When I first moved to North Carolina over 25 years ago, I was a little confused when folks started talking about church homecomings. Where I grew up, “homecoming” meant high school football games, awkward dances, and for me, a particularly memorable night when my date told me she wanted to see someone else. (Talk about a tough crowd, right?) But as the years passed and I spent more time serving God’s people here, my perspective shifted. What once seemed like an old tradition or a mystery became something I now eagerly anticipate every year.
Church homecoming isn’t about reliving awkward teenage moments (thank goodness!)—it’s about something far more beautiful and meaningful.
What Homecoming Really Means
The Bible is filled with stories of homecomings that warm the heart: the Prodigal Son returning to his father’s embrace after squandering his inheritance; Jacob reuniting with Esau after years of tension and fear; the Israelites coming home from Babylonian exile to rebuild their community; and the lost sheep, joyfully carried home by the shepherd who never gave up the search. Each of these homecomings celebrates grace. As Robert Frost taught us, “when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”
That’s what we celebrate at Yates Baptist Church. Homecoming means returning to a place where you know you’ll be welcomed with open arms. It’s a big, joyful reunion—minus the awkward questions about when you’re getting married or having kids!
And let me tell you, at Yates, we know how to do homecoming right.
Why Yates Homecoming 2024 Is Going to Be Amazing
- It’s Our 146th Birthday Bash! That’s right! We’ve been spreading love, hope, and God’s Word in this community since 1878. That’s 146 years of Christian witness, deep friendships, and—I’ll say it again—some fantastic potlucks. We’ve got stories to share, and they’re incomplete without yours.
- We’re Honoring Real-Life Heroes. Matthew and Eliza Yates, the missionaries for whom our church is named, set the bar high. They sailed off to China in 1846, and their courage and faithfulness still inspire us. Homecoming is also a time to imagine how God will send us out on mission, just as God has always done with this church. A legacy of Christian mission defines Yates’ past and present.
- Music That’ll Move Your Soul. Fresh off an incredible celebration of our Yates music ministry, we’re welcoming The Continentals for worship and dinner on the grounds. There’s nothing like music to bring us together. Come ready to sing, clap, and make your joyful noise!
- Food, Glorious Food! Dinner on the grounds, y’all! Bring your favorite dish, and let’s feast together like the big, happy family we are. Sharing a meal is one of the oldest and most sacred ways Christians connect as a community. Breaking bread together nourishes both our bodies and souls.
- We Look Back to Lean Forward. We’re celebrating our past, but we’re also excited about what’s next. Over the past few months, we’ve been having intentional conversations about God’s vision for Yates. Your ideas, energy, and faith are irreplaceable. I want you to be part of shaping that future.
- It’s a Day to Remember What Really Matters. In a world that pulls us in so many directions, homecoming reorients us to what’s truly important: faith, community, and love of God and neighbor.
- You Belong. Whether you’ve been away for a while, you’re a regular, or you’re just curious about what Yates is all about, you belong.
Mark Your Calendar
So, mark your calendar for October 8. We’ll be gathering at Yates Baptist Church, under the same beautiful trees where our church first met in 1877 and 1878. Bring your favorite dish, a comfy chair or blanket and an open heart ready for some good old-fashioned fellowship.
A Final Thought
Here’s a prayer I love that really captures what homecoming is all about. My favorite part goes like this:
“It’s always good to go home, God. We’re grateful that our final home is with you, where our hearts truly belong. But in the meantime, it’s wonderful to return to our earthly roots and celebrate the joy we feel when we’re there. Remind us that no matter how far we roam, our fellowship in you can never be broken. Let Christ’s spirit fill our hearts today and make us glad to be together.” —John Killinger, The God Named Hallowed
So, what do you say? Ready to come home to Yates? There’s a place for you at our table. Come celebrate faith, family, and the future with us. Trust me, it’s going to be way better than any high school dance—and I promise, no one will be changing their relationship status halfway through!
Come on home, friends. See you soon!
Grace & Peace,