A couple of days ago Zach Taylor, a Malone College student, was admitted to the hospital because of serious injuries due to a car accident.  He was thrown from the car he had been riding in and suffered major head trauma.  Zach’s mom, Deanne Taylor, has been a regular attender at The Gate for several months now.   She told me this morning that he’s doing very well and that the comments sent to her at www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylorzachary have been very encouraging.

Feel free to visit the site and to keep the Taylor family in your prayers.

“Free hot dogs!” Kim Bennett, our worship leader, announced from the gazebo at Firestone Park on Thursday evening.

“Condiments . . . $100,” her twin sister, Stephanie Harker (our bass player) retorted from her mic.

People seemed to catch on to the fun as those who had been swimming, playing at the playground or at baseball practice came over to hear the music and get free hot dogs and pop.  Mel Genova, the mastermind behind the Summer Blast events, thought that this would be a great way to have our church get together for fellowship as well as be witnesses to our neighborhood.

Two great indicators of God’s leading came to mind from this event: we were able to meet and talk with many great people from Columbiana, and the people of The Gate were extremely proactive in playing a role in the event.  Dan Patton took command of the grill.  Kimmy McLaughlin took great pictures.  Not one person received a hot dog without being greeted by a Gater, showing the acceptance and sense of community that we aspire for.  And, the church didn’t pay a dime for the food.  So many people were eager to contribute that we had a few dozen hot dogs and buns left over.

It was a great day for our church.  There are even better days to come.

Tonight we’ll be holding our final Summer Blast event.  We’ll be at Firestone Park in the gazebo that’s on the road just down the hill from the pool.  We have hundreds of hot dogs to give out and the worship team will be playing for everyone who wants to join in with us.  Gaters will be inviting their friends to just listen to the music and to enjoy everyone’s company.  Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and some extras if you can for whoever may decide to join us.

See you tonight @ 6 pm.