Saturday, April 26, was a beautiful day. In fact, it was a perfect day to hook up with people and make new friends on E. Lancaster. Sallye and I left early, picked up one of my Mullendore buddies, Corey, and headed out for Art-n-the-Park. We arrived in time to help get things ready. Corey jumped right in with the guys inflating the bounce houses. Christians from several churches were setting up grills, generators, a stage for the day's musical performances, a t-shirt stand, and various art stations.
Did I mention our special guests? They started lining up early and included the homeless, both those on the streets and in the shelters, as well as, folks from the projects. Eventually, over 500 people showed up. A kingdom party broke out!Hungry people got fed. Lonely people made friends. People who had experienced so much of the world's ugliness made beautiful art. There were grafitti artists, face painters, and sidewalk chalk decoraters. People used brushes, watercolors, and paints to express their creativity.
Others made music. Songs they had written. Songs they had heard. Songs from rap to country and just about anything in between. Music filled the air. People gathered in small groups to listen. Some got up and danced. Kids laughed as they jumped in bounce houses.
Art-n-the Park reminded all of us that something better does exist. And everyone's welcome to be a part. The park we used is called "Unity Park." It's a good name for it. Because on Saturday, people came together. Differences didn't matter. Not age or color or physical appearances or disabilities. The down-and-outs showed up, along with the well-to-do. Strangers huddled together in prayer, united by something beautiful.
You see, on E. Lancaster, of all places, we caught a glimpse of the kingdom of God.
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