Summer is when most people go on vacation and it is a good time to "come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while" (Mark 6:31). At the same time, we need to ensure that we are "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another" (Heb 10:25). Compass Volleyball was the perfect solution for Compass for both of these things to happen.
Compass organized Volleyball Tuesdays at Mary street every Tuesday evening this summer from June 15 to August 31. It was open to all young adults, so we were encouraged to invite guests. While no one was obligated to participate in Volleyball Tuesdays, members of Compass enthusiastically showed up each Tuesday and often brought guests along with them. It was a great way for us to not only enjoy volleyball, but also enjoy fellowship with one another and build our own relationships. On an average night, I think we easily had around 30-40 people and on some nights much more. Initially we had only one volleyball court but soon we needed two and even those did not suffice! But it was typical for some people to be playing a game and for others to await their turn to rotate into the court or be part of the next game, which also allowed for fellowship as the games were being played. We started at 7 PM and volleyball would go till 9:30 PM or till there was enough light to keep playing. On one occasion I noticed that despite it being quite dark no one wanted to leave and people were just having a good time talking to one another. I saw a lot of new faces, which was a very encouraging sign. There were quite a few people from the Petros young adult group in New Brunswick, but there were also people who had never even heard of Compass before. One girl randomly googled Catholic young adult groups in the area and found Compass Volleyball. She was overjoyed to be there!
A few new people asked me what Compass is about and I got to share how we have all of this for free thanks to the people who chose to build their houses on Mary street to build community, and thanks to their generosity we are now able to have these events here to build more community. I described various Compass events like prayer meetings and Lord's days but I emphasized the fact that it is primarily about the relationship and the love for one another and growing together in Christ.
Compass Volleyball was a good way for new people to simply "come and see" (John 1:46). Some new people also showed up to a Compass Lord's day and the first Compass prayer meeting this fall. It was a great way for Compass to reach out to others to invite them in. I think Compass Volleyball was a huge success and the blessing of the Lord was on it. I look forward to what the Lord has for Compass in the fall, and I request your prayers for Compass Basketball!
- Wesley, Compass Member
Interested in getting involved in Compass, the Young Adults of the People of Hope? Email compass@peopleofhope.net for info