I scarfed down my butter croissant and my tall Starbucks black coffee just in time for the 9am service at City Bible Church. Jeremy Scott and the band led the 217 campus into an amazing worship time and Pastor Frank Damazio delivered a timely message about prayer to cap off his preaching series entitled “Plus Factor”.

The 11am service at the 217 campus was packed because it was combined with the Spanish service, which is normally held at a later time. This made our Jr High class a blast because it was brimming with students–both those who usually attend the 11am service and those visiting from the Spanish service. Ashley did an amazing job launching our “Fruit of the Spirit” series by teaching the introductory lesson.

After second service about 50 volunteers began transforming the church building into a carnival. By the time the costumed trick-or-treaters started showing up, the building looked like another world. I was impressed to see so many teenagers attending and helping out. I enjoyed guiding the event from the microphone as MC Waldo. My costume was a blessing and a curse. Whenever I tried to get away there was always someone trying to find me.

After the crowd had cleared, I joined my church family in un-carnivalizing the building. While setting up chairs in the sanctuary I started reflecting on the full day I had just lived. What a privilege it is that God has placed me in this family.