I wanted to write down some ideas for how to use the shelter this summer. Please feel free to give your input.
BACKGROUND
Our church built a 40'x60' open-sided pavilion on our grounds. We felt it was something we could offer to the surrounding community - for picnics, family reunions, parties, etc. We also have some playground equipment, several acres of grass, a nicely blacktopped parking lot, and two basketball goals. We want the people around here to use it as a park (because there isn't a public park anywhere in our area).
MY THINKING
I hope to have some sort of a "dedication service" for the people of our church. We would have worship outside that day, and a big picnic afterwards. I believe churches should celebrate more, and I hope we have our Sunday gatherings outside often this summer.
But... for the people who live around us... I'm not sure that is the proper way to introduce them to the shelter. I almost wonder if we should have some kind of party on a Saturday night or something. Maybe even have a secular band instead of a Christian band. You know, I want people to know that it is "theirs" - it isn't just for church use; it's for PEOPLE use.
But the other side of me thinks, 'well, maybe a Christian concert that isn't overtly Christian.' I mean, I hope my son's band plays there several times, and some of the bands he knows. They are mostly Christians, but don't really play Christian songs. I want to do stuff like that often - but that's more for a younger crowd. I'm struggling to come up with something for older people.
I've already had several people recommend southern gospel groups, or area church worship teams. Yeah, yeah... we can do that for church people. Although I am hesitant to have southern gospel because - not only do I not necessarily care for it, but I don't want people thinking that is what our church is into. I just can't come up with anything that is non-threatening, but inviting...
Well, they are here with our voting machines.
Peace. Revolution.
2 comments:
Hey Dan,
I think your pavillion needs a name. And please don't make it something "memorial." Make it something that people could begin to recognize easily and be able to say things like, "Yeah, I heard that band over at ______________." Of course you could stick with Fairview Pavillion but as you've pointed out in the past a simply "fair" view is not as exciting.
Perhaps you should go with a naming rights thing and use a corporate name. Like the RCA Pavillion or the Verizon Pavillion. I'm sure someone would be willing to pay for naming rights. I'll give you $50 if you let me call it the ZUB Pavillion. :-)
Heck, for $50 we can call it the Datema Memorial Pavilion! Can you make that cash, please. :)
Yeah, I agree... a name would be good. I almost wonder if it shouldn't be __________ Shelter, instead of (something) Pavilion. But I'm just not real hot about "Yoder Shelter". Maybe "Greatview Shelter." Nah. I dunno.
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