And so it’s important to get ready for it. With a little paper, board, pool noodles (!), and some spray paint, we could transport our church sanctuary to the empty tomb, topped with a huge crown of thorns. And then our children and youth could dance us into the joy of the Resurrection.
Our church hosted a conference on March 10-11 for the Church Narrative Project. Leaders from around Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan were present. Our General Minister and President, Terri Hord Owens, came and spoke. Our Regional Minister, Teresa Dulyea-Parker, took part in the event. Other Disciple leaders from around the country provided the guidance for the sessions. So this was no lightweight conference. We were hosts for people of some consequence.
And here’s the thing: United Christian Church received high praise for our hospitality. We provided food that served people who had a wide variety of needs. We provided clean space for gathering, for worship, for conversations. We greeted people as they came in; we blessed them as they left. We responded quickly to many different needs. And a good number of our members took part in the workshop. Pastor King even told one of the stories that began the event, under the heading “Real stories change lives.”
Some participants even told us they wanted to come back and find out more about United.
A big thanks goes out to everyone who took part: prepared and served food, cleaned up afterwards, moved furniture and equipment, helped set up the communications, greeted at the door, blessed at departure, or supported the event in prayer. You helped make the setting wonderful for a good workshop.
