e-news

10/02

The view from the parade route. All photos by the Ginghamsburg Photography Team.

What It Means to be the Church

A recap from Jordan McKenzie, Ginghamsburg's Executive Pastor

Friends,

One thing I often wrestle with is what it means to be the church in today’s world. Last weekend’s Mum Festival Parade offered a small glimpse of what that might look like. As we gathered to walk in the parade, I noticed that our Ginghamsburg group had a little bit of everything: a motorcycle, a Corvette, a pickup truck full of students, church vehicles, several four-legged friends, and well over 100 Ginghamsburgers. Some had walked in the parade before, while for others, it was their first time. Yet we all came together for one purpose: to let Tipp City see who we are as Ginghamsburg Church. We are ordinary people who worship, grow, and serve Jesus together.

As I watched our group hand out candy, wave to the crowd, laugh, and smile, I was reminded that our greatest witness is simply the way we live our lives before a watching world. The parade itself wasn’t what mattered most. What mattered most was that we showed up with open hearts, ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I believe that is how the church grows—not simply through having the best marketing, the greatest programming, or even the most moving church services (though those are all important), but through ordinary people showing up for their friends and neighbors and sharing Christ with them. Sometimes that comes through walking in a parade. Sometimes it comes through quietly praying with a friend who’s struggling. Sometimes it comes through donating to our monthly food drive. And sometimes it comes through sharing our testimony with others.

Maybe being the church in today’s world is simpler than we sometimes make it. Maybe it looks like showing up, being present, loving our neighbors, and giving people a glimpse of what it looks like to follow Jesus together.

By the way, one of our group, Mason Whitby, captured some amazing drone footage of the parade. You can check it out here.

On the journey with you,

Pastor Jordan

Celebrate fall with us – Swing by campus the evening of Sunday, October 11, 5:30-7:30pm. Games, food, campfires and s'more await as we hang out with friends and enjoy a beautiful fall evening.

S'mores & Storytime – Friday, October 16 bring your little one (grade K-2) to the firepit in the woods behind the Avenue for a night of stories, s'mores and more campfire fun. The event kicks off at 6pm.

Here are more highlights from around campus...

Give blood – We're hosting our next blood drive on Saturday, October 10. From cancer treatment to surgery to serious injury, your donation provides help that lasts a lifetime. Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Sign up here. Learn more about donating by visiting Versiti's website.

Student Ministry Fall Retreat – A weekend designed for teens to wrestle with questions about their faith. (Is Jesus real? Did all of that stuff really happen? How faith-y is my faith? What if I'm wrong?). Games, food and bonfire fun will be wrapped around discussions about discernment, fruits of the Spirit, doubt and more. Save your teen's place now for the best rate!

Dinner & Line Dancing – Meet up with Women’s Ministry for a night of food, fun and dancing! Snacks and drinks will be provided, dinner from Bowman & Landes is also available to order (in advance only). Register today and be entered for a door prize!

Upward registration opens October 6 – Sign up your K5-grade 3 basketball player and cheerleader today! They’ll make new friends, learn new skills, and become part of a community that plays with purpose. Click here for dates and more information. Click here if you'd like to volunteer!

Invite Others To The Table.

When people are looking for hope, healing, or a place to belong, they often start with a simple online search. One easy way to invite someone to Ginghamsburg is to share your experience in an online review.

Share your story—what you’ve found here, who you’ve met, and how Jesus has made a difference in your life.

ginghamsburg.org