By Walt Wiltschek
It wasn’t an ideal weather day, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of York Center Church of the Brethren members and friends as they held a Neighborhood Fun Day on Aug. 17.
Like many congregations, York Center—located in Lombard, Ill., in the western suburbs of Chicago—has been considering ways to better connect with its immediate community. The church’s Christian Education Commission decided to try holding an event at a park two blocks from the church to open the doors to those connections. Members arranged for a local taco truck, visits from first responders, art activities, lawn games, and more to go with the extensive playground equipment already there.
While it didn’t end up drawing a lot of church neighbors, it provided some new visibility, and several families did stop by to enjoy the activities—including one boy who initially came with his family and decided to stay for the whole time to keep playing.
It was also a high-spirited time for members of the congregation to connect and share amid the bursts of rain, including some who don’t often come for worship. And it left everyone with the question: What could we do next?
— Walt Wiltschek is district executive minister for Illinois and Wisconsin District and serves on the editorial team for Messenger magazine.
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