If picnics don’t have to do with God we may as well close up shop. Either all we do has to do with God or he is not God. “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do (like picnics), do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). “Whatever you do, in word or deed (like picnics), do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). So part of my duty as pastor-teacher is to help you see how even church picnics relate to God.
This is no ivory tower theology. No, sir. On Sunday, June 12, after the second service we are going to Ham Lake Camp for the annual Sunday School picnic. The evening service will not happen at church. There will be a 4:00 p.m. vespers at the camp. So this theology is very relevant!
1. Meeting as a church out-of-doors is an affirmation and celebration of God as creator of the world. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). By divine appointment “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). It is fitting that the people of God gather corporately beneath the heavens to hear the proclamation of the firmament. Surely, the sky should join us in worship once a year. The admiration we feel for the Maker of the world is doubled when we exult in it together.
2. Informal togetherness, especially involving recreation, cultivates the unity of God’s people, which we are commanded to maintain (Ephesians 4:3). It does this in three ways. Keep Reading...
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