LCBC

Kris and I were recently in Lancaster City, PA, at the invitation of Matt Graybill and the leaders at LCBC. They hosted a wonderful Saturday event for the life group leaders from across their campuses — and it was awesome to be with Matt and others, with Mindy Caliguire (a friend from Willow), and to meet Dave Ashcraft, lead pastor at LCBC. The church is a vibrant witness of a holistic ministry in the Lancaster County area.

It was going to be a long day for me, so we arrived to hear most of Mindy’s talk; then we had lunch. From that point on here’s what happened:

A question and response session with Jason Mitchell (on interpreting the Bible) with youth leaders, a session for leaders on Blue Parakeet, and then I had to get a sound check for the first of two evening preaching sessions at the Saturday services at LCBC. I was asked to speak on Jesus Creed, and I approached through the lens of learning to be missional people that respond to surprise promptings. (Then Kris and I retired to a wonderful hotel — the Cork Factory Hotel in Lancaster.)  Sunday morning included two more services with the Jesus Creed.

Events like this involve a singular highlight: meeting with and working with folks we haven’t known from whom we learn about a new ministry. Matt and Beth Graybill, Jason Mitchell, Dave Ashcraft, and so many others — wonderful worship team that came back for each service ready to lead God’s people.

Friday night included a dinner with leaders during which time we had some wonderful conversations about 20something ministry, and Paul — their 20something pastor — is now on my screen for advice and suggestions about young adult ministries.

Beside the generous gift package in our hotel, I have to admit the Cork Factory Hotel was nothing if not cool. An old cork factory has been converted into a hotel with some very high beam ceilings. To relax a bit, Kris and I wandered down to downtown Lancaster on Saturday morning where I got not only a good cup of coffee at Mean Cup, but we got to experience yesteryear’s market. Fun.