As a neighbor, we are in close proximity to those around us (who are, in turn, our neighbors). No additional relationship beyond that physical proximity is necessary to be considered a neighbor. It’s 100% possible for a large collection of neighbors – a neighborhood – to exist in the complete absence of neighborly behavior.
Most churches in North America are not missional. Rather, they are focused on their existing congregations. Missionaries are viewed almost as a unique sub-group within the church, having been called to do something drastic with their lives.
But here’s the thing: Jesus is sending me. Us. His church. Christianity as a whole. The very essence of the church is rooted in the missionary nature of God. God sends. We see it over and over. He even sent His son.
This past Sunday's meeting weighed heavy on the hearts of those who attended. A while back, we as a Minnesota church decided that a cause we would like stand behind with our community is helping rescue people from human trafficking. Two of our members attended a human trafficking conference put on by Women At Risk International (www.warinternational.org) and shared a bit about what they learned. We heard disturbing stories and statistics about situations both internationally and in our own cities that left us yearning to help.
Create Church Launches “Lunch Hour Church”
CHAMPLIN, Minn. - [DATE] - Create Church Community is excited to announce the launch of “Lunch Hour Church,” a church experiment that will meet at the Champlin Pizza Ranch over the lunch hour on Wednesdays beginning in June.
"A lot of people who would like to be part of a church either work or are unavailable on the weekends,” said Lunch Hour Church founder Mark Zubert. “There are others who are looking for either a less religious or less theater-like experience for church.”
On Good Friday, Lunch Hour Church held its first experimental service. Forty-five enthusiastic people participated in the 50-minute service which featured music and discussion while attendees dined.
Regarding the Good Friday service, participant Doug Wood said, “I wasn’t sure what Lunch Hour Church was going to be like, but I liked everything about it. The church must continue to go public outside of the four walls, and Lunch Hour Church is a great example of this.”
Zubert says an informal lunch service seems to fit what some people are looking for but are not finding in typical church settings. "Most people I talk to like pizza, like being with friends, and like Jesus. Why not enjoy all three at the same time?"
Limited free tickets are available now at lunchhourchurch.com. Discounted tickets are also available for $6.99 per person.
Lunch Hour Church is a part of Create Church Community, an informal church that believes that the people are the church, and it is most enjoyable seeking Jesus together in a relaxed social atmosphere. Create Church Community (createchurch.org) also meets as families on Sunday nights at Champlin Pizza Ranch and at Andrew’s Park in Champlin starting in mid-June.
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CAMPING FULL – JOIN US NEXT TIME!
RSVP for the Father’s Day Camping Trip June 13-15 at Bunker Hills Campground. There are 7 spots left. The Father’s Day Sunday service will be at the Visitor Center at 9:30am Sunday morning with a cookout following. The rate is $26/night per tent and $33/night for RVs (sites have water and 50amp electric).
RSVP here: