A few years ago my family visited San Francisco for a summer vacation. One of the places we visited was the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge had the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed in 1937 and has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and California. 
It was an impressive feat of engineering for its time. We all use bridges everyday and most of those bridges are small and unknown but of equal importance in helping us safely cross a river or valley.
I think Jesus was a bridge builder. He built relational bridges. Through compassion he brought people closer to God by making a connection with them. In Mark 1:40-42, we read about Jesus, building a bridge of compassion. The account says “A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.” In this story, I see Jesus, motivated by compassion, building a bridge to an outcast as he reaches out and touches him. From this encounter with the Lord the man is never the same again.
I want us to build a bridge this June 12th. A relational bridge that people can walk across in their journey of faith towards God. I am referring to our seventh annual Westheights Family Carnival. Why do it? Because Jesus wants us to love our neighbours and reach out in compassion towards lost people. A free carnival is a practical expression of love to our community.
We need 150 volunteers to make the Westheights Family Carnival a successful event and a positive bridge-building experience. As we are busily recruiting people to participate in this event, be ready and willing to accept a role on the team. There is something that everyone can do. Join the team, sign up this Sunday!