Experiencing Community
By Melody Pryor, Secretary
Friday evening's mission banquet is always
a highlight of the annual meeting. This year's
banquet had to be the best yet. Our host
church, First Baptist Church of Jefferson City,
already has a loving relationship with the
local community, especially those whose
economic level may be lacking. So, when
the Bandana's Bar-B-Q spread was laid out—
the people of the local community were as
welcomed to the table as the Churchnet
attendees. It was a wonderful experience.
The local community members were not
told to wait outside and if there were any
leftovers they would be given a morsel.
They were welcomed inside to load up their
plates alongside the Churchnet members
and to sit with them to eat. There were no
boundaries given to divide the haves from
the have-nots. It was one group of human
beings dining together, laughing, and
talking. Humanity and dignity are more important than money and status. This is the Christian life actually being lived instead of studied about.
Friday evening's speaker, Brian Kaylor, was equally wonderful. Not only was the content of the message outstanding but the delivery of the message was likewise. His delivery was charming, witty, and clever, causing the listeners to experience many different emotions throughout his message. Just as the tears of sadness and heartbreak were starting to trickle down your cheek, he would shift gears and turn those tears of sorrow into tears of laughter. How fortunate Churchnet is to have such an eloquent, articulate speaker on its staff.
Saturday's worship with Second Baptist Church of Jefferson City was amazing also. It was a glorious experience to worship together with those having a different style of worship. Overall, Churchnet members are an extremely friendly, inviting people. The "bad" thing that I noticed during this worship session is that we still have a tendency to isolate ourselves into comfortable known groups even as we are attempting to mingle together. Those who were the only one attending from their church tended to sit alone while groups from one church tended to sit together. We still have to fight shyness, bashfulness, and comfort—but at least we are worshipping together in the same building. Baby steps.
Melody Pryor making a Board of Directors' recommendation during the Annual Gathering.
(photo credit: Brian Kaylor)