Does This Happen Often?
“Does this kind of thing happen often in Port Orchard?” asked Rosemary, incredulous. “Well, it certainly seems to happen more when I fast and pray,” I responded.
I met a young mom and her daughter in a restaurant in the 3 minutes it took Rosemary to pay the bill. Ten days later a text from her read…
“I was wondering if we could come visit your church? We don’t have a church here and it’s something I think is missing from our lives.”
“This kind of thing” — these really cool people that are so fun to get to know, individuals that I’m so glad to count friends, people who are looking to connect to you and God and community– are around you all the time. In the table next to you. At your kids’ school. Sitting at the baseball game. Working out at the gym. Walking your neighborhood. If you’re reading this email, you were likely “this person” at some point. Looking for God. Looking for community. Unsure how to get connected.
This is why we created Chapel Hill Port Orchard– for the 89% of people in Kitsap County who aren’t gathering with a faith community regularly. We are a church for our neighbors, mine and yours, the ones you live next to, work with, and who are enjoying the same restaurants and parks and hobbies as you. We believe we will see more of God’s Kingdom as we seek the revitalization of our neighborhoods.
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7
I have come that you would have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
If you’re reading this blog, it’s likely because you’ve said you want to be in the know with what’s happening with Chapel Hill Port Orchard. I hope that as Fall arrives and schedules return to normal, that you’ll consider regularly being part of the gathering of this unique faith community in Port Orchard on Sunday mornings.
And even more, I hope that you’ll have your eyes open and your heart prayerful for who you’ll meet this August. In this month of people being out and about, exploring our area, I hope you’ll notice those who are looking for what is “missing.” I hope you’ll demonstrate the joy of Jesus when you’re out with your friends and invite people in. I hope you’ll explore the wonder of God’s creation and get to know people on the trails and on the water, too.
I hope you’ll say, “Let’s do this again! Want my number?”
I hope you’ll say, “Our church is doing a barbecue in Port Orchard in September, want to come?”
I hope you’ll say, “Are you looking for community for your kids? We have a great time when we hang out with the kids from our church!”
I really feel like I’ve made a new friend, and it’s such a joy. I want you to know that full and abundant joy, too. I want our city to know the welfare — the shalom— the peace and prosperity of God’s presence with us. You, followers of Jesus, you carry that with you and through you to those around you.