The time In Dayton (part 1)

I could not have been more excited when I reached the two churches here in Dayton slated for the last few days.  First, I marveled at how much they are doing, especially the first one that had a myriad of volunteers!  The warmth, and the welcome there was something I took dutiful notes on.  I explored that area of ministry with them at length, and it struck me how much emphasis is placed on hospitality.  They are a church the size of First Presb. Greeneville, yet they manage to get people committed to doing a whole  lot of things, or as John M. Beckett would say, a "plethora" of things!  

Now this is not to say that they are running smoothly; yet, they have a way about them that is quite refreshing, and ministry is happening.  Another aspect that was intriguing was the artwork on the walls, especially in the children's area.  An artist within the congregation shared her talents by painting the walls with biblical stories from both Old and New Testaments. They were tastefully done and pleasing to the sight.  There were other visuals around the church that would lead anyone that this church not only has children and youth, but that they are held up with some prominence.

Likewise, the second church, though a bit larger than us, had done some marvelous displays of what the children of the church were studying, and displayed them in high traffic areas so that the average pew sitter was exposed to it and could see something the children were doing. Highlighting that was an ark, several clay model displays, and lots and lots of pictures connected with the program Heiffer Project.  The children of the church are trying to fill the ark (buying animals)through the Heiffer Project to enable farmers in other countries to have livestock to raise and for food.

It sure left me with a lot to think about, and how that might translate for us as a congregation, especially when we DO have high traffic areas that currently are underused.

Labor Day has me spending some time with Barb's sister and brother-in-law for a bit of respite. I never realized all of this traveling, interviewing, and introspection would make me feel tired.  I mean, we DID have a whale of a summer, and I felt quite well through all that.  Perhaps all of this is catching up with me.  Tuesday is another trip to Columbus for a wonderful time with DCE's of that Presbytery.  Then, Wednesday takes me on to Lexington, KY.

Take care, my friends.

Alan