Building Update 098
“BBQ & Baptisms”
May 2, 2023
From time to time I like to take a break from the usual Building Updates and focus on a specific event(s) in the life of Ashley Ridge Church which highlight the mission and ministry of our church. This is one such update and hope you receive some enjoyment as well as inspiration from the events of the past weekend:
It was a BIG weekend at Ashley Ridge Church this past Saturday & Sunday! From the amazing EXPANDING THE TABLE “BBQ FOR A CAUSE” fundraiser on Saturday to the incredible 8 Baptisms on Sunday morning, it truly doesn’t get better than this! It is what we at Ashley Ridge Church are all about, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it!
Let’s start first with the “BBQ FOR A CAUSE” – A Review: The whole event was organized to the hilt & ran like a Swiss Clock which left a Retired US Marine Logistician very impressed! Great planning & execution, John Walker!!! With our 2 tickets in hand, Pam & I took the short ride up to the Dorchester Boat Club Saturday afternoon and enjoyed the scenery along the way up & down Hwy. 61. When we arrived at the State Park turn-off, we were met with a sign about every 50’ feet showing us the way. No getting lost here! It was a glorious day for a drive and whomever ordered the weather deserves special mention.
When we got to the entrance of the Boat Club, we were met by Karsten “Hot Wings Challenge” McElfresh and his trusty click board & highlighter to check us off the list. If you forgot your ticket, no problem, Karsten had you covered! Also, the “Grill Master” himself, David Ray, was there in-person with Karsten to greet people and say hello! Talk about “the chef” coming to your table!
I have to admit just seeing David Ray’s delectable FB posts of past grilled culinary masterpieces were enough to make me jealous (green with envy) I wasn’t there to taste & enjoy the experience! If you have seen them, then you know exactly what I mean!
After receiving directions, we proceeded to a circle in front of the Food Truck to await our pick-up order. Didn’t have to get out the car! I could hear the “pit crew” volunteers in the background enjoying the camaraderie of the day.
We received our “to go” dinners and headed home. The meal was delicious & downright tasty – a slice of fresh white bread, generous portions of tender pull-pork BBQ, hash & rice, baked beans & creamy banana pudding for dessert! We thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the event! Great job to all the many volunteers who made this possible!
If you somehow missed this one, I recommend you make sure you don’t miss the next. The proceeds from the event go to help feeding those in need and this food truck deserves our support! AND, it’s not too late to contribute to the worthy cause! If you would like to make a donation to EXPANDING THE TABLE (Food Truck), you can do so online by going to their website at: expandingthetable.com
Second, Baptisms always make for a special & memorable worship experience at Ashley Ridge Church! Pastor Jenn makes sure of that! I was there the day she caught the Baptismal Pool skirt on fire (fortunately we were outside due to COVID) and I do think it’s prudent for James to keep a bucket of water and/or fire extinguisher close by just in case.
With 8 Baptisms this past Sunday, the service could have run long, but Pastor Jenn has broken the code on how to keep things moving along while at the same time giving each person special attention and a unique, moving experience.
After this weekend, it makes me think we all have a special role and purpose at Ashley Ridge Church. It took so many dedicated people to make the events of this past weekend happen! God gives us each an ability to participate in his Kingdom here on earth. Not all of us can be a Grill Master (I can’t boil an egg), but we each have a gift and can do our part to make sure Ashley Ridge Church is the very best it can be!
If you would like to get involved, help serve on the Expanding THE TABLE Food Truck, join a Small Group or become a volunteer at Ashley Ridge Church, then please contact Len Banks, Connections Pastor, at: len@ashleyridgechurch.org
Derrick Horres
AR Building Project Leader