On a personal note, I went door-to-door this past Wednesday night and was surprised, quite frankly, that not one person slammed the door in my face. I'm kidding, slightly. I went into the experience not knowing what kind of reception that Patrick and I would receive, but was pleasantly surprised that many people seemed appreciative or even excited about the Deer Park Festival. Granted, many people did not answer their doors, but as we rounded the final turn of our 60-home journey, I noticed that the fliers hung on doors just an hour before had been retrieved.

Just getting the message out there and kindly inviting others to the worship service on Sunday could effectively change lives. Everyone is searching for meaning and purpose in their life, in one way or another, and as C.S. Lewis so eloquently puts it, "The whole purpose for which we exist is to be thus taken into the life of God" (Mere Christianity 161). Once we discover the true nature of God and begin emulating His glory, life suddenly seems less daunting or unfulfilled.

Patrick encountered one young woman, who indicated that she had heard about Kenwood Baptist Church and had considered attending one Sunday. I can't think of a better way to get to know Kenwood and its members than through a community worship service in the park, complemented by lunch and ice cream.!

I think it's important to remember as we go out again next week that we are not solicitors or crusaders, but we are servants for the cause of Christ.

Progress so far....

If you haven't yet, and would like to help out, sign up this weekend!

Great work, everyone.

In this first week,
1. 42 teams of volunteers were formed over the three day period including both KBC folks and community residents.
2. The whole neighborhood of Deer Park as well as the few streets of Silverton that we planned to visit were invited to Days in the Park. This is about 2500 houses and apartments.
3. ~48% of the combined Deer Park and Dillonvale communities were reached.
4. Both KBC and community resident walkers braved the heat, humidity and even heavy pouring rain.
With regards to next week,
1. ~45 teams (~90 spots) are needed to complete all of Dillonvale.
2. ~35 teams (~70 spots filled) are currently signed up. This shows a projected reach of ~88% of the combined Deer Park and Dillonvale communities.
3. Several of the folks who have already walked have indicated that if they are needed, they are willing to go out again.
4. I imagine that we might have additional sign ups this Sunday for next week.
5. I am not sure if Deer Park community residents plan to attend the second week.
While we are not done yet, I think that this is great progress and that we're on a strong path forward. May Jesus Christ receive all of the glory, honor and praise.
Mark

This week we visited nearly 2,500 households in Deer Park to invite them to the festival. I was privileged to walk on two nights. I was struck by the genuine interest and appreciation from people to receive a personal invitation. I also especially enjoyed the opportunity to walk through some neighborhoods together with Tony Proctor, a city councilman in Deer Park . I learned more about the city, its residents, and made a new friend!

David Palmer
Associate Pastor Kenwood Baptist Church
Colossians 1:17

Rain does not deter volunteers!

While the KBC Days in the Park steering committee met under Keith's (image at right) leadership, drops of rain began to pelt the large windows in the room. What began as an occasional pecking sound on the window quickly escalated into a steady rhythm. As happy as I was to see nature's attempt to rinse some of the moisture out of the air, I couldn't help but think of my friends who were about to spend the next two hours trekking through Deer Park in the rain to invite people to the Days in the Park (see flyer image above at left). I went downstairs and saw Mark pouring over lists, his computer, and meeting with people to help them understand their assignments (see image center). In all, it was an impressive and encouraging sight to see. If you are interested in helping in some capacity please be sure to contact KBC; and, they can put you in touch with the right person. - Scott

An invitation to help at Days in the Park, Aug 6-8.

I attended a great "Days in the Park" orientation at Kenwood Baptist Church (KBC) last evening led by the pastoral staff Vic, Dave (image to left), and Jeremy. Orientation Leaders, Keith and Mark explained how KBC will work with the leadership team of Deer Park (DP) to help distribute "Days in the Park" invitations to the community of Deer Park over the next two weeks, beginning June 20th. From those who attended the meeting, many live in Deer Park and attend the church. Me, I live in Madeira, but I have done much business in DP from banking at Huntington Bank, buying a bike at Jim's Bicycle Shop, getting my haircut at the Dilonvale Barbershop, or studying Karate at Mastin's School of Martial Arts. We are separated by street signs, but we are part of the same community. Initiatives like Days in the Park provide a vehicle for us to get together. I hope to see these friends and acquaintances August 6th, 7th, & 8th during the festival at Chamberlain Park in Deer Park. In all, everyone is looking forward to a fun event, helping where they can, and making some new friends along the way. - Scott

Deer Park Days


Kenwood Baptist Church is expanding its mission to spread the wonderful news embodied in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Expanding its presence in the local community, volunteers of all ages will be inviting people to attend worship in Deer Park, capping off a weekend of food, festival and fun. This blog will be open for anyone to post pictures, document interactions or experiences of the weekend event, or to simply offer analysis and feedback in the mission of expanding a community united in Christ.

This is a place to document, discuss and share your experiences with others and how you got involved in the Deer Park Days. Write, post, blog! We all belong here, and we want others to be encouraged to feel a sense of belonging as well.

God bless.