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In recent weeks I have begun meeting with some of our friends at The Bridge UMC and St Marks Lutheran (ELCA), hoping to combine efforts to minister to the youth of Washington. Speaking also with people in our congregations, we feel compelled to new action. We have begun the work of identifying the gaps left by other programs and stepping in with love and resources to fill those voids. However, identifying these gaps is just the start. The real work includes our response. I have begun talking with the SCC Board, Elders, and other leaders, considering the incredible resources we already have at our fingertips: SCC’s location in the heart of District 50, and our parsonage house. These are not just assets; they are tools God has given us to serve our community.
I invite you to join me in prayer for this mission. Consider how our spaces can be transformed from underutilized resources into vibrant hubs of support and community care. Imagine our parking lot hosting a back-to-school fair, with physicals, immunizations, or other services that Washington youth need to start their school year strong. Or envision the parsonage house as a community center where families can learn about the other resources available to them. The possibilities are as numerous as they are needed.
I again invite you to be in prayer for this effort, a testament to what we stand for – a community united in faith, hope, and love, extending our hands and hearts beyond our walls, reaching into the world that God has called us to love. SCC was built in 1938 out of a need for a hub in our community, and that need is as strong as ever in 2024. If you are interested in knowing more, or being part of this response, please contact me.
Thank you for your prayers and your continued commitment to being the hands and feet of Christ for the families of Washington and Sunnyland. With God’s help we will be here for 85 more.
