Cheering the runners on!
Every Fourth of July, Covenant’s corner on Peachtree and Terrace comes alive with the Peachtree Road Race. This iconic run is one of the largest and most competitive 10K races in the world, attracting top athletes and casual joggers. 53,000 people ran this year, and thousands more lined the streets to cheer them on. Covenant volunteers were right there with them! We showed up to pass out waters and bananas, and direct those in need to the best indoor bathrooms on the course. Thank you, thank you to all our volunteers, especially Brooke Taylor with her organizing skills.
We don’t always think about our mission in the neighborhood, but church hospitality matters in these divided days. I like to think of Jesus getting off of the boat In Luke’s gospel and beginning to heal the crowds. He didn’t ask them for credentials, membership status, increased participation. He didn’t even ask them to worship or pray or pay in – Jesus just saw their needs and he met them.
Now, we are glad to say that no one had a medical episode on our route this year (although one man pointed out he was glad for our prominently display AED!). But maybe we got some practice in loving our neighbors with our wide-open orientation to God’s people in need. May we continue to see those in need – all God’s children – in the days ahead.