GlocalNet

A story from Cool River Church in Superior, Colorado. . .

From day one of starting Cool River Church, it has been our hearts desire to serve our community like crazy.  In a town of 12,000, we have seen about 6 churches come and go in the 7 years we have been here.  And yet, God has chosen to keep us alive in a place where 90% of the population is unchurched and there is no standing church building of any faith or denomination.  The ride has been absolutely amazing.  We have had to morph into a very distinct community of faith. . .one that seeks to meet the needs of a specific town in a specific region of our nation. . .Boulder County, Colorado.  And we have done this in one very specific way. . .service. 

Of course, service isn’t all we do, but in trying to seek a way to step into the lives of those around us - those who may never actually come to an official church service - Cool River has always tried to be the church apart from the Sunday morning.  It’s what we’re supposed to do, right?  And in doing this, we have had the opportunity to jump in with both feet into the activities and lives around us.  Cool River has never pulled off our own big event apart from Sunday morning.  Instead, we have chosen to come alongside the town in every event they plan and offer and do the dirty work that no one else wants to do.  We set up and break down festivals and Easter Egg hunts.  We flip pancakes on 4th of July.  We just try to be available.  AND the really cool thing is that we aren’t alone in this endeavor to love and serve Superior.

Today I’m sending out a GIGANTIC THANK YOU to NorthWood Student Ministry.  These kids and leaders have committed themselves, not to Cool River Church, not to spending a sunny Spring Break at the beach, but to working harder than I have ever seen a group of teenagers work in my life and truly changing the hearts and lives of those in Superior, Colorado with the genuine love of Christ.  Their hard work and commitment over the last few years and their willingness to invest in a place and keep coming back has impacted lives in our community in a way that Cool River alone could never do. 

This Spring Break I found myself in tears on the day of the Asti Park dedication ceremony in Superior - the park that over time these kids literally constructed by moving rocks and tearing down fences, digging dirt and doing absolutely anything else that was asked of them.  The conversations that I overheard amongst town leaders and officials praising their work was unreal.  Over and over I heard people say, “I’ve never seen a group of kids work so hard.”  And the coolest thing was. . . you could tell that they understood it was more than community service happening.  No none verbalized it, but I have to believe they felt it. . .the love of Christ being poured out on them by a group of teenagers willing to give and love without asking anything in return.  So “thank you” NorthWood for supporting and sending your kids to us.  They are making a huge difference!!!
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posted by Amy Colón
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