We’re still in the middle of transition at GCR Church, still shifting our vision and practices toward doing more incarnational, relational ministry here in the city of Midland. And what we’re doing with our annual Harvest Party / Trunk or Treat is an important expression of that vision. This past Sunday, for the second year in a row, we took our annual Harvest Party / Trunk or Treat on the road to Family Promise, one of our local missions partners. Family Promise helps people and families who are experiencing homelessness in Midland by providing housing, counseling, training, equipping, and several other kinds of resources and assistance. We give them money every year and we serve dinner there once per quarter. But our vision is to get more of our GCR folks into relational situations with Family Promise that will help the people who need help and, at the same time, be a transformative agent for us.

Over the decades, GCR had become a well-oiled, efficient candy-distribution machine. We were really good at spending 20 seconds with 1,500 people who come through the long lines in our church parking lot. But what if we spend two hours with about 40 people? What if, instead of inviting people to come to our place, we go to their place? What if we share dinner and play games and engage in conversation and make connections? What if we all sing Happy Birthday to Max on his 13th birthday and share cake with his family? What if we hold babies and wipe up spills and make hot dogs and pray for people at our tables? By name. What might our God do with that?

The response from our church family and from Family Promise has been tremendously encouraging.

 

 

 

 

 

I’m telling you, our people are the best. They always go over the top. Without being asked, they go above and beyond with their costumes, with their themes, with their creativity in turning a car trunk or a pickup bed into an experience. They go beyond expectations with their hospitality and joy, generosity and thoughtfulness and fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s a huge difference between passing out candy to a thousand kids and families in a long line and never seeing them again and sitting down with a family of four for hot dogs and chips and a Coke. There’s much more time, it’s much more relaxed. Efficiency is not the goal, it’s about relationship. It’s talking about the kids’ costumes and comparing candy buckets, learning names and making connections, talking about the weather and the terrible twos and our grandmas and favorite music and acknowledging together how God has been at work in our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrie-Anne and I spent most of our time with Ashley and her three young kids. They came to Midland from Utah back in August. Ashley still can’t believe it’s sunny and 88-degrees here in late October. And she can’t believe how the Lord is blessing her through Family Promise and GCR. She’s overwhelmed by the love and support. She’s thrilled that she actually knows people’s names and that they know hers. Her kids are a hoot: Allie is not afraid to talk, Mijo (we never got his real name) is a mischievous mess, and little Annie is absolutely adorable. And she knows it. Might be a bit of a problem later on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seems obvious to me that this is the Jesus way. Going outside the camp, outside the city gates, to spend personal time with the marginalized, the vulnerable, and the hurting. Going to where the people are to meet them in their place and on their terms. Healing, encouraging, laughing, bringing people together. Sharing a meal. Yes, eating and drinking together with thanksgiving to God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this GCR Church and what our God is doing in us and through us. I thank the Lord for the ways we are embracing the more difficult work of incarnational, relational ministry right here in the city where God put us. What a divine privilege to walk where Jesus walks, in his name and in his manner. And to do it together.

Peace,

Allan