Backyard Block Party

Wow… what an awesome day to drop by Messiah Lutheran Church here in Yorba Linda, California!

From the moment you got close to the church, you noticed that something was happening. Cars were parked all up and down the street facing the church, and vehicles were streaming in and out of the north and south parking lots all morning. People arriving for Sunday worship were greeted by a huge inflatable obstacle course, a bounce-house, and handprints on the sidewalk, balloons, and signs inviting everyone to the picnic from 11:30 am to 3 pm… right there, at church.

The picnic is an annual fall kickoff event, and used to be held in a nearby regional park. With the addition of the new Community Life Center, our campus layout now includes substantial north and south lawn areas, so it just made sense to try having the picnic in our own backyard. It turned out to be our best picnic ever… IMHO. There were foods to satisfy any taste. In tubs of ice, were dozens of drink selections (from soda and juices to water); all ice cold. Families participated in fun and exciting games on the south lawn, and the little ones had a wealth of creative and fun games and activities on the north lawn. It was such a great welcoming atmosphere that nobody really wanted to leave. There was a raffle with prizes that people actually wanted to win (rather than white elephants). There was NO charge for anything; not the raffle ticket, not the food, not the games, not even for the parking! Admittedly, we did have a fundraiser silent auction, but those items were simply fabulous, and people really wanted to bid on, and win, those items. Even our neighbors from the surrounding community came, had a great time, and even won a prize or two. If you were there, you understand why I can say that this was our best picnic ever! If you weren’t, you’d better mark your calendar for next year.

Of course, an event like this just doesn’t happen by itself… innumerable volunteers made it such a great success. I’d like to name them all, but I can’t; simply because I don’t know who they all are. There were people who set up, people who tore down, cooks, servers, organizers, helpers, musicians, face painters, and so many others. To all of the volunteers: “Thanks for making the picnic so awesome!”

Now I know that there are a whole bunch of key people that planned, organized, and totally committed themselves to making the picnic the grand event that it was, but one person really stands out (in my opinion). That person is Matt Bagne. Matt coordinates, organizes, cajoles volunteers, sets up, takes down, runs power cords, and empties trash… basically anything that needs to be done. But Matt goes way beyond that, he also commits resources from his own business for the event (and other events, too). Knowing Matt, I probably only see the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of what Matt does for our fellowship.

The picture this week is of Matt. When I took it, I did not realize just how well I had captured him. Notice how much of his face is in shadow. That’s exactly how Matt serves… mostly in the background, and what you do see is his smiling and welcoming attitude. Notice also, that the other thing that shines through is Matt’s servant’s heart! Matt really demonstrates how to “love your neighbor as yourself” through service.

Who do you know that has a servant’s heart like Matt? How can you show them how much you appreciate what they do? People like Matt inspire me to be a better servant. I hope they inspire all of us.

Your brother in Christ,

Dave Hoag