Summer Patio Service

This is a guest post from Pastor Drew Sams (Calvary’s Associate Teaching Pastor).

As a kid, I loved sending postcards back to my friends whenever my family would travel anywhere outside of California.

I remember writing about all the highlights of my trip on the back of postcards plastered with phrases like, “Greetings from the Grand Canyon” or “Greetings from Washington D.C.”

I took the time to send these to my friends for 2 reasons:

1. I wanted to share my excitement with them

2. I wanted them to one day visit and experience what I had experienced

In a similar fashion, I’ve embarked on a new adventure with a group of people at Calvary and I want to share my excitement with you!

The adventure is called the SUMMER PATIO SERVICE and it’s happening on the back patio at Calvary Community Church all summer long on Sundays at 5pm! (more info: calvarycc.org/patio)

Consider this a digital postcard, filled with pictures, highlights, and a giant “Greetings from the Summer Patio Service!” sent to you with the hopes that one day you’ll visit and experience the Summer Patio Service as well!

GREETINGS FROM THE SUMMER PATIO SERVICE!!!

Many of us were thanking God for the wonderful weather, enabling people to truly “come as they were” to a casual and enjoyable environment. Some came from the beach, others rode their bikes, and many commented about how much they enjoyed worshiping together outside. There were many that brought their own lawn chairs and blankets and enjoyed the setting sun from the grass area.

While we had around 240 people show up (a 30% increase over recent 5pm service attendance), those that showed up appeared much more engaged than they previously have been during the 5pm service. Tears were shed, I didn’t see anybody sleeping, and I’ve never heard them laugh so loud at Shawn’s jokes!

Al Williams shared a moving story of his relationship with his “prodigal” son and how he stepped out in faith when following God’s prompting a few years ago at a Calvary Men’s Retreat. As a result, God used Al’s words and Scripture to draw Al’s son to Him, causing Al’s son to say yes to Jesus.

As many stayed after the summer patio service to enjoy Ranch Burgers and refreshments, two things stand out to me. First, the quantity of burgers was spot on as every burger was consumed. Second, when given the opportunity to respond as a church we stepped up in generosity and all of our costs were covered through donations. One person even walked up to Pastor Shawn at the end of the service and handed him $100 to cover the costs of food even though he couldn’t stay. Talk about generosity!!!