We Will…

Thursday night was another dynamic TJL event — the attendance, energy, and feedback has been excellent.  The Park community is truly taking ownership of several justice initiatives and there is no doubt that big things are in store.  It is so great to see such organic discipleship happening and see this ministry become a living, breathing community committed to responding to God’s call for love and justice.

We had an evening of sharing updates from all that has been developing over the past few weeks. We also heard from a member of our community how his journey to and through the issues of justice is beginning to take shape.

The night was primarily focused on solidifying the initiatives we are committing to – here is where we stand thus far:

Community building in Cabrini through addressing the education gap in the city: Beginning with our C2A tutoring program, adult continuing education programs, and scholarships for local youths who are being built into by members of our community.

Combating the gross injustice of human trafficking head on as a community of action: Beginning with an awareness/educational campaign and direct partnerships with ant-human trafficking organizations. Next step details below…

Addressing extreme poverty by supporting effective organizations through creative partnerships and fund-raising: A benefit concert/artist event in the works to raise funds for our friends at Blood:Water Mission and others. Also, several microfinance ideas are being discussed.

Stewarding professional social capital through social entrepreneurialism and micro enterprise: A lot of great ideas are being discussed and we hope to have a couple of concrete projects soon.

Global community development: Achieved through combining new ESL education, our refugee ministry program, and Park’s global missions vision.

Understanding and Breaking destructive cycles: Beginning with a new prison ministry in cooperation with Prison Fellowship.

Professional Fellowships:
A medical professional fellowship has started strong and we hope to see more fellowships begin to form that can support our specific initiative needs through vocational calling. We would specifically like to see a creatives fellowship form soon and begin tapping into that talent.

One exciting creative project in the works is a documentary film being produced by a local filmmaker and member of TJL on the dramatic change/gentrification of Cabrini Green highlighting the role of the church. This project needs and deserves support of every kind.

There is no limit to the initiatives and conversations we can start.  Begin now, get your small-group involved, carry on the conversation, and join us next month (November 20^th) in the pursuit of daily practical responses to God’s heart for justice.

Next steps this week:
Experience an unseen world, Sunday, October 19th right after the 5:30pm service. Join a Candle Light Vigil walk to Piper’s Alley Theatre and the screening of Call + Response, a revolutionary documentary that uncovers and investigates the truth behind the 27 million people trapped in modern day slavery.

We will depart promptly after the service and proceed, via candlelight, to the theater where the screening begins at 8pm.

After the film, come to dinner at Uncle Julio’s restaurant at 855 W. North Avenue for a fundraiser dinner. Uncle Julio’s has agreed to donate $5 to each person’s meal, and we’re asking you to double down and give back $10 to the Not For Sale Campaign, working to eliminate modern day slavery and human trafficking.

You can pay and pick up tickets this Sunday, at the church, prior to the Vigil.