Community Lately

     It has been about five months since we relocated here to the fellowship, and many things have happened. Some of the changes are drastic and very noticeable (things pertaining to circumstances), and some things are probably happening deep within us that we’ll recognize later. Here are a few more “postcards from the highway” – snippets of the last little while in community.

     Lunch today: We were invited to eat with a few other families at a congregational member’s home. These are folks who work for a living (she’s a caterer!) They offered a great gift in hospitality; they allowed us to meet other people in a comfortable environment and they were interested in getting to know us.

     Jeff and Inna: Two weeks ago there was a new couple that moved into the area. They weren’t planning on joining the fellowship or the church, just moving here. We were able to assist in a few ways, and they noticed that there was something unique about the willingness of our people to help out. We are continuing to relate to them durring a difficult transition.

     JPUSA: Josh lived at Jesus People USA (intentional Christian community in Chicago) during the summer of 2001 and made a few friends there. Since moving here (Evanston – suburb directly north of Chicago) we have been getting together with the Benders (JPUSA family/ friends) on a regular basis. We are thankful to God for friends that we can feel natural around easily. Additionally, the opportunity has come to open a conversation between Jesus People and Reba Place. These are the two largest intentional Christian communities in Illinois, and not far from each other. It would seem that daily life has kept both communities too busy to really link up. Josh was appointed the task of setting these conversations into motion, and we have had one nice gathering thus far.

     Quilting Circle: Candace attends a weekly quilting class with several other ladies relating to the fellowship. Jedidiah loves to play at the host home (they have created a “mouse house” in some space under the stairs just for small children). Candace is making great progress on her first quilt for baby girl and building some relationships with ladies from all walks of life.

     Church: Have we mentioned how great the Sunday morning services are? This month was a month focused on racial justice through the Church. It is no small thing to hear whites admit that they have benefited from centuries of inequalities. It is powerful to hear the stories of members who lived as minorities oppressed in socially acceptable ways; to hear white members confess their inaction while witnessing bigotry. Yet another testimony to the health of this body – they don’t ignore tumors.