Special City Days

This week our town celebrates Chief Wenonga Days. Chief Wenonga was a firce warrior who led the battle that dubbed our name 'Battle Lake'. Every year the town rolls out their red carpet and many thousands of people come for the sales, the parade, and the fireworks.

One of the first questions we had when we came to town was about the 4th of July and how the parade and fireworks would happen. We were told that they really downplay the 4th of July in Battle Lake so that they can focus on the towns holiday instead. I really did not know what to expect until I finally tried to get into town this morning to get to my office. Wow! The town has really swelled!

Many churches put their head in the sand and try to pretend that Special City Days are not-so-special. Other churches try to take advantage of the crowds by having booths and trying to raise some easy money on the large crowds. I decided to try something a little different.

I was told that there was no food following the 7-8 pm parade. Most people just mull around town until dark and then go home. I had an idea. Why not advertise a FREE dinner following the parade? We are going to serve hotdogs, a bag of chips, and a bottle of water. It is not the most prestigious meal ever served, but did I mention it was FREE??? We also have rented a big jumping toy for the kids to play in. All of this is FREE for the community.

We have advertised in the paper, on the sign at the bank, we got a big black sign with neon letters for the front lawn, and the local grocery store is stuffing their bags with a flyer for us. Pretty good publicity. Also, lots of people from the church have signed up to come and help grill and serve the hotdogs. We also have had many people give financially toward this big event.

We as pastors must look at these Big Days as SPECIAL and not a burden. Just like Rick Warren says in Purpose Driven Church, "God send the waves." We can sit and watch them roll by, or we can jump on a board and enjoy the ride...

Sunday's

Living in Otter Tail County in Minnesota means that there are a few very popular Sunday's on the church calendar. We live in the middle of an area that most of the world thinks of as vacation. Therefore, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day means a three day weekend and it means that our areas population really swells during this time. As I write this it is 4th of July weekend. I can tell that by the loud booms and bright shining lights over the lake that I live on that went well past midnight last night.

There is no question that we will see a lot of new faces for our morning worship service tomorrow morning. Typically we run around 75-100. I would not be surprised if we double in size tomorrow! When I was in the other ministries I was tempted on big Sunday's to roll out the red carpet and do something special when I knew that company was coming. We wanted to make a good impression so that we might see those people again next week.

It is a little different in the rural church. Don't get me wrong, we are very concerned about making a good impression. We also want to roll out the red carpet. We desperately want people to come back next week too! Here's the deal though, I think it is crucial that the service that people see on the 'BIG' Sunday that they attend is similar to the 'not-so-BIG' Sunday that they come to later. There is that sense of authenticity that is very important to those that live in more rural areas. We do not want to put on false airs and come across as something that we aren't.

My recommendation would be that if you are a church that typically uses hymn books and the piano as your main instrument to not bring in the drums and guitar to sings songs from a video projector on your 'BIG' Sunday. If you do then the next week will seem less than special. No, use your typical tools that Sunday but perhaps you would recommend that they spend more time in preparation. That is doing a good job in putting your best foot forward.

I am all for stepping ahead in progress with our music. I just think there are better times to do it. Introduce the instruments and the songs slowly. Maybe bring in a guitar one week to complement the piano. Then the next week you introduce a more contemporary song that the guitar could accentuate. Many fights have been seen in the church over music and instrumentation. 'BIG' Sundays are not the time to see that happen.

Visitation

I'm trying very hard to be as visible as possible in Battle Lake. On our weekly Connection Cards I have placed myself available to pastoral visits to anyone and everyone who has interest. The takers have been sparse but am encouraged to see a few.

On Monday I went to a couples home for coffee. I am not good with desserts so declining her offer was a bit tough but sitting on their deck for two hours catching up was very pleasant. He loves to fish as do I, so he and I had a lot to talk about. We also talked of kids and grandkids. Before I left we got around to talking about church and that was encouraging as well.

It was very cool to see her in church later this week working with a couple other ladies on decorations. I was able to immediately connect with her as I was just in her home. Very few things top the benefits of getting into peoples homes when you are a rural pastor. It knits you together with your congregation very quickly!