Opportunity in the Ordinary
A reflection by Daniel Kikkert on the June 22nd outdoor service
In the traditional church calendar, there is the concept of “Ordinary Time,” a recurring season between the more well-known seasons such as Advent or Lent. While meant to symbolize the daily life and discipleship of the believer(s), I confess that I have treated it at times more like a holding pattern or limbo, rather than a time to deepen and strengthen my Christian walk. New City’s outdoor service at John Rebecca Park was a strong encouragement and reminder that opportunities to spread the hope and joy of the Gospel abound all year round.
Despite it being a stripped-down service without communion or Sunday School, it was terrific to see so many members and attendees of New City show up to sing, pray and make our presence known in our neighborhood. The timing of the service was also ideal, with the Open Streets festival happening just a couple of blocks south on King Street East. On a personal note, it was encouraging to know that the society we live in is not as antagonistic toward Christianity as pop culture would have one believe; we are privileged and blessed to be able to worship as freely and openly as we did.
Thankfully, we survived the scorching heat, a stiff breeze coupled with a splash pad, shade tents and trees, and plenty of water bottles provided by our Connections Ministry ensured that nobody suffered too much in the June sun. Returning to the church after the service, we were offered a welcome respite from the heat and sun, enjoying fellowship and food in the gym. With a plentiful potluck picnic and sweet ice cream sandwiches, our time together concluded most agreeably.
Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who gave their time and effort to set up, tear down, and serve in all the myriad ways that were needed. Let’s do it again soon!
To listen to the sermon from June 22nd, you can stream the audio on our website here: https://www.newcityhamilton.com/sermonarchive/v/welcome-one-another
You can also find the sermon audio on Spotify by searching for the podcast “New City Hamilton” and the sermon title “Welcome One Another”. You can also follow this link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1et4wf24Kkh0YqNJQKC5b5?si=6Z4S-HaHSSKeyvLv90t26Q
