Kids Community' and Student Ministries BBQ
by Jill Bekaert
Where do members of The River Church Community live? Just about all over Silicon Valley. While representation of the church in these different places is one expression of our diversity, geographic distance and full schedules can make it more difficult to get to know one another.
The families and volunteers of The River’s Kids’ Community and Youth Ministries had an opportunity to beat the heat together a week ago during a BBQ at Baylands Park in Sunnyvale. Even though shared purpose can be one of the most bonding things in a relationship, it is also important to just have fun sometimes. So, no training, sharing, planning at this event . . . just an opportunity to play, eat, converse, and relax. Some highlights: River kids crashing the bounce house of a different party (the other hosts were merciful to us), Kyle (youth ministries director) grilling and grilling and grilling, lots of catching up while kids played all over the place, and the high risk photo op you can see above.
It is always striking to me after a time like this that my affection for people grows when I connect with them outside of Sunday morning. Sunday morning is very meaningful and certainly purposeful but I enjoy seeing people in a different element as well. Coming together to share a bit of life increases my feeling of family and allows me to appreciate the gifts of the body of Jesus.
The BBQ also was a great preview of the upcoming All Church weekend, where fun and purpose will naturally flow together as we vision together and get to know one other more deeply.