What is the connection you plan to have with the Lawndale community itself? Have you all met with their community leaders yet? There is a phenomenal ministry there; are they connected to you all?
This question was sent in by Tracey.
I think the best way to answer it would be for individual folks who are involved to contribute what their perception is since there is no one right answer and we'll make our decisions by consensus as a community.
Anyone comment to this post and we'll start a conversation.
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3 comments:
I think this is a great question as someone who is interested in the Josiah Community but also interested in understanding what need are we filling in the community? Especially with the firehouse project, a new community space started by The House ministry of LCC - what is our role?
Krista and Tracey,
As an long-time CCDA member, my heart applauds a little for a great question.
For the residents of Josiah, this will be an individual choice. However, we've expressed a desire not to be a middle-class enclave so future conversations will address this. One of the things we've already talked about is giving space in the building to a day-care, run by a local organization and open to both our kids and kids from the surrounding community. Maybe a tutoring center also?
Personally, I intend to follow Bob Lupton's example and walk through the neighborhood once a day with someone from the building, so that I'll get to know my neighbors. I assume I'll also tutor at one of the local schools.
The Josiah non-profit will connect with neighborhood organizations to find placements for those studying there so that they can experience urban theology rather than just read about it.
I think Arloa is beginning to meet with both neighbors and leaders. Lots of us are connected to Lawndale personally. I've been hanging out at LCC for over 20 years. When I worked in community development on the west side, I interacted with lots of community leaders and intend to pick those relationships back up. I'm actually having lunch with Pastor Phil in a couple of weeks about something else. Coach and Mary Nelson and Glen Kehrein are all aware of what we're doing and consulting as we go along.
Other folks, did I miss anything? Get anything wrong? Speak too absolutely about something that isn't quite nailed down yet? (I have a tendency to try to speak things I like into truth.) :-)
During the 90's I lived on S. Ridgeway in Lawndale and was embraced by the community and LCC.LCDC. I get more hugs than anyone should ever expect when I drop into the church or clinic. I have been dreaming of coming back every since I left. Josiah is my coming "home'. The love we send out comes back twofold in that community.
There is an elementary school two blocks away. A ministry that Dave Clark started "Intrsct" is very interested in having a presence in our building and doing after school work in the community. It's a powerful ministry that you will find out more about in the coming times.
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