The way I have tried to view the growth and maturity of Sawmill Campus is through developmental stages. In the first 15 weeks or so after the launch we were working hard at figuring out “how to do Sunday”. This took more time than I thought, but was a really good learning experience. We certainly don’t have it mastered yet, but we’ve grown a lot and I’m learning there is no such thing as “the perfect service”.
The next developmental stage I think we have encountered is “community building”. We have simply needed time to get to know one another and begin to feel comfortable with those around us. This is clearly on-going and important, and it is the reason we have tried to do things like the potlucks after service as well as launch new small groups. I welcome any new ideas to add to this mix.
The stage we are about to enter (and never leave) is the outreach phase. As I think about “why” we decided to launch Sawmill the driving force was always reaching people for Christ and seeing His Kingdom advanced in our communities. I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about moving into this stage. Recently I sat down to think through various outreaches we could engage in. I’d like to list a few that we are thinking about and then hear from you about other ideas that you would be excited about getting involved with. Here are a few:
Easter Egg Hunt, Tax Day Stamp Give-Away, Free Mother’s Day Photos (single moms?), SERVE Columbus projects, Zoo Day, Sports Camps, Vacation Bible School in 2 apartment complexes, Single Parent’s Fair, and random acts of kindness (water bottles, free dollar theater tickets, etc..).
Over the past month VLI students have been serving Sawmill Campus by leading servant evangelism projects in our area, telling people about the church. Here is the email I received from one of the leaders after his project was finished. I can’t wait to see God use us to touch more peoples’ lives for the sake of His Son!
Corey,
The outreach went very well on Saturday to the Sawbury commons. What an ethnically diverse area! We talked with many different people including hispanics, people from Russia, and a man from Africa. We gave them a loaf of homemade bread with the churches card on it. We also encouraged people to check out the church, which some showed a genuine interest. It was exciting to see God allow different opportunities for us to minister to people in a variety of ways. On a couple of instances we were able to pray for people in regards to healing, job needs, and relationship problems. One lady in particular stands out to me. We were on our last couple loaves of bread and we came to a house with a lady who could barely get the door open because of all the boxes on her floor. When we opened the door we explained that we had a housewarming gift for her because we have a new church in the area. She broke down in tears. She had come from Cleveland (just yesterday) and had been out of work for a year. She had finally decided to leave Cleveland and got a job here in Columbus. She was doing the move to Columbus all on her own. We had an opportunity to pray with her about her future. It was so neat to see God specifically meet a need. This is just one of several stories. What an area that is ripe for the gospel. Thanks again Corey.
Corey…
I would like to talk to you on Sunday to give some additioinal ideas that might be included in your service projects.
Scot
Corey…
Several other outreach ministries might include, buying a large number of donuts and going door-to-door to fire departments, police departments, and other locations where people serve the public to thank them for their service(s). Hosting a (free) car wash at a centrally located area where people would receive small tokens of kindness (e.g., water, gum, candy for the kids, etc.). Perhaps this could be done at Anderson’s or at the school if they would be willing to allow water usage.) Having a cook out some Sunday after church at the school where free hot dogs and chips would be given away to people. It could be advertised via the school, and neighborhood and then held soon after the distribution of materials. Asking people in church if they or someone they know needs help around their house. Small groups or men’s groups could go over and complete the job for them.
I thought these might be possibilities.
Scot
Some things we’ve tried in the past have been gas buy downs, where you buy from a local station maybe $1-2K worth of gas, they lower their prices $1.00/gal until it runs out. Usually lasts several hours. When people ask “why?” you just say “we’re showing the kindness of Jesus” by helping you fill up.
Another is just go door to door and take prayer requests. Promise to pray for them every day for 6 months and then return to see how God has worked.
One more…in the fall see if the school could advertise a cookout for the community which we would put on. For some of the neighborhood families who are struggling, we would also provide backpacks of school supplies.
Corey,
I know a BIG need for this community is the park, especially the playground. I think if we really want to touch the community and the city in general a fix up of the park would absolutely awesome. I can’t count the number of complaints I’ve heard about the unsafe conditions and unsightly graffiti. If we could work together to save Olde Sawmill park/discovery playground and then throw a cookout as others suggested it would be an unbelievable outreach overly appreciated and honestly given to the children of the community. With the church being right next door to the park it would be a perfect opportunity to work together with the community and show them the church cares. It is a HUGE project and very expensive…but you said you’re looking for ideas!
Also the neighborhood has a garage sale one of the last weekends in June. Any clever ideas that could be implemented then would draw more people as everyone and anyone comes to Olde Sawmill for the neighborhood garage sale!
Just some suggestions!