Dearest Gentle (albeit sometimes reluctant “peopley”) Readers,
It has come to this author’s attention that in the aftermath of COVID and the “D” word that shall not be uttered out loud, many of us have become less… “peopley.”
Being together again often comes with a bit of anxiety. Some congregations are just beginning to find their way forward. It was in the midst of this unnerving transitional environment and on a weeknight no less, that I discovered a place where peopling is in full swing!
Gathered at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church sharing every kind of ice cream imaginable including homemade peach, members of this congregation gathered to simply have fun together.
There was no fundraising effort or mission project. No message was delivered by the Pastor except to pray and encourage everyone to enjoy the ice cream and to have fun with karaoke afterwards.
From Sonny & Cher to Taylor Swift performances, people encouraged and cheered each other on in their efforts. Even the pastor modeled an exceptional comfort level when he delivered a rousing rendition of an Alice Cooper tune.
Readers, is it possible that we have wasted so much time being anxious that we have forgotten how to simply be with each other and laugh? I met two women from the same northern town who had both found their way decades apart, to this same church family…this joy filled, crazy energetic, and supportive community of the peopliest people anywhere!
They went on and on about all the ministries of the church and the many ways they serve those in need. Still on this breezy summer evening, they were eating peach ice cream and laughing so loudly there was unintentional snorting involved. That extraordinary sense of belonging was palpable for this author. The Holy Spirit was in this place.
In all the ways that we try to feed the hungry, care for the poor, and share the ways a life with Christ can change our lives… we can’t forget to laugh, sing, eat, and simply love the people on this journey of faith with us.
A profoundly simple event like Karaoke & Ice Cream, might just bring being “peopley” back for you, too.
Yours truly,
Kim