What if we Rethink Church? Not in terms of what it is, but what it could be. What would it look like? What would it feel like? What if church wasn’t just a place we go, but something we do?
On Sunday, September 13, 2009 the Cooperative Ministry of Portage 1st UMC, LifeSpring Church, Stockbridge Avenue UMC, and the Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo came together to Rethink Church. We met at the Overlander Bandshell in Portage, for an open air worship service at 10:30 AM. This was just the first step as we work together to Rethink Church.
Then on Sunday, October 11th 2009 we hit the streets, instead of coming to worship, we went out in the community to "Be the Church" worshipping through serving others that needed our help and assistance. Various outreach and missions areas were chosen so that we could work side by side together. We had close to 200 people working on 20+ projects and many of those participating had a spiritual awakening that changed their view on service and outreach. Learning what an amazing experience serving those around you can be.
We will have even more Rethink events in the future and invite everyone from the community to join with our churches as we Rethink Church!