benefit of seeing a few of you every week while I record the lectors and assisting ministers. However, it has been tough to feel God's presence without the presence of my faith family.
Now the comparison between the seminary student drive-in and us having Drive-In Worship aren't perfect parallels, but there are some similarities. We won't be having games or grills, and, while I cannot predict whether or not Rob will surprise us with an ice cream machine, I would guess that he won't be doing that this time.
However, we gather to be in community, not for a future absence, but for a present/past absence. We gather for a surprise--not a confectionery surprise--but rather that God is still here with each of us. Whether we are in our cars, at our homes, or anywhere else. God is here. Because, if you're like me, sitting at home alone, God's presence isn't easy to feel.
I hope you are able to come on Sunday for our first-ever Drive-In Worship. It will start at 10:00 AM on Sunday, June 21. If there's a weather event happening, check Facebook or our website to see if it's still on. I'll be there, hopefully with my kids.
Sean Johnson, Choir Director