It started out Sunday morning with guest ministry at Morning Worship. Don Compier, head of our denomination's seminary, brought the message. He was in town for last Saturday's healing workshop and Ron Gillilan, director of the workshop, made it possible to Don to share with us. We were also joined by the Gillilans, our friend Pat who was also in town for the workshop, and a first-time visitor to the congregation.
As a part of the announcements during Morning Worship we included a video to promote giving to Outreach International. I highly recommend it. You can link to it at http://www.vimeo.com/16095679.
There's an Easier Way To Give a Goat - outreachshop.org from Outreach International on Vimeo.
After the service a couple of people who were planning to serve at the Peace Pavilion stayed to get a feel for the materials they'd be using with the kids. Also during this time Ron, Don, and I made a quick home visit to a woman who had just gotten out of the hospital.
With Sunday being Halloween we anticipated a small crowd for Kids' Church. We were correct as only 5 kids came. We did not anticipate, though, that we would be repeatedly interrupted with trick-or-treaters at the door during the 3 o'clock hour. We weren't ready to accommodate them and suggested they return starting at 4:30.
As soon as Kids' Church was over we finished setting up for trick-or-treating. Bryce, Lennard, Isaiah, Tamara, and I all took part in handing out treats. This included toothbrushes and toothpaste that Marjorie Buchanan had secured for us, pencils, stickers, and (of course) candy. We were pretty well cleaned out by 7:30 so we shut down for the night.
I started seeing "RIP" postings on Facebook on Monday afternoon. I soon learned that there three people had been killed just a few blocks away when the car they were in was hit by someone who had just stolen another vehicle. Those in the stolen vehicle survived the wreck.
That afternoon I met with the teachers at school 34 to talk about the Peace Pavilion. They were very excited about the opportunity. Several on staff had been to the church when the Peacemobile had visited nearly 5 years ago and were thrilled to now have access to the learning centers on a regular basis. In fact, on Tuesday I got a letter from the art teacher asking if she could come by and help get things set up.
111 kids participated in Wednesday's SonRisers activities. Later that morning a few more Peace Pavilion volunteers spent time reviewing the materials and procedures. We made a final shopping list and I headed out to get the remaining supplies.
The art teacher from school 34 came by that afternoon before the Narcotics Anonymous meeting. We talked about several ideas and ways to make the place look more inviting. That evening after a small Mid-Week Service we put the finishing touches on the Peace Pavilion in anticipation of Thursday's opening.
Penny, Earl, Ebony, Robert, Sarah, Tamara, and I gathered at the church on Thursday morning to welcome the first kids to the Peace Pavilion. We had two first grade classes scheduled back to back. The appointed time came and went. After waiting a half an hour, I headed over to the school to see what was going on. I learned that since it was raining they decided not to walk the kids over to the church.
Friday night brought Pizza Church. Despite being a little short on staff, the first two sessions went quite well. The senior high group, however, was quite a different story. We had five new kids over the course of the evening.
Looking ahead to next week we have our full schedule of activities. In addition, I'll be checking again with the schools to make sure that kids will be coming to the Peace Pavilion on Thursday. Saturday evening is our monthly Solid Rock Cafe.
Along with the individuals and activities mentioned, please keep the following families in the forefront of your prayers:
The Jackson Family
The Johnson Family
The Boone Family
The Bryson Family
The Burley Family
The Purcell Family
The Jones Family
The Whitney Family
Thank you for your continued prayer support.
Jeff and everyone at
The Power House
“Building the Kingdom of God Here and Now”
PowerHouseMD@Juno.com
www.pigtownchurch.org
http://thisweekatthepowerhouse.blogspot.com/
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