BBQ Days

Summer is usually days of sun, fun, sports and fellowship for many people. If the weather holds out, one could walk through any neighborhood and catch luscious smells wafting through the air as families and friends wait for a good meal. Sitting in the sun, laughing together, sharing the time with one another. And we even have summer in Belgium and the Netherlands, so we also have beautiful bbq days. 

This past weekend was our church barbecue. We have several members who have their birthdays in July and August, so we get together to celebrate. Especially since many of our members are gone in those months doing Bible camp or on vacation. This special day means that we can get together, invite friends and enjoy the fellowship with one another. 

We always offer our house since we have a yard that is large enough to put everything - two tents to sit under in case it is too hot or too wet, space to play for the younger kids, and a nice area to go walking after a meal for those who desire such a walk. Everyone brings the meat they like and a few other dishes - just like our “liefdemaal” (love feast = potluck) which we hold every 4th Sunday. But this barbecue is a time to meet one another in a different setting. 

For some, our backyard is like being on vacation and may be the only time they really get out of their house to a nice place. More importantly, we all have a good time getting to know one another. It is a time to invite family members who do not believe but are more than willing to attend a bbq. This past week we had almost the whole congregation and some fiends and family. 

In the coming month we will also have some good fellowship opportunities, but then in different forms. The first Saturday in September I will lead a singing with the church in Cologne. Several of our members and members from around the Netherlands will also attend. It is always good to meet brothers and sisters from other cities and countries. The second weekend of September will find us all back down at camp for Family Day which will be organized this year by the church in Eindhoven. 

We are so thankful for these days and the family that God has placed us in. What times of fellowship have you had so far this summer? Do you have some days coming up? Who will you be seeing?