Now is the time of year for many State and County Fairs. And each year our churches flock to have their own booth right next to a salesman for the latest, super absorbant mop.How can one have a booth at a Fair and still be confessional and faithful? I think we have to work extremely hard to uphold our distinctiveness simply because we LOOK like the mop and antique guy next to us. How do we boldly proclaim the Gospel message in that setting, or do we just have a good time selling pies and handing out "What about?" booklets from Dr. A.L. Barry?
I believe that we can be faithful doing a fair booth. It starts with a sign that boldly proclaims our focus (maybe Christ-Centered, Cross Focused comes in). Then everything we do points people to the cross, the Scriptures, and the worship service. I thought of an idea to have a separate area for the pastor for, "Questions about the Christian faith? Ask the pastor." I do not know how many people would stop, but I can guarantee someone from our emergent culture would have a question or two.
Any other input on how to do a booth faithfully or discussions on other options, please leave a comment.
"In the cross of Christ I glory"
3 comments:
What if, instead of having a booth, you get your congregation to volunteer to help at other booths. You could have them sign up to go around and say, "Hi, I am from Happy Jesus Lutheran Church and I was wondering if I could help with odds and ends at your booth today?" This way, they are serving their neighbor while creating relationships that will lead to conversations about church, Jesus, Issues, etc. (hehehe...nice plug). They could even wear t-shirts with the church name on them or something. But this is a more proactive way of reaching out to the community as opposed to sitting at a booth waiting for people to come to you (though I do like the "ask the pastor" idea!).
What about Music ? A fair would be a nice place to share the good nes that Jesus is alive. After all, Lutherans are well known as the singing church. We don't have to be restricted by the traditions of going out to sing Christmas Carols to comfort the elderly and homebound. A Lutheran Hymn Feastival would fit right into a state fair. Better yet..have a dance, Jesus likes music Luke 7:32
They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’
This year the Tri-County Fair was dedicated to St. Johns Lutheran Church. Since 1981 members of St. Johns have provided a free breakfast of pancakes, sausage and beverages to exhibitors and families starting at 6:00 AM for 4 mornings of the fair. We serve around 1000 plates of food to hungry youth and whoever shows up.
Everything is free and included is the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
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