It was December 1956, and Elvis Presley's fame was exploding. After a concert in Shreveport, 10,000 screaming fans lingered in the theater clamoring for more. The longer they waited, the louder they shouted. Eventually, the exasperated promoter Horace Logan walked out on stage, stepped to the microphone, and told the crazed crowd, “Elvis has left the building!” In other words, "There is no need for you all to stick around, because the star is no longer here!"

As I see it, that famous cultural moment can be instructive for us in the life of faith. Gathering for worship is the central act of our discipleship. With God's help, the collective prayers and prayers of the body of Christ inspires us, elevates us, and motivates us to love and serve in God's name. But when worship is done, God does not want us to linger. What God wants is for us to get back out in the world to share the faith, hope, and love we have with others.

Some of the best expressions of who we are as a church happen when LAC leaves the building. For example, this Sunday after worship we will leave the building and head out to Forest Park Avenue for our annual June picnic. With food, fun, and bounce-house frolicking, we will celebrate the ties that bind us together in faith and fellowship.

But there are many other ways that we carry our ministry out of our building. Many of us volunteer regularly with our community mission partners, going out in service to reflect our values and express our faith. We also try to be present and visible at community events like Larchmont Day in the fall, or the "Sprint to Flint" races last Friday, when we served hundreds of snow cones to racers and their families (see photo below). A few weeks ago, Anna Grace and I dropped by LMC Media to publicize information about Compassion Camp and the LAC Preschool (click here for full video).

It is always a blessing for us to gather in our beautiful sanctuary for worship and music. But so much of what we do and who we are happens outside of our church buildings. This summer, wherever you may go, we know that good things will happen when you take our church out into the world!

Blessings,

Youth Deacon James Ryan prepares snow cones for two Sprint to Flint racers.

Peter and Anna Grace share details of LAC's ministry to families for the LMC "Sound Shore Family Guide."

LARCHMONT AVENUE CHURCH | lacny.org

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