As I write, important ministry is going on above me, below me and around me.
Downstairs. Grandson Caleb has moved on to “big school,” but Evie still attends our church Mother’s Day Out. So I watch closely what’s going on. My conclusion after careful scrutiny: I wish I could go to MDO! I’m so grateful our director, Whitney Weiner, gives me opportunities to meet with the MDO parents and grandparents. I love to tell them how much the church loves our school. We want MDO to be an extension of their homes: a place of kindness and fairness, order and peacefulness. We want our school to be a place where we celebrate that God created us and loves and sent us his Son Jesus. We want our children to experience the wonder of creation and the sheer fun of being alive. Watching those shining faces sitting on the floor of the Chapel for Monday worship, my heart swells with joy that we get to host this ministry.
Upstairs. It’s quieter! But I notice the constant traffic to our Baton Rouge Christian Counseling Center. All the counsellors have full schedules. The director, our own deacon Sherry Kadair, has fostered a great sense of mission and team among our counsellors. This is one of the best group of therapists we’ve had, people of deep faith, excellent training and true skills. Between them, our counselors cover the range of specialties from marriage to grief, from eating disorders to sexuality issues, from depression to life purpose.
Out There. In the space between the MDO classrooms and the Chapel there is a beautiful, peaceful courtyard. The tasteful brick walls with granite name plates make a final resting place for more than 30 of our members. It’s a joy to see family members make a visit on Sunday mornings or during the week. Many more of us still among the living have secured niches. Our beloved church seems a fitting place to be remembered.
Farther out. On Florida Boulevard and Donmoor Avenue, a church plant prepares to open Sunday September 7. Pastor Ron Hicks will lead this outreach to the Mall City area. The Sanctuary (as the church is called) will be a beacon of hope in our city. Worship services will be held at 10.45 am. Perhaps one Sunday you can worship at First at 7.45 or 9 am, then head out to join the many supporters from our church for this important endeavor.
Speaking of the Chapel, this summer all the woodwork has been redone and it’s more beautiful than ever. The 7.45 am service has become delightfully multi-generational. If you haven’t worshiped there in a while, come check it out.
Looking forward to a great autumn as we work through Philippians, I love being your pastor,
Gerrit
