Here at Eagle Ridge we believe that church is to be about the business of showing love, sharing hope, and strengthening faith and on Saturday September 14th we were able to accomplish all three through our Community Block Party & Garage Sale! Our event featured activities for all ages: a tumble bus, face painting, popcorn and cotton candy for the kids, a garage sale for bargain hunters as well as a BBQ and live music.
The book of James reminds us that real religion, the kind that God our Father loves is to “reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight.” To that end, all proceeds from our garage sale are going to the Tri Cities Bridge Shelter a collaborative church and community program that provides food and shelter for the homeless in our community. The church is to be a the gathering place in the community, pointing people toward our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our Community Block Party allowed us to be that place where people of all ages could come and gather: a place where hope, faith and love exist.
One highlight for me was being able to connect with a number of families as I stood outside the tumble bus! The opportunity to share with these young families and to see their children enjoying the church is something I will always carry with me. It is events like this which underscores the importance of the church to build bridges and make connections to its local and immediate community!