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 I am truly at a loss of words on how to describe a worship service at Montrose Street Reach. The best I can say is the experience is the most eclectic mix of both bizarre and beautiful. Believe me, this is the most honest and accurate visual of what I believe Jesus intended in his compelling prayer for unity, as recorded in John 17.
Now, imagine with me how proud you would feel to witness our students completely lead a service at Montrose Street Reach, because it happened and it was the most proud moment of my ministry career! From top to bottom, NCS delivered all that was needed for this weekly, outdoor, and much-anticipated service for all the regular attendees. And let me make this clear, these are not the attendees you would normally see at a suburban church, as a typical service consists of drag queens, felons, pimps, prostitutes, homeless, children, and finally, a policeman to keep the peace. And yet, I have never felt fear, only safety, as this outdoor parking lot is transformed into a beautiful tapestry of humanity that is invaded by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Simply put, I firmly believe this is the service Jesus would attend, as it is full of humbled and desperate sinners who are seeking a Savior. Let us remember that Jesus came to seek and save the lost! (Please read Matthew 9:12 for this reminder.) Personally, I like to think of the service as a “Spiritual ER”.
 Here is a brief, yet historically important summary of the evening. I take a group of students, faculty, and parents one Wednesday night each month, but on this particular date, we delivered what proved to be the most quickly devoured donation of winter clothing and blankets, our own Aaron Fridman and Kailey Perkins led the worship, Lauren Hance and a specially-selected team of students provided drama and heartfelt Scripture readings, Bob Stewart and his team served hot hamburgers and trimmings to over two-hundred hungry mouths, and a team of our sweet young ladies loved and adored the many children in the makeshift nursery, and all in a parking lot! Needless to say, it makes me think long and hard about the need to support massive and profoundly expensive church expansions, because if you want to see the most convincing reminder that a Christian is the “building” for the Holy Spirit, then you must attend a service at Montrose Street Reach.
 I would like to personally thank the following adults and faculty members who attended and served on this evening: Bob and Kim Stewart, Leigh Reaves, Jane Winne, Bob Reaves, Barbara Cano, Lauren Hance and husband, and Karen Wood. I know all of you would not have wished to be anywhere else than you where you were on this amazing evening.
- www.montrosestreetreach.org
Rich Reaves, NCS Campus Pastor |
