Reaching out

Here are reports on two community outreach events conducted by GCI-USA congregations.

Derby, Kansas: Community Fun Night

GCI’s Derby congregation (located near Wichita), recently held a community “Grilling and Games” fun night. Held on the church lawn, this was the first outside-the-building outreach event for the congregation in its new location. In addition to festive street signs, the congregation promoted the event with a Facebook ad linked to their website where families could sign up for a free gift-card drawing. About 30 non-member guests attended, most coming due to personal invitation. The guests joined members for food and yard games, with a few also touring the church building. The congregation plans to conduct a Back 2 School outreach event in August followed by a Backpack Blessing worship service.

Mesquite, Texas: Community Care Fair

GCI’s congregation in the East Dallas area recently held a Community Care Fair. About 200 people from the community benefited from the event, which included a free “yard sale,” blood drive, job fair, bounce houses, refreshments and prayer booth. Members joined with beneficiaries of the congregation’s weekly food distribution ministry to set up the event, barbecue food, sort seven pallets of clothing, help guests take their new treasures to their cars, and clean up. The event was funded with contributions from community businesses. It was an inspiring time of participating with Jesus in his compassion for the community!