“They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
[Revelation 7:16-17]
I am one of those weird people who loves hot weather.
I love it when the sand on the beach is so hot it burns the bottom of my bare feet. The easy fix is with an inexpensive pair of flip flops in order to trade a scorched Earth run for a leisurely stroll to refreshing ocean water. But who hasn’t seen and heard the inexperienced tourist’s barefoot run “Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch” with every rapid step? Remember, don’t laugh at the tourists!
Despite a thousand things to do in South Florida year-round, the pace slows in the summer. And it is easy for me to marginalize the heat. I don’t work outside. Those who do work outside understand that the famously inviting Florida sunshine can be oppressive, even dangerous, if not respected.
Several decades ago, God planted Community Presbyterian Church a few blocks south of Hillsboro Boulevard between the Intracoastal Waterway and the beach. It is a perfect gathering spot to “Meet to Beat the Heat” in more ways than one.
Several years ago, the church and Montessori school decided to open church grounds Saturdays at Six p.m. in the heat of summer. This summer’s gatherings will be held the fourth Saturday of each month, the first being Saturday, June 28.
What to expect when you come? First of all, Meet to Beat the Heat is free, just like God’s grace and love. Even more important, Meet to Beat the Heat is wholesome fun. Face painting for children, great food, sodas and snow cones, music inside and out, even a short funny but meaningful video program with prizes for seniors all ensure an enjoyable outing. And to be certain we Meet to Beat the Heat, especially for the seniors, the video program is inside, where the air is cool.
Another feature of every Meet to Beat the Heat is to highlight community nonprofits and public health and safety services. Police officers, firefighters and the Bloodmobile are regulars. We’re thrilled this year to have Milo’s Dog Rescue committed to bring pets for adoption at each of our Meet to Beat the Heat gatherings. We are also looking forward to demonstrations this year by Grupo Capoeira Revelacao.
So come a bit early or stay late for a walk on the beach. There is no danger of burning your feet. And if, by chance, you need a prayer or a new friend to care, then this is the place for you. You may even become one of those weird people who love hot weather.
Reverend Dennis Andrews
Reverend Andrews is a minister at Community Presbyterian Church of Deerfield Beach (Steeple on the Beach) located five blocks south of Hillsboro on A1A.
