On Saturday morning, December 17th, Relevate hosted our first ever event, “Breakfast with Santa.” Arriving at the school that morning I was very unsure of how it would go. I have been doing events for churches for over 16 years and never in my life have I ever been so worked up over a simple breakfast. It wasn’t the planning of the event, it was wondering if anyone would come. Needless to say God came through again! From start to finish the room was packed with families enjoying time together while our team walked around introducing themselves and talking about Relevate. Below are some of the stories that happened that day.
Since arriving in Lawrence it has been my prayer that God would allow me connect with people who have influence in our community. Saturday I was able to talk with one of those people. He is our insurance agent and through the breakfast we met and made plans to do lunch and talk about marketing Relevate.
Wendi and I had met one of the mom’s from Mylie’s class a few months ago and found out that she was the daughter of a Southern Baptist Pastor. At the time I told Wendi she would be a good contact and we should get to know her. At the breakfast she stated that she had been telling people about it. In fact she is trying to set up play dates with some “Country Club” moms so Wendi can get to know them.
I had put this earlier in a blog, but our neighbors are from Pennsylvania. In fact, she played softball for Clarion U. They came to the breakfast and had a great time spending time connecting with our team. The next day I had an email from them asking me what time our services were. I have always thought that they would try out Relevate but thought they would wait until we launched. Looks like they may be joining us soon!
Two members of our launch team work as math teachers at Lawrence High and have been sharing with their co-workers about Relevate. It was very cool to see them hanging out with those who they invited to the breakfast and talking about the purpose of our church…even to one claiming to be an atheist!
I sat down and talked with a lady and her daughter and found out that they had been invited by “Abby from Pennsylvania.” Abby Emery had only been at her new school for 3 days and already spread the word about the event. In three days I’m not sure I would know anyone’s name much less invite them to an event.
It was truly a God thing and once again I’m humbled to be chosen to help start Relevate in Lawrence, Kansas.
