Articles
FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY
Due to transitioning from the old building to the new building last year, Friends and Family
Day was put on hold. But now that we are settled in the new building, Friends and Family Day
is a go for Sunday morning, March 8. We will have our regular potluck lunch immediately
following worship.
I took a moment this week to go through the past 13 years of having Friends and Family
Day and discovered that the largest attendance was 225. That was a great number to have and in
the old building it was a very tight fit! Wouldn’t it be great if we topped that number for the first
year in the new building? If my calculations are correct, each family would need to bring
approximately 1 and 1/2 persons, then we would well exceed 225. Of course, a half person is not
possible, so maybe we should try for 2 people per family.
As we look toward the need for evangelizing and inviting souls to hear God’s Word
proclaimed, we understand that some soil preparation has already been made and seed has been
scattered. Sunshine and rain have been added to the mix, so surely we are ready for a harvest
(Matt. 13:10-23; Mt. 9:37-38; 1 Cor. 3:5-9). Let us be praying fervently that the Lord will help
in our efforts. Will you commit to inviting at least two people to visit with us for this year’s
Friends and Family Day?
Just a word of encouragement. Over the years I have had some of you say that you invited
lots of folks, but no one came. All we can do is invite and encourage (plant and water). We can’t
make anyone attend to hear God’s message. Jesus told a parable of a man faced with a similar
dilemma (Luke 14:16-24). He had prepared a great feast, but those who had been invited
provided “excuses” for not attending. The man didn’t throw his hands up in defeat, but sent his
servants out into the streets and lanes to invite others who would attend. May we be like this man
and not be comfortable with rejection, but renew our efforts to find others who will come to the
feast!
As we begin making preparations for Friends and Family Day, I want to encourage you to
be sure to mark this date on your calendar, so as not to let anything interfere with you being in
attendance. When visitors attend, they are looking to see if we believe in the importance to what
we are inviting them to attend. If we are not present, what message are we showing to all our
visitors?
We sing the song “Ring It Out.” May we ring the message out loud and clear as we prepare
for the Lord’s coming! ~P. Mowrer
