On April 4, 2009, we launched the A Day to Make a Difference initiative. Basically, we chose one day every two months in which we would engage the local neighborhoods around our building with direct, hands-on community service- doing something that was needed to help out. So far, we've knocked out 04/04- and, now, with yesterday's event, 06/06. We'll be rolling strong again on 08/08, 10/10, and 12/12. Check the site for more details.
Here are some updates from the 06/06 event. Video will be forthcoming.
* We (finally) hit Marconi Park. On 04/04 we had planned to landscape the park, as well as paint the pavilions and do some repair on the bleachers. That work was held up, because the City of Birmingham wanted to approve paint colors, have everyone sign waivers, etc. With little time to do that before 04/04, we pushed that work to 06/06- and worked, instead, on 04/04 at the YMCA, Jones Valley Urban Farm, Bankhead Towers, Jessie's Place, etc... Now, the park is done.
* The park almost did not get done! The company that was donated the plants bailed at the last minute (Friday night, we found out). This morning, about 9:00 am, I made a call to Libby, the owner of
Plant Odyssey on 6th Avenue South- not far from our building. She was very gracious to us, and we ended up pulling together about 35 large plants from her (all better than what we had planned to place in the park!) within 30 minutes of making the call to her.
* Pray for rain. But not too quickly. Let me explain. We painted the press box and the small pavilion. We need the paint to cure- but, then we need the floods to come to allow the plants to take root.
* We took about 30 of
The Village guys and tossed them into the mix. Those guys tore it up. We were able to do several days work in a half-day by getting everyone there at the same time. I was skeptical about starting at the late hour of 10am and ending at 1pm- but, it seemed to work well. It gave people the time to "sleep in" for a lazy Saturday morning- and then go serve the city.
* We re-built all of the iron and wood bleachers at the park. The old wood seats were cracking, so we pulled them off, painted new ones, and replaced all of the bolts- after re-painting the frames. They look great. Also, we saved the old wood. We'll use it to make planters for a neighborhood garden that we're going to build down the street. Bottom line: nothing was wasted- and much was gained.
* Again, why are we doing this? Well, we believe that we are in the middle of the city not just to be a convenient hub for those who live near and those who drive in from afar. We believe that we are here so that we can change the city for the better when we come together and gather. This is why we have scheduled several events throughout the year: 1) so that we can specifically plan and work with groups that are already in the heart of the city; 2) so that we are sure to have intentional times of service (if we don't, history shows it never happens- we have to set time aside to do it or it doesn't happen), and 3) so that you can plan and jump on, as your schedule allows. There are five events this year; make what you can, as you can.
* The next A Day to Make a Difference event is on Saturday, August 8th. More details forthcoming. However, make note that we will be prayer walking in Southtown on Saturday, June 20. We are the host church for the next
Prayer Force United event there.
* Finally, be sure to pray for Tyler Shadix. He is the staff guy that is taking over all of these events. He began work for The Village in August 2008 as the "transportation guy," handling all of the scheduling and much of the shuttling of men to and from work and other appointments. In April 2009, he communicated to us that God had been stirring him to move to a different role. We saw the giftedness and ability in him. After a few weeks of prayer and study, Tyler began transitioning to this new role of overseeing community development. He'll lead things like community service days (A Day to Make a Difference), prayer walks (such as June 20), and other hands-on touch-points we'll have in the community. If you're unsure of which one he is, he's the one with the dreadlocks : )
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