A City on a Hill

This past Halloween weekend was truly a treat for families all over the Bay Area. Because so many of you decided to serve and give, your love and inclusion became a light shining brightly in the communities around you. 

You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden,  and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.

– Matthew 5:14-16 CEV

In this passage, Jesus says the light of people who are trying to live like him shines like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. This light shines when Christians decide not to hide away their love, faith, and hope. That light was shining brightly this weekend through so many who were doing good, whether through small connections or big events. 

Middle School and Teen Halloween Parties

On Saturday afternoon and evening both in the East Bay and West Bay, middle school students and teens were able to come together and celebrate with their friends and make new friends at our Halloween parties. 

From blow-up bowling in Pleasant Hill to jousting in Sunnyvale, these inclusive parties had a little something for everyone. For all of the serious gamers, Chris Combs and crew set up shop for E-Gaming. Some kids went home with prizes for their creative costumes, while others picked up new dance moves, and everyone went home happy, sugared up, and satisfied. 

Trunk or Treat and Our Community

This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’ ”

– Zechariah 8:23 NIV

The book of Zechariah describes how the nation of Israel would make God incredibly attractive to all people. God would be known as so powerful and loving that people would grab hold of one person and ask to join them just to experience that closeness with God. 

Last Sunday’s Trunk or Treat events at our church services reminded me of this passage. Families from our community came flocking out to experience the love, joy, and togetherness they felt from each of you. 

At our Common Ground building in Sunnyvale, close to 100 people from the neighborhood signed up to come after finding the event online. Many in the community who have been a part of our E-Life programs like E-Gardening came with their families and were able to connect with new friends. One young candy searcher exclaimed with excitement, “Wow, that’s a billion people!” 

Just up highway 101 at our Palo Alto service, trunk-or-treaters got to meet Lilo and Stitch (the Domingos) and Beauty and the Beast (Frank and Nina Ponterio). We also enjoyed a great chili cookoff, with Mike and Kathryn Allen winning the top prize. 

All over the Bay Area—from Pleasanton to Alameda to San Francisco—fall festivities brought family, togetherness, and love to all who came.

This holiday season we’ll have many chances to be a light, or a “city on a hill,” as Matthew 5 calls us to be. No matter what difficulties we may face in life as we close out 2022, we can all share the love and faith that God has given us with all of those in our communities.

Until next time,

Scott and Margo Colvin