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What does love actually look like on a Thursday evening in our town?

Sometimes, it looks like water games, wet towels, and laughing kids.

Recently at our church’s Splash Bash, we had roughly 60 kids and families

come through our doors at the Jackson Campus.

They enjoyed free food, fun stations, and genuine fellowship.

Events like this have never been just about having a good time—they are about planting seeds. When we open our doors, we are letting our neighbors know: You are seen. You are cared for. And you matter to God.

 

1. Faith That Actually Works: Becoming "Spiritual Mutts"

In the church world, it is easy to get caught up in our own separate corners and traditions. But real spiritual vigor doesn't come from rigid labels—it comes from learning from every part of the body of Christ and putting our faith into action.

Whether it is the passion of the Pentecostals, the deep faith of the Baptists, the practical holiness of the Wesleyans, or the reverence of liturgical worship, God calls us to pull together the best of our shared heritage to build a resilient, active faith.

 

Traditions give us roots, but they mean nothing if they don't produce the character of Jesus. When we served food and cheered on kids at Splash Bash, we weren’t representing a narrow denominational box—we were living out the character of Christ.

2. Equipped by the Word for Every Good Work

How do we know how to love our community well? We look to Scripture.

As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us, all Scripture is breathed out by God to teach, correct, train, and equip us for every good work.

The Bible doesn't just give us theology to debate; it equips our hands to serve. When God's Word shapes our hearts, reaching out to our community isn't an obligation—it is the natural overflow of being equipped by Him.

3. Kindness Is a Royal Choice (Not an Accident)

In 2 Samuel 9, King David had every cultural reason to eliminate potential rivals from the house of Saul. Instead, he asked a surprising question: “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?”

David went out of his way to find Mephibosheth—a man with no political power or ability to repay him—and welcomed him to sit permanently at the king’s table.

David chose grace over bitterness. That is the Church's exact calling: choosing intentional, radical kindness for those who feel overlooked.

4. The Power of the Domino Effect

It is easy to look at the brokenness in the world and think, “I’m just one person. What difference can I make?” You don’t have to change the world overnight; you just have to be faithful with your piece of the puzzle.

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6

Whether you ran a game station, prepped food in the kitchen, or greeted a parent at the door, you tipped the first domino. That single moment of kindness could be the seed God uses to draw an entire family closer to Him.

The Next Big Ripple: Join the Journey to Bethlehem Crew!

The seeds we plant don’t stop with summer events. Preparations are already underway for our upcoming production of Journey to Bethlehem, one of the most impactful ways we share the true hope of Christ with our entire community.

An immersive experience like this takes the whole body of Christ working together behind the scenes. We are currently looking for volunteers to join our Production Crew, including:

  • Set Construction & Decor: Helping build and transform our spaces into ancient Bethlehem.

  • Costumes & Props: Organizing wardrobe and staging details for the cast.

  • Tech & Atmosphere: Assisting with lighting, sound, and scene transitions.

  • Other: 

No specialized theatrical experience is necessary—just a willing heart to serve and help bring the story of Jesus' birth to life.

How to Start a Ripple This Week

  • Join the Journey to Bethlehem Crew: Click here to sign up for a production crew role and help build an unforgettable experience for our community.

  • Go Out of Your Way for One Person: Look for someone in your neighborhood, workplace, or school who might feel overlooked and invite them into a conversation.

  • Pray Over the Seeds: Take two minutes right now to pray for the families who joined us at Splash Bash and the hundreds who will walk through Journey to Bethlehem this season.