Wow! What a response! Some 80 plus people packed into Anderson Hall last Wednesday night to help figure out how St. Mark’s might respond to those in our community being impacted by our current economic reality. Our worshipful work agenda invited us to a time of individual reflection and then into small groups. In the small group setting each individual was invited to share what he or she thought God was calling St. Mark’s to pursue. Then each small group was instructed to identify the one or two ideas that emerged that generated the most energy and enthusiasm. Near the close of our time together all 80 plus of us reconvened in Anderson Hall and attentively listened as each group shared.
As we went around the room and heard from each group some common themes began to emerge. First it was clear that further research needed to be done concerning the precise needs of folks in our community. It was also pointed out that one of the greatest gifts we could offer would be to construct a consice, clear directory of resources already available in our community.
Second there was a lot of energy around the idea of creating a “fund the need” protocol. The idea is that when someone comes to the church or contacts the church regarding a need or needs the information would be carefully recorded. The need or needs would then be passed on to a discernment team. This team would work to help match the need or needs with available resources. One wonderful option would be to communicate the need to a listserv of generous folks in the congregation who self-identified as people who wanted to help. People receiving word of the need could then reply and offer to cover a certain portion. For example if someone came in with a $120 utility bill the need could be posted and folks on the “fund the need” list could then reply with their offer of $10 or $25 dollars until it added up to $120.
Third there was a clear desire to help feed folk. The idea of pre-packaged food baskets, a food pantry, and monthly and or weekly meals bubbled up. For sure there are many more details to be worked out on this front but the sentiment was to be sure folks in need did not leave the church empty handed.
Fourth, thanks to the inspiration of one among us who actually has been out of work for over a year, ideas about job skills, support groups, resume help, interview skills training, and more emerged. Folks present Wednesday night were eager to help on this front and many began reeling off their various areas of expertise and or skills training that they could offer.
Finally, we had lots of discussion about how to share our desire to help with the community. We will want to carefully and in very intentional ways let the Midtown community know what God is calling us to offer. We don’t want to over promise and under deliver but at the same time I certainly don’t want to underestimate what the faithful of St. Mark’s can… through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit… make happen.
In the days ahead, I will be meeting with folks who have been identified as co-cordinators of each major initiative. These co-cordinators in turn will be assembling teams to help carry out the work. They will draw up the “yellow” data sheet folks filled out at the meeting last Wednesday night. So stay tuned. Listen for your name to be called. Continue to be in prayer. As Pastor Lib stated this morning, “We cannot build a tent and stay on the mountain…no we must carry the light of Christ…the glory of Christ… into a dark world.”
Again, I stand in awe of how the faithful of St. Mark’s is answering the call. God is clearly moving among us. I am both excited and terrified…but based on the disciples’ response to much of Jesus’ ministry…I think these feeling are normal…
Let’s continue the conversation. Do you have other ideas or tweaks to what is offered here? What is God saying to your heart? What above mentioned area sounds like the best place for you to offer assistance? Let me hear from you…
P.S. If you have ideas about how we can best assess the needs of our community and or where to go to get information about what other resources/ministries/services are already available please reply to this blog post. Thanks!
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I wanted to pass along this article from the Sojouners website titled “Hope and Action in Hard Times” by Mary Nelson. http://blog.sojo.net/2009/02/26/hope-and-action-in-hard-times/
This concise article includes ideas on 1) mapping and mobilizing commmunity assets, 2) focusing on clarity of mission and outcomes, 3) partnering with other groups and it even uses the Raleigh Jobs Parnership (aka nationally as Jobs For Life) as an example which we should consider leveraging as well. This tips could help guide our efforts to efficiently and effectively serve others in our community.