And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also."

Acts 17:4-6
(English Standard Version)

What if you could change the world? Those early disciples were accused of doing just that. The Apostle Paul was traveling through Thessalonica preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and sharing the love of God with others in visible ways, and he and other Christians were accused of just that - changing the world.

So what if you could change the world? What if you could walk a mile and help those who cannot walk at all? What if you could give a cup of water to thirsty runners and share God's living water with them? What if you could drive a nail or spread mulch and give hope to the children of an entire community? What if you could make a friend and help struggling families get back on their feet? What if you could eat a bowl of chili and help to end hunger in our community? What if you could share a smile with children through games and bring hope to domestic violence victims? What if you could run 5K and help find a cure for cancer?

Well, this Saturday, you can change the world. The community will meet on the streets and on the lawn of Covington First United Methodist Church beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday morning to help change the world. Beginning with the famous Steeple Chase, we will spend the day in downtown Covington making a difference in our community. We will give a face lift to Academy Springs Park so that children can play on safe equipment. We will learn about the more than 40 organizations that are actively working to help change the world right here in Newton and Rockdale Counties. We will eat chili and desserts from a chili and dessert cook-off as we fellowship together.

Don't miss your chance to change the world. See you Saturday!

Rev. Jan McCoy is the associate pastor of Covington First United Methodist Church in downtown Covington. She may be reached at jan.mccoy@ngumc.net.