How has the church and neighborhood changed? (In a drawing)

Carol: church moving from Dessau to Wilshire (twice), but still no neighborhood; promising opportunities

Nikkie: from the outskirts to a neighborhood; lots of people

Danita: the welcome inside versus outside; neighborhood is what we bring to the church (instead of a location)

Becca: parking lot with a new sidewalk out front; sidewalk chalk encouraging messages

Communal Conversion

Moving through the stages of faith (pages 9-10)

Stages 3>>4 happens when we are willing to question the beliefs we inherited from our dominant culture or family. If we stay the course we fine the beauties inherent in Stages 5 or 6 when we recognize the limits of logic and start to accept paradoxes. We begin to see life as a mystery. Stories and symbols without the theological/ideological box.

Has this church had a communal conversion?

No: We describe the neighbors as unchurched, uninterested

Yes: Going from having to own property to thrive to knowing we really love this place/space and want to be here. Moving from difficult relationships to becoming closer collaborators on the Wilshire campus; better but not as good as it could be.

Abundant Gifts

Call out gifts NCFA has...

• Expert in end of life and hospice chaplaincy and care

• Seminary trained folks - solid theological community

• Proximity to Patterson Park

• School on campus

• Across the street from vibrant farmer market and community

• Community garden and gathering space, mode of service

• Partnership with Parsons House, gift of chaplaincy, part of the neighborhood up the road, officing there

• Kitchen at Wilshire, save frozen meals, feed folks, health classes, cooking, education, outreach

• A/V Set-up, our use and to offer to others

• Dormant classrooms being held as private for convenience

• Surrounded by neighbors with abilities and assets (UT professors, bookshelf store owner, e.g.)

Abundant Mission Statement

How does it reflect an attitude of plenty?

diverse, empowered, sharing god's love, equipping, encouraging, imploring

We are proud of this and wonder why it doesn't touch on more of our diversity

Thy kingdom come thy will be done on WIlshire as it is in heaven...

How do we see (or want to see) God's will be carried out through our church ministry?

Diversity (racial, economic, regional, national, faith foundation) we have it all

Caring for one another (P&P begin shared beyond those who were present on a Sunday)

Being a beacon on a hill and shining even more and further out that we do now (thanks Danita for shining into RRPC)

God's mission to be affecting; less of what we do, but who we are in the world