The Vineyard Church is on the other side of our home town in Bridgton, Maine.  We have visited there before, and they have utilized our ministry several times over the years.  This summer, they had Sue and I back to perform at a block party they were holding in their neighborhood.  Since the church is located in a residential area, they expected a good bit of foot traffic, and they were not disappointed.  There were probably 60 people of all ages present when it was show time.

The event was on a hot Saturday evening, and it featured a bounce house, face painting, free hot dogs and more.  (Sue and I had eaten supper already, but we made sure to get some maple cotton candy.  What a great idea!)  As I was setting up for the show, Sue had a chance to visit with a retired Korean War vet in a wheelchair.  He was quite a talker!  Then we noticed that a lady who frequents our church's food pantry had come with her son and grandson.  Though not someone who attends church, she heard I was juggling at this event and made sure to come.  We chatted briefly, and I hope this encouraged her to her family to seek Jesus further.

The show itself went well.  I did an hour set, and being out in the church yard, I was able to juggle fire props, and had plenty of room for high throws, especially with my diabolo.  We had a lot of fun with audience participation bits and jokes.  I also turned it a little more serious when I got to the resurrection routine (appropriate time to get serious!).  I talked briefly about our universal problem of sin and our need of God's grace for eternal life.  Just enough to make the point, then back to lighter, although definitely Gospel, routines.

We picked up my props as the sun was setting, and it was so sweet to be involved in a local community event and share both the art form and message I love so much.