Our church, The Journey Community, has been meeting at Brittingham Park for the last three summers and for every challenge inherent in this decision, a blessing of equal value is apparent.
We initially started meeting at the park out of necessity. Our regular meeting place (the Senior Center on Mifflin) was renovating, so we relocated for that summer. It was fun and new to begin with. Then the challenges started to become more obvious.
By the end of that first summer, though, the park felt like home and it was a bittersweet parting for us all when we left. Ever since then, we’ve looked forward to our summers at Brittingham.
Distractions
One of the challenges of meeting in a public place is distraction. There are people constantly running or riding their bikes by the shelter. The birds and bugs don’t seem to understand the decorum required during a church service; especially the ones making their homes in the rafters. Dogs barking, wind blowing, rain falling from time to time…it can all be a little overwhelming.
But the flip side to that coin is the beauty that surrounds us. We have an incredible view of the lake, replete with fish jumping and geese gliding on its surface. The trees and grass and fresh air are amazing. And while a runner huffing and puffing through the service to get a drink from the water fountain can be distracting, it’s also an opportunity to meet someone that we never would have met if we were in a building.
Flexibility
Another challenge is the aspect of not having a permanent home. Our “nursery” is setup every week under a tree and the older kids head over to the park nearby. If it’s raining, obviously that throws a wrench in the works.
Every week a team of dedicated people shows-up early to put Bibles and flowers and other materials on the tables, and stays afterward to pack-up. We understand the park is not really ours, but we do have a history there and it certainly feels like ours.
So while the challenges of not having a permanent space are real, we have embraced this place as our summer home and everyone pitches in to make it feel so. And working together certainly unifies us.
Accessibility
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges, and blessings, is our accessibility to the homeless population downtown. We’ve had several cookouts and community events that have been successful, so the word has gotten out about that and nearly every week people show-up asking if we’re cooking out that day.
The relationships we’ve been able to build with some of them have been fantastic. Hearing their stories and the challenges they’ve worked through is always humbling. It’s a continual reminder that ministry is often difficult, but ultimately worth it.
While meeting in a public park has its challenges, they pale in comparison to the benefits. Just last week we got to participate in the baptisms of two new friends we met because they found us at the park. God is working in Madison and we are honored to be a part of it.