Come as you are…

My husband and I have been a part of a little church in the village of Elm, Pennsylvania for over 15 years. As seasons continue to rapidly change around us so does our focus.

Our church family is growing in number rapidly. One of my friends who had been attending for a few months had asked if there was any way she could get plugged in with some other women in the church. Of course we had small groups but that wasn’t really what she was looking for. She wanted friendship, connections, and accountability with other ladies…someone who would pray for and with her.

It was early spring of 2018 the weather had been beautiful. I thought of the local park as well as the quaint coffee shop across the way from the entrance. I threw out an invite over Facebook to the other women in the church and BOOM…it began! Stop and grab your coffee and meet at the picnic tables. We have been meeting once a month now for well over a year and it is a sweet time. I call the group “Come as you are.” Being I have a career in Real Estate, my schedule is fairly flexible. I set a date and a place and commit to stay from 9:00-11:30am. Anyone can come when they can and leave when they want. Visitors are ALWAYS welcomed. I wanted to make this a place for anyone…not just women in our church.

One thing I didn’t expect is, we tend to get different ladies every time. I LOVE it! Some ladies can make it regularly and others every now and then. We share life. No bible study. Just a casual get-together over coffee combine with friendship, prayer and LOTS OF LAUGHS! I’ve grown to love people in the church I really haven’t gotten to know well in the 15 years I’ve been attending.

When I say our focus has changed, this is what I mean… Church on a Sunday morning can be a gateway to incredible opportunities. I didn’t plan this group. It naturally happened and it’s become something I truly look forward to every month. My husband and I are open to things that aren’t necessarily “traditional.” It may or may not fall under the church umbrella and that’s okay. People have an incredible desire to be loved and accepted just as they are. No expectations, no agenda.

Revelation 22:17 “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.”

Thoughts today…

1. Authentic and deeper relationships often happen outside the walls of the church building.
2. The GREATEST commandment is to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Then, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. Everyone has a deep desire to be loved just as they are. Love without judgement or expectation.
3. Choose JOY everyday!