Here For A Reason
We started meeting around fire pits. That was our first COVID solution. I had a wood-burning one in my backyard; Dave had a propane one that would travel. Between June and September 2020 I have pictures of those fire pits at seven events.
So when we went to make t-shirts to unite our reviving launch team, the symbol of the fire pit had come to mean resilience, gathering, prayer, and joy. Natalie had her future sister-in-law draw us that image. It reminded us that we have hope for gathering, still, whatever the change in the plans was to become.
We added the line on the back, “HERE FOR A REASON,” because as a church plant, we were reminding ourselves (and anyone who would read it) that there is intention in the seasons and locations we find ourselves in, and that intention for us is personal, as in, a person, Jesus, has a reason for us being here and now. And we’re excited to be in Port Orchard.
We haven’t let go of that image. In fact, we’re doubling down in gathering, prayer, and joy in this season of life and ministry in Port Orchard.
So this winter, we’re planning on:
GATHERING - leaning into our Sunday gatherings at RAWW - the hospitable gym in Port Orchard. If you haven’t been there with us yet, jump in!
PRAYER - praying with a deep sense of expectation. God is moving here. Our Thursday 12:00 prayer consistently provides a mid-week call to gather and pray. We’re including deeper prayer ministry in our Sunday gatherings. And we’re looking forward to our first 24/7 prayer week leading up to The Darkest Night of the Year, a time we set aside to hold space for the griefs of the year.
JOY - joining our neighbors on occasions for joy. As I write this, I’m planning on donning a red wig and trick or treating with our neighbors, just for the delight of being together in our neighborhood. Thanksgiving morning we’re bringing back the 5k Fun Run as a trail run here in Port Orchard. Christmas Eve we’re co-hosting a standing room only carols & candles at 5:30 after our own worship service at 4:00.
We want to share the joy of this image of the fire pit. We want to be the light in the darkness that Jesus calls his church to be. We want to unabashedly state our belief that we are “here for a reason,” and that reason is life with God and life together made possible in Jesus.
So we’re bringing back that 2020 vintage as a BOGO (Buy One Get One) opportunity to buy a hoodie and gift one to a neighbor that you want to share that message with. Please order online here so that we can well organize the pick up of the sweatshirts.
And whether or not a hoodie delights you, here’s the shorthand version of all those winter dates. We hope you join us and invite a neighbor to join you!
Sundays 10am - Worship at RAWW
Thursdays 12pm - Prayer at 703 Kitsap St
November 24 - Thanksgiving Fun Run
December 14-21 - Prayer 24/7
December 24 - Christmas Eve Worship at 4:00 and Carols & Candles at 5:30
