It's Friday and I barely have 5 minutes to write, but I still make the time for Five Minute Friday, even if all the laundry doesn't get done!
Prompt - WELCOME
START
On Sunday, the count was 55. By Wednesday night it had reached 83! 83 people all signed up to come to my house! Just a simple bonfire with hotdogs and S'mores. It turned into a large gathering of brothers and sisters-in-Christ... and all of their children! I'm so excited!
This is community. Everyone brings a dish to pass and the most important S'mores supplies. Friends filling in the gaps, bringing tables, chairs... even an extra grill. Just looking forward to kicking the weekend off with a lot of fun, a lot of fellowship, and a lot of S'mores.
A few years ago, this would not have been possible... No way for 55 people, much less 83 to fit in our trailer lot. But God graciously gave us this home to use for now and I want to open it (or at least the yard) to friends, a part of our church community. Welcoming in new families, while embracing and encouraging those that have been around a while.
and praying that it doesn't rain...
STOP!
 |
| Our large property (and the view)... last Spring |
 |
| S'more fixins' |
 |
| the firepit |
Looking forward to a great time of fun and fellowship, welcoming our ABF (adult bible fellowship) church community... and ALL THE KIDS!! :)
PS. what's the largest group you have ever welcomed to your home?
I'm stopping by from Five Minute Friday. What a fun gathering. And what a LOT of smore's! Opening your home to your Church community is a blessing that not many are willing to undertake. Good for you for heeding that call. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to bless your home with bounty for obeying His instructions regarding hospitality.
karen
Awesome! Love when I read about other's opening up their homes, too! Can't wait to see you in 3 weeks. Do you follow http://purposefulwife.blogspot.com/? She may live near you...or in the "general" area! (PA right?)
ReplyDeletecan't wait till Allume! I have actually met Rachel and we have some mutual friends, but we don't see each other often! :)
DeleteYou had me at S'mores! And reflecting on how many times we've gathered friends around our fire-pit for them - Utah, Virginia, Germany, and more to come. I love your welcoming heart and share your desire to use everything God has given me as an expression of hospitality for others. Have so, so, so much fun!
ReplyDeleteSounds like it was awesome! Good for you for opening up your home. Just stopping by from 5 Minute Friday.
ReplyDeleteOoh I so wished we lived closer :) I would love to come over for s'mores!
ReplyDeleteThree weeks! We can share s'mores in three weeks!!! :)
DeleteSounds like a great time of fellowship! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. I've never been anywhere that far East,yet. :) I love that you graciously use what space God has given you to welcome so many and I'm sure it was a great time. I mean c'mon you said S'mores!
ReplyDeleteI think 30+ in NC, 20+ in CT. Plan on doing this a bunch when we settle at home. My parents let me do this once in h.s. About 30 friends came, it was the best party ever. Can't wait to hang out!
ReplyDeleteSounds totally fun.
ReplyDelete