Dog Days

Last month, I reminded us about the various images we can use thinking about our church –being the church in the middle of the village, planted by the water, as well as the church at the intersection of three communities – Fox Hill, Buckroe, and new Fox Hill. This month, I have an invitation (front of invitation above and back on page 2) for us to share and live into those images: Dog Days of Summer!

About a year ago, following Vacation Bible School, we introduced “Just Dinner,” which was an attempt to ease the loneliness in our community. “Dog Days” follows in that same vein, but approaching the issue from a different direction. (By the way, we will havetwo “Just Dinners” in October and November this fall as well.) As we were discussing how we could change, adapt, or redirect “Just Dinner” to be more effective, we discovered that the Fox Hill Neighborhood center was hosting farmer’s markets on Sunday afternoons during the summer. One idea led to another, and we now will offer “Dog Days” on the second Sunday of the month from June to August (June 8, July 13, August 10). The details are still being developed, but the gist is: 2-5pm, outside (unless weather prohibits being outside), hot dogs, watermelon, tea, water, or lemonade, cornhole, water games (balloons, sprinklers, what have you), and conversation. We hope to be able to offer a car show during one of the Dog Days, and we’d like to offer a bouncy castle as well.

There are layers to how we could use help, starting with praying for them, that strangers can become friends, and neighbors can become members and friends, going all the way to helping plan and execute the events. I would encourage all who are able to attend as many as possible, and if you are interested in helping or planning, please drop me a message or call, or catch me on a Sunday to offer help.

After all, these Dog Days aren’t going to be the answer to all our questions about loneliness or helping our church grow, but they can be a start. And sometimes, a start is all we need! I was not a drummer until I started in Junior High band. I wasn’t a pastor until I started being one. And so, it is with the body of Christ, the church – we didn’t arrive all at once either, but we did have a start that has brought us to where we are.

Speaking of which, pencil this date in now – September 21 for a Homecoming event. The date and details are sketchy for now, but the idea is to have a celebration including combined worship, at least one meal, invitations, and renewing or beginning friendships. Even though we will have the “dog days” of summer, God may in fact bless us to greet the fall with renewed hope and strength!

It's my honor to serve alongside you!