Ekklesia is a Mobile Church
Ekklesia is opening a new chapter in our life this week. We will no longer be meeting together on Sundays in the Pavilion. We are now searching for another gathering spot for our Sunday get togethers. This, however, is not a problem for us since we are dedicated to being a mobile church. What does this mean? Our mobility is our identity as a group of Jesus followers. Jesus even said it himself, "The Son of Man has no place to lay his head." (Matthew 8:20) Jesus spent his time moving around blessing, healing, helping and teaching. He didn't set up a permanent place to do his work. He didn't have an office! He simply moved around to connect with people. He created networks of small group relationships with people and asked them to love and help others. Many people actually followed him around but it really wasn't his plan to have a permanent operations base. His work was mobile and active. He wanted us to impact our city, community, region then the whole world. He said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
So, the church became actively mobile all over the region, meeting from house to house and gathering in some amazing places. They met in large open court yards, in upper rooms, down by rivers, in the homes of the poor and the rich. They met wherever it was possible to simply get together. They were known for who they represented (Jesus) and what they were doing in the community (giving and serving) and not by where they met on Sundays!
Think about it. If we didn't have a building to worry about, a mortgage to concern ourselves with and focused our energies on serving the poor and sharing the story of Jesus, how much more effective could the church be across our cities? We would develop an amazing reputation and be known as the group that responds and does something for people when they are in need. We wouldn't isolate ourselves inside our structures which eventually decreases our impact upon the community. Let us consider how to mobilize ourselves across our communities in order to bless others and more tangibly make the Kingdom of God real in our communities.
Oh, and another thing, Ekklesia is excited about moving around in our community as we gather on Sundays. Being mobile actually connects us with more and more people who need to know the love of Jesus. Also, meeting in parks in the summer is a great way to get out and visibly share the love of Jesus.
A summer park gathering for Ekklesia
New Calendar on Web Site
The Ekklesia web site now has an up-dated calendar reflecting the many events and Sunday rhythms for the next several months. Check it out!
New Sunday rhythms
1st & 3rd Sundays- Teaching Sundays
2nd & 4th Sundays- Service Sundays
5th Sundays- Family Sundays
Family Retreat at Ocean Shores
May 27-29
Ekklesia will have another Family Retreat at Ocean Shores over the Memorial Day weekend. This will be a time for families and individuals to gather together at the ocean for some time of rest, relaxation and spiritual recharge! We will share meals together and some time to worship together. We'll also provide lots of time to walk the beach and connect with God!
the Ocean Shores beach at sunset
Mark your calendars now and plan on joining us. You may bring out your motor home, tent or just pack into the house. Sleeping bags are required! We'll share our meals together and have a great time getting to know each other.
the Ocean Shores house being roofed last summer
