We Welcome You! by Harold Phillips

Do Not Enter!

No Trespassing!

Keep Out!

Only Members Allowed!

These signs show up in many places. Usually, they are at the entrance of something attractive or valuable. The goal is to keep “outsiders” away.

Imagine my pleasant surprise seeing the new sign on our recently updated 2BC playground to the right of the main sanctuary entrance.

Our modest-sized playground area has been used by our preschoolers and by Second Friends Preschool since the mid-90’s. It was recently updated with new equipment and turf. We all want this area and equipment to last as long as possible and to be safe for all who use it.

The pleasant surprise was seeing the new sign on the newly painted fence around the playground.

The familiar 2BC logo and the large letters: WE WELCOME YOU! are followed by “Learn more about us” via the website.

As I walked by this week, two youngsters accompanied by an adult were enjoying a safe place to play, enjoying the outdoors and recreation on nice playground equipment.

Then I saw something else today — on the Lightburne St. parking lot. The Liberty Police Department was leading the 9th annual Liberty Junior Police Academy with its select group of 7th and 8th graders. The program motivates young people to be outstanding citizens and empowers them to act as a positive influence in our community.

A “WE WELCOME YOU” greeting rather than “Keep Out” to kids and parents in our neighborhood. A parking lot used as the setting to provide interested middle school students a glimpse into a career in law enforcement. These are two more tangible ways our church is a beacon of light in Liberty and beyond.