LovePaducah

Saturday was such a blessing for me as I soaked in (literally and figuratively) all the real-life community service that our church family was doing, in and around Paducah, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I was splashed by our students washing cars. They were having a blast – and blasting each other with a surprise soaking along the way – while delighting some of our neighbors with a clean ride.

And, talk about getting your hands dirty, a number of our church guys were installing new wiper blades, replacing old bulbs, checking tires, rejoicing through various and sundry oil changes, and completing all kinds of other acts of kindness related to a free multi-point auto inspection that was offered to single moms, widows, and others who needed some practical help (that can be otherwise cost-prohibitive).

And, right in the middle of those morning showers that just wouldn’t let up (car wash shenanigans aside), others from FBC Paducah were greeting and welcoming guests to The Lower Town Arts and Music Festival. In the rain. Smiles and all.

And, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we had more love being given away in the form of nearly-new clothing for children. Lots of great items to help families with growing kids get a jump on summer.

Young and old, we were all in it together.

I was so proud (hopefully in the most noble sense of that word) that I could barely stand it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It was truly a remarkable day.

Why are we doing these things?

• We want to equip and mobilize our people to put faith into practice (James 2:17).
• We want to reach those who are presently isolated from Christ’s gospel (Genesis 12:1-3).
• We want to help our church family display God’s mercy and justice (Micah 6:8).
• We want to minister from a heart of humility, with our arms open to the poor (Proverbs 19:17).
• We want to demonstrate particular care for the fatherless and widows (James 1:27).
• We want to embrace internationals as we pursue racial and ethnic unity (Galatians 3:28).
• We want to love all people after the example of Jesus, serving Him by serving them (Ephesians 6:7).

We are the body of Christ. We are making disciples across every border and boundary.

Paducah is our city. And we love Paducah.

Pastor Charles