Church At the Ballpark 2013

The Summit Church - we are one church that meets in several different locations around the Raleigh/Durham area - but today we all met at the same place and it was AMAZING!!!  Today we had church with 11, 500 of our closest friends and fellow Summit church members at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.  Aaron and I volunteered to serve, Aaron served as a baptism counselor and I greeted and directed people to the stadium.

The morning started very early.  We were to arrive and be in place by 8:00.  Aaron and I arrived at 7:30, checked in, changed into our t-shirts, and were put straight to work setting up first time guest tents until it was time for the volunteer meeting.

Making the drive to Durham.

Atop the parking dark as the sun rises over the horizon. The Durham Sky line.

Walking to the Stadium

Volunteers are beginning to arrive.

Line of volunteers, checking in, getting their t-shirts and entering the stadium.

Early morning view.

J.D. praying for us before we head out to our posts.

The sidewalk leading from the parking decks to the stadium.

Standing at my post on the sidewalk, in my official Summit shirt.

My street corner for the next two hours.  So blessed by the smiles and excited people
 I met while welcoming everyone to Church At the Ballpark.

The people are coming.

The masses are waiting to enter the gates.

The gates have opened.

Aaron took these pictures since he was in the stadium.

People are starting to fill in the the floor seating.

Pre-Sermon Entertainment

Summit Kids

Line at the women's bathroom.

It is getting full.

Walking to my seat on the fifth row, front and center.  I didn't actually get into the stadium until 11:15,
but Aaron had very sweetly saved me a seat and came and retrieved me.

Listening to the gospel preached.

The 6 baptismal pools are ready for the many who came forward.

Watching Matt, a small group member, be baptized.

Such a fantastic moment to experience with Matt.
530 people were baptized today, many of them making a public profession of faith.
I can not even begin to express how incredible it is to watch so many people being bold through
an outward expression of their new life, which is in Christ.

A beautiful picture of the many who gather today to worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Aaron and I loved serving today.  Looking forward to many more experiences.  Until next time...

Mini Vacation to Richmond, Virginia

Aaron and I were able to enjoy a mini vacation this weekend to Richmond, Virginia.  As soon as I got home from school, we loaded the car, bid Gracie goodbye for the weekend, and made the two and a half hour drive north to our neighboring state.

Headed home from school ready to start our exciting adventure.

We made it to Virginia!!!

A romantic dinner at Chick-Fil-A before brownies and coffee with the Harpers.

Some of the sights along the way.

Before we actually made it to our hotel for the evening, we stopped by and visited with the Harpers.  We enjoyed delicious brownies and coffee, and sweet conversations with dear friends.  We bid them goodnight and made the 20 minute drove to our hotel/resort.  We stayed at the Wyndham Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center.

This was our view as we drove up to registration.  Beyond beautiful.

The hallway to our room.

We enjoyed a good night's rest and were pumped and ready to spend the day exploring the city and watching every football game available on cable.

Holland Grace getting into her snacks.

Holland Grace showing me her snacks.  She was very willing to share them.

Enjoying a pre-lunch snack.  So enjoyed spending time with this sweet girl.

Lunch at a local favorite, Weezie's Kitchen.  I had a breakfast sandwich with home fries and Aaron had the Weezie Half Pound Burger with french fries.  Everything was fresh and tasty.

Holland Grace and Laura Ashley enjoyed coloring while we waited on our food.

After a walk around in the hot sun, we headed back to the Harper's so Holland Grace could take a nap.  Aaron and Lee proudly sported their Alabama gear and even got a couple of "Roll Tides".

After an attempted nap from Holland Grace and some down time for all of us, we headed back to our hotel to get ready to watch the Alabama Game.  During our down time I was able to enjoy good quality time with Laura Ashley, just sitting at the kitchen table discussing life, oh how I have missed that.  Once we arrived at the hotel, the guys quickly got involved in the football game.  The girls gladly accepted the job of picking up pizza for dinner, so they could enjoy the game.

Love that sweet smile.

Holland Grace can put away some pizza.

The guys enjoying the game.

Is it good, Holland Grace?

Enjoying food, football, and fellowship with friends.

The Harper's headed home before the game was over, because a certain little girl was getting sleepy. We made plans to meet for breakfast before they headed to church and we headed home. Aaron watched a few more games and I spent some time looking for recipes and Fall styles on Pinterest.  Another great day!

Sunday morning, Aaron and I headed to Panera Bread to enjoy breakfast with Lee, Laura Ashley and Holland Grace.  Another great time of fellowship with friends.  Hugs and see you soon were exchanged and they were off.

I am so glad I got to spend the weekend with my sweet friend.

Aaron and I still had about an hour before we had to check out, so we went exploring.  When we checked in on Friday, the lady at the front desk, told us their was a passageway that lead from our building all the way to the pool.  Well who wouldn't want to explore a passageway.

Ready for our exploration.

The next few pictures take you all the way through three buildings and out to the pool on the opposite side of the property.

Entrance

Along the walls there were beautiful murals of scenic places in all 50 states.  Here is Orange Beach, Alabama.

We finally made it to the pool.

Aaron opening the door so we could go back through the passageway to our room.  It was too hot to walk outside. 

The main building. 

This is the Monroe Building, where Aaron and I stayed.

Home Sweet Home

After making it home, unpacking, doing laundry, and taking a nap, we decided to go to the grocery store in the pouring rain, just so we wouldn't have to go on Monday.  Yet another fun adventure.

We really enjoyed our mini vacation.  It was so refreshing to spend time with dear friends and just get away for the weekend.  I always enjoy good quality time with the people I love.  Until next time...