Marks on the Carpet, Ministry in the Heart

By Phil Mahan

I never fail to marvel at how God has blessed us with a building in the perfect location, with lots of rooms, a kitchen, and a large parking lot.

I love that we can host events like the coat giveaway and gingerbread events.  And despite the risks that come with gobs and gobs of colored icing that could hit the carpets, I was enamored watching so many of our members pitch in to be good stewards of the building for which we have been so richly blessed.

Having icing stains in the carpet, wear and tear, or usual maintenance reminds me that our building will never be perfect.  I see this as analogous to the fact that we, too, are all damaged and imperfect, and that we'll never be perfect enough without Christ.

I would much rather see a church building that is well-used and full of love and Christlike service than one that is intimidating in its perfection.

My GC leader has inspired a few of us men to participate in a hobby that involves taking a child's electric tricycle and retrofitting it with a high-powered motor and battery system.  A silly endeavor, but a fun excuse for male bonding over welding and wiring these contraptions.

The other day we took these ride-on devices and raced them around our spacious church parking lot.  This gave us the opportunity for more crazy fun that even included some of our younger folks, whom we had invited along to participate.

Those high-powered motors tended to leave thin strips of rubber coating on our parking lot, otherwise known as skid marks.  Those marks will disappear within a week or so, long before the memories of this day are dim.  The camaraderie, fellowship, and mentorship experienced were among the blessings I hadn't fully anticipated with having a parking lot. I have seen this too with other youth games, events, competitions, and simply shooting hoops that occur in that lot.

I also appreciate that we support Noah's Ark and the exposure those children get to Christ.  Young children, too, can result in additional wear and tear, but again, it’s worth it!

Despite the fact that I am the Deacon of Building and Grounds and all the responsibilities I have therein, this fully realizes my philosophy of "It's the people, not the steeple".

Pray that the Oak Hill building will continue to be a tool for God's glory and healthy fellowship that is safe, secure, and functional.