A Day to Make a Difference #2 is on the books. Honestly, it's been on the books a while, but, with some of the red tape that needed to be hurdled, we weren't sure how, when, etc, we might have some final information for you. Look for a video in the next week or so on the A Day to Make a Difference main site that explains more of what we'll be doing.
In the mean time, write this down- and then read on
* Saturday, June 6, 2009
* 8:00 am until 1 pm (note: the compressed time- breakfast and coffee and snacks still there).
* Location: Marconi Park- the focus of the project will be the park itself (landscaping, painting, repairing bleachers, etc.). Marconi Park is at 24th Street North & 6th Avenue North.
In the mean time, here are a few common questions- and their answers:
Why A Day to Make A Difference? It is a service day in the city, near the center of the urban hub, that happens about once every two months. The days we've scheduled for 2009 are all on Saturdays: June 6, August 8, October 10, and December 12. We've already worked on April 4. You can watch a video about that event here. On these days, we come together, knowing that we can collectively each more when we bring many volunteers together on one day than we can actually do when we work on our own, independently.
Why is a church doing this? It is one way to love and serve the city, as Jeremiah 29 calls us to do. We are commanded to live in the city, to love the city, and to work for its betterment. So, that's what we do. Since we are a church that offices and organizes from the middle of the city, it makes sense that we should serve beginning from the center of the city. Further, the vision of these days is not simply to serve on one day, but, rather, to get to know the people where we are serving... to work beside them... as we live near them.
Do I have to be at The Downtown Church to do this? Or, even be a Christian? No. There are many churches and other groups involved. In fact, we've had about ten churches and other community groups involved, thus far. And, no, you do not have to worship, pray, etc., in the same way we do to work with us (though we'll be honest with you about what we believe, if you ask). We may disagree on many things, but we all agree that we can work to serve and help and better the city.
Are there other projects I can be involved in that are not related to this? Yes, there are. We work to plant new churches through the church planting network, Developing Churches Network. And, we have set up a non-profit ministry called The Village, which helps people coming out of prison, off the streets, and overcoming addictions. Soon, we'll start a wave of Celebrate Recovery classes, too. We simply feel that it would be a shame for us to not serve in our area- by both telling the Good News and by living it. After all, Jesus told His disciples to start in their own city and work out from there. That's what we're seeking to do. And, by planning these projects in advance, and by focusing on specific days throughout the year, we can adjust and work schedules as needed.
All for now. Mark this in your calendar, iPhone, Palm, Moleskin, Franklin-Covey, whatever:
* Saturday, June 6, 2009
* 8:00 am until 1 pm (note: the compressed time- breakfast and coffee and snacks still there).
* Location: Marconi Park- the focus of the project will be the park itself (landscaping, painting, repairing bleachers, etc.).
Hey, watta' ya'll up to? Just hanging out around the house, eh? Yep, that's what I'm doing. My friend Lauren may come over today! I'm excited! Totally our of controll...
Posted by: Emma (Grace) | July 01, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Hey, I think you all should post comments to me at gracetheladybug@gmail.com! It's fun to be on gmail. My daddy, Andrew (Andy) Edwin Jenkins put me on and even made up my email address!!!
Unfortuantly, I don't really need posted comments from you all, just rather Andrew (Andy) Jenkins, my Daddy. I perfer to attach more storys to you, Daddy and usally get my reply back.
I want to also get to the point for the girl - room - attic.
That includs the boys running but since I'm to old to run, I'm thinking about starting a thing were we can walk together. How's that...
Don't forget about the jenkins deli!!!
Posted by: Emma | May 11, 2009 at 09:46 AM
I watched It again. Ya'll sure had lots of work to do: set up jumpers, baby jumpers, teach, give out gifts, set up tug - of - war, throw out eggs (Yahoo!), clean up, set up throw- the- ball- and- hit- the- man- in- the - water, throw the sponge in his face, ect...
I posted this for good luck and thanks (Total thanks) to you (All of ya'll) out there to this day. I thank you all...
Posted by: Emma | May 10, 2009 at 05:37 PM
Hey! I'm Emma Jenkins, Andrew Jenkins oldest. i'm eight i just watched the easter party film Dad made! It was awsome! Just watching again...
Posted by: Emma | May 10, 2009 at 05:31 PM