WATER COOLER WEDNESDAY--Worship At the Wooden Spoke Ranch

So, when does a church stop being the church? Does it have to exist inside a formal church building? Does it have to meet on Sunday? Those are thought provoking questions?

We met last Wednesday night--not at church---at the Wooden Spoke Ranch just north of town. It is a small working ranch with bunks and cottages and hosts local weekend gatherings for companies and groups. We rented out the large party room and had a worship time--gathering, fellowship, singing, Lord's Supper, group projects and a word from our pastor.

The air was cold and nippy but the refreshments were warm and uplifting. The kids got to feed the deer and make smores and the adults met around tables to exchange their thoughts on what the church really is.

We gave them objects to spark their conversations: a globe, some M&M's, gloves, keys, a wedding veil, a candle, a rubic cube, paper clips and more. Each of them had to think for a moment how they related to the church. Some of them were very moving.

Has your church ever not met at the church? How was that received?