Reason

So, apparently I have a reputation. If you don’t know what it is, just ask around the churches and especially those who attend my church. And I won’t disagree with that reputation. I believe I’ve earned it. The problem is, I realize that my zeal and my passion can get in the way of what other people think is practical and even appropriate. But as a person who always wants to learn and grow, and a pastor who wants others to learn and grow, I feel my efforts are necessary.
And if you haven’t figured it out, my reputation among those who work closest to me especially, is that I tend to be the pastor who gets into trouble. And not the type of trouble where law enforcement needs to be called or really anything moral. But I cause trouble because I push. I push for things that I feel are important and necessary. But mostly, I push for things that I believe will honor God. And, often, my pushing leads to some great blessings, for me and others. However, whenever I push, there’s the chance that someone gets knocked over.
And I don’t ever intend on that. I really don’t. In fact, if you feel like I’ve pushed you over, I sincerely apologize. But my pushing, too, always has a reason. It always has a purpose. Behind every action is my attempt to please and love God.
That being said, there is an event coming up on Sunday, September 20th at Astoria Christian Church (2p-5pm). It is being hosted by the Ministerial Alliance and should be a fun time. However, I know there are people asking, “Why now? Can’t you wait until this pandemic settles to do a community event?” And the answer, obviously, is yes. Yes, we could wait. However, I also believe that there are good reasons not to wait.
The church as a whole, and the entire collective of churches of the Ministerial Alliance, strongly believe in the need for community (each other…one another). In fact, the Bible speaks almost more about the nature and benefit of community than it does nearly any other subject. But, for me anyway, community has desperately been lacking these past several months. And especially lacking in our ability to celebrate as a whole. We need to stand up together as a community. We even just need to have some fun together!
And, since our Homecoming event had to be cancelled (which I respect) I felt we needed something. A way for our community to come together and honestly and wholeheartedly celebrate family and life and each other. And so, we’re offering that. We’re offering a chance to come together, share in some music, games and food together.
I respect that you might disagree with me, but I pray that you at least understand why we’re doing it. We need each other, now more than probably ever, and we want to give you an opportunity to have that. We’re in this together. God bless.