Welcome to Church

I have always loved church. Some of my earliest memories are of walking into church as a little girl and feeling as if I had come home. I felt welcomed, people were glad to see me, my friends were there and I enjoyed being there. It was my happy place, my place of comfort and acceptance. 

I know that many people don't have those same memories or experiences at church, but those are mine, and I am so very grateful. Yesterday I was visiting with a friend about the churches that we attend. As we were talking I began to get emotional. I told her that I think that one of the reasons that I love the PARC so very much is that we are a church. We are a church in my definition of what church is. We brought church downtown to a people that wouldn't otherwise go to church. So many of the things that my heart loves are right here at the PARC.

During class yesterday Justin, one of our members, was really struggling. As the discussion progressed it took a turn that I didn't expect. Enrique is one of our members that we love dearly, but it took a long time for him to trust us and to feel comfortable here. He is an incredibly gifted artist and always comes in to draw a quick picture before he goes out to try to find work. For as long as I have known him he has slept outside. He is tough and dirty and has a reputation for not putting up with any nonsense. He knows the streets and he understands what it takes to survive out there.  He is a leader in the homeless community and is respected among them. Let's just say that we don't worry about Enrique being able to take care of himself. During the class discussion Enrique began to share his testimony. He talked about what Jesus meant to him and what Jesus had done for him. It was powerful. Enrique isn't one you would 'picture' leading people to Jesus, but he was passionate. He encouraged  Justin to give Jesus a chance. It was beautiful. It was unexpected. It was church. 

There are so many times that I look around the PARC and wonder, how did God do this? How did He take $150.00, 2 people that didn't have a clue, a former strip club and swingers club and do this???? How?? Now, I will tell you that it doesn't look like any church that I have seen or been to. It is often rowdy and sometimes there is talk that isn't very 'Christian'. Our 'Order of Service' is a white board with classes listed for the day. But God did this. He saw a people that He loves so very dearly and understood that they needed a place. They needed a church. And now he takes you and me and lets us be a part of this life-changing, out-of-the box church. He lets us be a part of sharing His love and acceptance in unorthodox ways. He make a place where so many of those who are homeless are coming and finding value and learning about love and acceptance. He took this place and has made it my happy place. The very place of my heart's desires. I am in awe. 

I served on 3 different church staffs for 25 years. I loved it! I guess that I still do. I guess that I still am on a church staff. It makes me smile. Go figure!!!