Murrysville church's youths lend hands to homeless
By Maryann Gogniat Eidemiller
FOR THE PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, February 23, 2007
When the nights turn bitter and it's too cold to sleep in doorways and abandoned buildings, some of the homeless people who live on the streets in downtown Pittsburgh check into the Severe Weather Emergency Shelter set up in the gym of the Smithfield United Methodist Church.
On many nights, they'll find that the hot food is dished out by a handful of volunteers from Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church in Murrysville, who also distribute clothing to help them stay warm.
The church's ministry to the homeless began about two years ago as an offshoot of the parish's Mother Teresa Outreach when Santos Hernandez, past chairman of its financial committee, heard about the shelter's needs.
"Our pastor, Monsignor Richard Curci, wants us to get out there to serve, to do charitable works, and I'm focusing on trying to get our young people involved," he said.
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Hernandez is the group's chaperone. His son, Matthew, 18, is the teen coordinator of the volunteers who include his brother, Michael, 16, and several other teenagers from the parish. In addition to working at the shelter, the youths have an ongoing collection for warm clothing and hygiene products, which they pass out to the homeless. At the shelter, they also help to serve food donated by local food banks, churches and restaurants, and clean up the facility.
"They are a tremendous help to us," said program director Linda Sheets, who considers them one of their primary groups of volunteers.
The shelter, which is open on nights when the temperature dips below 20 degrees, is part of Operation Safety Net through the Pittsburgh Mercy Health System. The church gym has kitchen and shower facilities, and on-site medical and mental health clinics staffed by professionals who donate their time. The men sleep on the floor with blankets, and the women are sent to another location to sleep.
Up to 150 men and women of all ages seek refuge on the nights when the shelter is open. Otherwise, they may be sleeping in doorways, alleys, under bridges and in abandoned buildings. Some of them are turned away from other shelters that are open every night because those shelters are full, or the homeless have used up their allotted times there.
There are many reasons why people become homeless, Sheets said. They may be substance abusers, mentally ill or just unlucky, who for various reasons have lost everything and have no one to turn to.
"They kind of get lost," she said.
Chris Murawski, 19, a senior at Franklin Regional High School, noted that some of the homeless aren't much older than he is.
"It can happen to anybody," he said. "There are women who get beaten and raped, and men with such problems in life that they ended up on the street. You just can't look at them as just somebody who won't work."
Matt Hernandez, also a senior at Franklin Regional High School, was surprised that the homeless are so outgoing and eager to talk to them.
"I thought they would be kind of shy," he said, "but they are really nice people with needs just like you and me."
Michael Hernandez, a junior at the high school, took classmate Kari Lavellee to volunteer on a recent weekend.
"There are so many people in need in Pittsburgh, which is so close to us," he said. "We can really make a difference."
Santos Hernandez calls volunteering at the shelter "a reality check" for those who give their time. It's an opportunity, he said, to appreciate what you have.
"The homeless have to stay outside through the day, and sometimes they don't have anything until they get back into the shelter," he said. "I saw one guy go back for five helpings of food. They are just storing up. It's a tough situation."
Matthew and Michael Hernandez are in charge of collecting clothes and hygiene products to distribute at the shelter. Call them at 724-733-0614, or drop off donations at Mother of Sorrows Church, Old William Penn Highway, Murrysville. Among the items needed for men and women: shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, coats, hats, gloves, socks, boots, hooded sweatshirts and thermal underwear.
Showing posts with label Ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ideas. Show all posts
Friday, April 6, 2007
Creative Class- Christ Speaks in the City
In Boston......
News/Events
"Christ Speaks In the City" Series to Launch Spring Lectures Lunchtime Lectures for the Young Professionals in Boston
Brighton, MA - The "Christ Speaks In The City" Lunchtime Lecture Series for young professionals in Boston launches its Spring series this Thursday, March 1st at the Old State House, located in the financial district, from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. Thursday's event, the second of four this year, is hosted by the Archdiocese of Boston Vocations Office.
"The first round of lectures was a huge success, drawing hundreds of young professionals of Boston to celebrate their faith and to seek answers to pressing questions they have about Christ and the Church," said Vocations Director Fr. Dan Hennessey.
"Just as we had in the Fall series, the next group of lecturers are exceptional speakers with a wide knowledge and love of the Church and the faith we live as Catholics," said Assistant Vocations Director Fr. Michael.
The "Christ Speaks In The City" Spring 2007 Lunchtime Lecture Series Schedule:
Thursday, March 1, 2007: Very Rev. Richard EriksonVicar General and Moderator of the Curia in the Archdiocese of BostonLt. Colonel in the United States Air ForceServed as a Military Chaplain in Iraq Catholic Author Topic: Following Christ Wherever He Leads: Reflections on Ministry on the Frontlines of Iraq and Boston
Thursday, March 22, 2007: Jo Tango Venture Capital Investor Yale, Harvard Business School Helped start Boston Catholic Men's Conference Topic: Making Time for God
Thursday, April 26, 2007:Kerri Marmol Married Mother of two children Member of the Community of San't Egidio Helped found a "School of Peace" for children in Jamaica Plain Helped found a "School of the Gospel" for adults in Allston Topic: "My Yoke is Easy": The Joy of living the Gospel in Prayer and Friendship with the Poor.
Thursday, May 24, 2007: Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley Topic: The Power of the Eucharist
PLACE: Old State House 206 Washington St. Boston, Ma. 02108 TIME: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
BACKGROUND: A light lunch will be provided. The "Christ Speaks in the City" Lecture Series is an event hosted by the Vocation Office of the Archdiocese of Boston in the heart of Downtown Boston's Financial Center.
The main goal is to invite people to ask the major questions for which Christ and His Church are the answer. The Lectures feature speakers who are recognized for their extraordinary witness to the faith. Lectures are free to the public. For more information Contact the Vocation Office 617-746-5949 www.vocationsboston.org
News/Events
"Christ Speaks In the City" Series to Launch Spring Lectures Lunchtime Lectures for the Young Professionals in Boston
Brighton, MA - The "Christ Speaks In The City" Lunchtime Lecture Series for young professionals in Boston launches its Spring series this Thursday, March 1st at the Old State House, located in the financial district, from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. Thursday's event, the second of four this year, is hosted by the Archdiocese of Boston Vocations Office.
"The first round of lectures was a huge success, drawing hundreds of young professionals of Boston to celebrate their faith and to seek answers to pressing questions they have about Christ and the Church," said Vocations Director Fr. Dan Hennessey.
"Just as we had in the Fall series, the next group of lecturers are exceptional speakers with a wide knowledge and love of the Church and the faith we live as Catholics," said Assistant Vocations Director Fr. Michael.
The "Christ Speaks In The City" Spring 2007 Lunchtime Lecture Series Schedule:
Thursday, March 1, 2007: Very Rev. Richard EriksonVicar General and Moderator of the Curia in the Archdiocese of BostonLt. Colonel in the United States Air ForceServed as a Military Chaplain in Iraq Catholic Author Topic: Following Christ Wherever He Leads: Reflections on Ministry on the Frontlines of Iraq and Boston
Thursday, March 22, 2007: Jo Tango Venture Capital Investor Yale, Harvard Business School Helped start Boston Catholic Men's Conference Topic: Making Time for God
Thursday, April 26, 2007:Kerri Marmol Married Mother of two children Member of the Community of San't Egidio Helped found a "School of Peace" for children in Jamaica Plain Helped found a "School of the Gospel" for adults in Allston Topic: "My Yoke is Easy": The Joy of living the Gospel in Prayer and Friendship with the Poor.
Thursday, May 24, 2007: Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley Topic: The Power of the Eucharist
PLACE: Old State House 206 Washington St. Boston, Ma. 02108 TIME: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
BACKGROUND: A light lunch will be provided. The "Christ Speaks in the City" Lecture Series is an event hosted by the Vocation Office of the Archdiocese of Boston in the heart of Downtown Boston's Financial Center.
The main goal is to invite people to ask the major questions for which Christ and His Church are the answer. The Lectures feature speakers who are recognized for their extraordinary witness to the faith. Lectures are free to the public. For more information Contact the Vocation Office 617-746-5949 www.vocationsboston.org
Food For Thought
Groups feed women's minds, spirits
Food for Thought and its sister program, Lunch Encounters, present thoughtful events that fit in with busy lives.
By H.M. Cauley
For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/29/07
Sometimes more really is better. Take the case of the monthly women's program Food for Thought. The third-Thursday lunchtime meeting brings business and executive women from around downtown and Midtown to North Avenue Presbyterian Church, where they spend an hour being inspired, motivated and stimulated by thought-provoking speakers.
The idea was such a good one, and so successful, that some of its participants decided Buckhead women needed the same kind of event. The result is the recently organized Lunch Encounters, held for one hour on the second Wednesday of the month at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist church.
Organizers of the two programs agree that the meetings fill a need for women of all faiths from across the city.
"This is definitely a ministry to the community; it's not designed to be an on-ramp to the church," said Ann Carter McDonald, a 34-year member of North Avenue and the founding force behind Food for Thought. "We wanted this to be broad in its outreach, not just denominational, but a sort of a front porch to the church. It's a place to consider what it means to integrate faith into life without a denominational or liberal/conservative bent. It's also a wonderful way to bring women of different races together."
Since it started 10 years ago, Food for Thought has been faithful to its original goal, said Carter McDonald.
"In a low-key way, we wanted to expose people to ways to integrate their faith with their work and to be exposed to other Christians who were doing that," she said. "Then we saw there were many people out on our sidewalks at the noon hour —- many women in the workplace that the local churches had not paid a lot of attention to. We wanted to create a place of respite, a relaxing place and where people would be challenged; where they could find Christians engaged in thinking about the same things they were thinking about."
The organizers also knew the event had to be time-sensitive to fit into busy working women's schedules. And the speakers had to bring some insight or idea that would stay with them after they left the church. Among the many who have taken the podium are Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; Chick-fil-A owner Truett Cathy; Georgia first lady Mary Perdue; and developer John Wieland and his wife, Sue. There's time before and after the talk for women to network and mingle and to sit down to a $6 boxed lunch from Panera Bread.
From an initial group of about 80, Food for Thought has drawn more than 200 on occasion. And it continues to grow.
Food for Thought and its sister program, Lunch Encounters, present thoughtful events that fit in with busy lives.
By H.M. Cauley
For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/29/07
Sometimes more really is better. Take the case of the monthly women's program Food for Thought. The third-Thursday lunchtime meeting brings business and executive women from around downtown and Midtown to North Avenue Presbyterian Church, where they spend an hour being inspired, motivated and stimulated by thought-provoking speakers.
The idea was such a good one, and so successful, that some of its participants decided Buckhead women needed the same kind of event. The result is the recently organized Lunch Encounters, held for one hour on the second Wednesday of the month at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist church.
Organizers of the two programs agree that the meetings fill a need for women of all faiths from across the city.
"This is definitely a ministry to the community; it's not designed to be an on-ramp to the church," said Ann Carter McDonald, a 34-year member of North Avenue and the founding force behind Food for Thought. "We wanted this to be broad in its outreach, not just denominational, but a sort of a front porch to the church. It's a place to consider what it means to integrate faith into life without a denominational or liberal/conservative bent. It's also a wonderful way to bring women of different races together."
Since it started 10 years ago, Food for Thought has been faithful to its original goal, said Carter McDonald.
"In a low-key way, we wanted to expose people to ways to integrate their faith with their work and to be exposed to other Christians who were doing that," she said. "Then we saw there were many people out on our sidewalks at the noon hour —- many women in the workplace that the local churches had not paid a lot of attention to. We wanted to create a place of respite, a relaxing place and where people would be challenged; where they could find Christians engaged in thinking about the same things they were thinking about."
The organizers also knew the event had to be time-sensitive to fit into busy working women's schedules. And the speakers had to bring some insight or idea that would stay with them after they left the church. Among the many who have taken the podium are Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; Chick-fil-A owner Truett Cathy; Georgia first lady Mary Perdue; and developer John Wieland and his wife, Sue. There's time before and after the talk for women to network and mingle and to sit down to a $6 boxed lunch from Panera Bread.
From an initial group of about 80, Food for Thought has drawn more than 200 on occasion. And it continues to grow.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
University Community- Sacred Space on Campus
University students are another component to the center city. They live in the downtown area as students and remain afterward as residents.
Sacred space on campus
By Manya A. Brachear
Chicago Tribune
March 02, 2007
As teenagers, Chris Wolff and Shae Statser turned away from church when they believed their churches had turned away from them. But God had no trouble finding them once they started college.
Now Wolff and Statser, both students at Columbia College, worship at their respective churches nearly every Sunday morning. And at a coffee shop in the South Loop on Tuesday nights they nosh on bagels and compare notes on what it's like to be a college Christian.
'I think college kids are afraid to go to church,' said Statser, a 21-year-old dance major. 'I think there's a whole mask college students put on when they go to church. ... People don't think they can be who they are because somebody's going to judge you.'
Facing this fear head on and filling a void at urban campuses in the city's South Loop, Chicago's Episcopal and Evangelical Lutheran churches have joined forces to serve students such as Wolff and Statser--more than 25,000 in all at Roosevelt University, Columbia College, the Art Institute, DePaul University and Robert Morris College.
Dubbed the South Loop Campus Ministry, the project aims to create a safe space for young people to ask questions about their faith, meet other faithful young adults and encourage an appreciation for the liturgy shared by the Episcopal and Lutheran denominations. Grace Episcopal Church, 637 S. Dearborn St., serves as a central sanctuary for the group.
Studies show that despite strong spiritual commitment during the teen years, most 20-somethings--the most skeptical age group in the U.S.--pull away from churches, particularly during the 'college years.' According to Christian polling firm The Barna Group, more than 60 percent of young adults surveyed who were churchgoers in their adolescence are no longer connected to a Christian community.
'Many people see [serving students] as an extra ministry--more like icing on the cake rather than the cake itself,' said Heidi Murken, a seminarian at Lutheran School of Theology who serves as a mentor for the urban campus ministry. 'I think we're shooting ourselves in the foot if we don't invest in the time when people can often stop going to church. I think it's not a good move for the future.'
The Episcopal and Lutheran denominations have been in full communion since 2000, meaning their theology and mission are similar enough that they can share worship together and share communion. That bond is what draws the students for discussion every Tuesday, even though they worship at the churches of their choice on Sundays.
The two denominations also share long histories of college ministry. Both have offered ministries for college-age students at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University for more than 50 years.
But Murken acknowledges there are challenges to campus ministry. The population changes from year to year, and most of the students are on a limited budget. As a result, the local denominations have not invested in Chicago's urban campuses, causing students to turn to non-denominational groups such as Campus Crusade for Christ and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for spiritual formation.
Incentive to launch a ministry downtown came with the construction of the University Center, a 4,000-bed residential tower that has helped stabilize the student population at the five South Loop schools. Sue Cromer, a canon in charge of youth ministries for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, said the ministry also offers a chance for students to slow down for a spiritual education.
'We can offer quiet contemplative space that they don't always get other places,' Cromer said. 'People don't get: `What is the relevance of my faith and the relevance of God in my world on my campus?' You need that quiet so you can hear what God is calling you to do. It's when you slow down looking for God that you find that next step, that next connection.'
Marcus Pera, coordinator for Midwest campus ministries for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said the Chicago project could serve as a model for other urban, commuter campuses.
'We speak of it as a missionary outpost of the church,' he said. 'The young adult population is the most unchurched age group in the country and not only unchurched but de-churched, meaning they're a heck of a lot of people that were brought up in the church but no longer walk with it for a whole assortment of reasons.'
A confirmed Lutheran, Wolff, 20, said he had grown bored with the monotony of the liturgy and unsatisfied by the reluctance of other youth groups to welcome questions.
While he enjoys worshiping with the youth at his evangelical community church and praying and singing with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a non-denominational group on campus, he relishes the candid and often analytical conversation that takes place when the South Loop group gets together.
'It's always good to question something and then look into it and see how you feel about it and talk to other Christians about different ideas,' Wolff said. 'It's all about growing in your faith and learning as well.'
On one recent Tuesday over bagels, Statser posed the question: 'Who came up with the definition of Christianity? Where did all this come from?'
Murken got out her laptop and typed in Nicene Creed to fuel the discussion. Jess Elfring, a 21-year-old acting major at Columbia, pulled out a medieval European history text.
At other non-denominational campus ministries, Elfring said she felt judged for not having Bible verses memorized.
'If you open it up like that, you're going to get more young adults to come,' she said. 'This is my chance to connect with people like myself."
FBC Knoxville offers a lunch Bible study (designed intentionally for students who are members of Bedside Baptist) that follows our 11:00 a.m. service.
What ideas can you suggest for reaching university students....
Sacred space on campus
By Manya A. Brachear
Chicago Tribune
March 02, 2007
As teenagers, Chris Wolff and Shae Statser turned away from church when they believed their churches had turned away from them. But God had no trouble finding them once they started college.
Now Wolff and Statser, both students at Columbia College, worship at their respective churches nearly every Sunday morning. And at a coffee shop in the South Loop on Tuesday nights they nosh on bagels and compare notes on what it's like to be a college Christian.
'I think college kids are afraid to go to church,' said Statser, a 21-year-old dance major. 'I think there's a whole mask college students put on when they go to church. ... People don't think they can be who they are because somebody's going to judge you.'
Facing this fear head on and filling a void at urban campuses in the city's South Loop, Chicago's Episcopal and Evangelical Lutheran churches have joined forces to serve students such as Wolff and Statser--more than 25,000 in all at Roosevelt University, Columbia College, the Art Institute, DePaul University and Robert Morris College.
Dubbed the South Loop Campus Ministry, the project aims to create a safe space for young people to ask questions about their faith, meet other faithful young adults and encourage an appreciation for the liturgy shared by the Episcopal and Lutheran denominations. Grace Episcopal Church, 637 S. Dearborn St., serves as a central sanctuary for the group.
Studies show that despite strong spiritual commitment during the teen years, most 20-somethings--the most skeptical age group in the U.S.--pull away from churches, particularly during the 'college years.' According to Christian polling firm The Barna Group, more than 60 percent of young adults surveyed who were churchgoers in their adolescence are no longer connected to a Christian community.
'Many people see [serving students] as an extra ministry--more like icing on the cake rather than the cake itself,' said Heidi Murken, a seminarian at Lutheran School of Theology who serves as a mentor for the urban campus ministry. 'I think we're shooting ourselves in the foot if we don't invest in the time when people can often stop going to church. I think it's not a good move for the future.'
The Episcopal and Lutheran denominations have been in full communion since 2000, meaning their theology and mission are similar enough that they can share worship together and share communion. That bond is what draws the students for discussion every Tuesday, even though they worship at the churches of their choice on Sundays.
The two denominations also share long histories of college ministry. Both have offered ministries for college-age students at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University for more than 50 years.
But Murken acknowledges there are challenges to campus ministry. The population changes from year to year, and most of the students are on a limited budget. As a result, the local denominations have not invested in Chicago's urban campuses, causing students to turn to non-denominational groups such as Campus Crusade for Christ and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for spiritual formation.
Incentive to launch a ministry downtown came with the construction of the University Center, a 4,000-bed residential tower that has helped stabilize the student population at the five South Loop schools. Sue Cromer, a canon in charge of youth ministries for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, said the ministry also offers a chance for students to slow down for a spiritual education.
'We can offer quiet contemplative space that they don't always get other places,' Cromer said. 'People don't get: `What is the relevance of my faith and the relevance of God in my world on my campus?' You need that quiet so you can hear what God is calling you to do. It's when you slow down looking for God that you find that next step, that next connection.'
Marcus Pera, coordinator for Midwest campus ministries for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said the Chicago project could serve as a model for other urban, commuter campuses.
'We speak of it as a missionary outpost of the church,' he said. 'The young adult population is the most unchurched age group in the country and not only unchurched but de-churched, meaning they're a heck of a lot of people that were brought up in the church but no longer walk with it for a whole assortment of reasons.'
A confirmed Lutheran, Wolff, 20, said he had grown bored with the monotony of the liturgy and unsatisfied by the reluctance of other youth groups to welcome questions.
While he enjoys worshiping with the youth at his evangelical community church and praying and singing with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a non-denominational group on campus, he relishes the candid and often analytical conversation that takes place when the South Loop group gets together.
'It's always good to question something and then look into it and see how you feel about it and talk to other Christians about different ideas,' Wolff said. 'It's all about growing in your faith and learning as well.'
On one recent Tuesday over bagels, Statser posed the question: 'Who came up with the definition of Christianity? Where did all this come from?'
Murken got out her laptop and typed in Nicene Creed to fuel the discussion. Jess Elfring, a 21-year-old acting major at Columbia, pulled out a medieval European history text.
At other non-denominational campus ministries, Elfring said she felt judged for not having Bible verses memorized.
'If you open it up like that, you're going to get more young adults to come,' she said. 'This is my chance to connect with people like myself."
FBC Knoxville offers a lunch Bible study (designed intentionally for students who are members of Bedside Baptist) that follows our 11:00 a.m. service.
What ideas can you suggest for reaching university students....
The Business Class
Another group in the city is the business class. These people drive into the city to work every day.
Here's one idea from Atlanta....
Groups feed women's minds, spirits
Food for Thought and its sister program, Lunch Encounters, present thoughtful events that fit in with busy lives.
By H.M. Cauley
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/29/07
Sometimes more really is better. Take the case of the monthly women's program Food for Thought. The third-Thursday lunchtime meeting brings business and executive women from around downtown and Midtown to North Avenue Presbyterian Church, where they spend an hour being inspired, motivated and stimulated by thought-provoking speakers.
The idea was such a good one, and so successful, that some of its participants decided Buckhead women needed the same kind of event. The result is the recently organized Lunch Encounters, held for one hour on the second Wednesday of the month at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist church.
Organizers of the two programs agree that the meetings fill a need for women of all faiths from across the city.
"This is definitely a ministry to the community; it's not designed to be an on-ramp to the church," said Ann Carter McDonald, a 34-year member of North Avenue and the founding force behind Food for Thought. "We wanted this to be broad in its outreach, not just denominational, but a sort of a front porch to the church. It's a place to consider what it means to integrate faith into life without a denominational or liberal/conservative bent. It's also a wonderful way to bring women of different races together."
Since it started 10 years ago, Food for Thought has been faithful to its original goal, said Carter McDonald.
"In a low-key way, we wanted to expose people to ways to integrate their faith with their work and to be exposed to other Christians who were doing that," she said. "Then we saw there were many people out on our sidewalks at the noon hour —- many women in the workplace that the local churches had not paid a lot of attention to. We wanted to create a place of respite, a relaxing place and where people would be challenged; where they could find Christians engaged in thinking about the same things they were thinking about."
The organizers also knew the event had to be time-sensitive to fit into busy working women's schedules. And the speakers had to bring some insight or idea that would stay with them after they left the church. Among the many who have taken the podium are Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; Chick-fil-A owner Truett Cathy; Georgia first lady Mary Perdue; and developer John Wieland and his wife, Sue. There's time before and after the talk for women to network and mingle and to sit down to a $6 boxed lunch from Panera Bread.
From an initial group of about 80, Food for Thought has drawn more than 200 on occasion. And it continues to grow.
At First Baptist Knoxville, we have a seasonal ministry called the Bridge. 100-150 people attend a weekly lunch and Bible study. Judges, paralegals, educators, administrators, retirees, volunteers, and public servants attend. Most attend other churches; very few attend our church on a Sunday morning but connect with us each week.
Offer your suggestions or ideas.....
Here's one idea from Atlanta....
Groups feed women's minds, spirits
Food for Thought and its sister program, Lunch Encounters, present thoughtful events that fit in with busy lives.
By H.M. Cauley
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/29/07
Sometimes more really is better. Take the case of the monthly women's program Food for Thought. The third-Thursday lunchtime meeting brings business and executive women from around downtown and Midtown to North Avenue Presbyterian Church, where they spend an hour being inspired, motivated and stimulated by thought-provoking speakers.
The idea was such a good one, and so successful, that some of its participants decided Buckhead women needed the same kind of event. The result is the recently organized Lunch Encounters, held for one hour on the second Wednesday of the month at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist church.
Organizers of the two programs agree that the meetings fill a need for women of all faiths from across the city.
"This is definitely a ministry to the community; it's not designed to be an on-ramp to the church," said Ann Carter McDonald, a 34-year member of North Avenue and the founding force behind Food for Thought. "We wanted this to be broad in its outreach, not just denominational, but a sort of a front porch to the church. It's a place to consider what it means to integrate faith into life without a denominational or liberal/conservative bent. It's also a wonderful way to bring women of different races together."
Since it started 10 years ago, Food for Thought has been faithful to its original goal, said Carter McDonald.
"In a low-key way, we wanted to expose people to ways to integrate their faith with their work and to be exposed to other Christians who were doing that," she said. "Then we saw there were many people out on our sidewalks at the noon hour —- many women in the workplace that the local churches had not paid a lot of attention to. We wanted to create a place of respite, a relaxing place and where people would be challenged; where they could find Christians engaged in thinking about the same things they were thinking about."
The organizers also knew the event had to be time-sensitive to fit into busy working women's schedules. And the speakers had to bring some insight or idea that would stay with them after they left the church. Among the many who have taken the podium are Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; Chick-fil-A owner Truett Cathy; Georgia first lady Mary Perdue; and developer John Wieland and his wife, Sue. There's time before and after the talk for women to network and mingle and to sit down to a $6 boxed lunch from Panera Bread.
From an initial group of about 80, Food for Thought has drawn more than 200 on occasion. And it continues to grow.
At First Baptist Knoxville, we have a seasonal ministry called the Bridge. 100-150 people attend a weekly lunch and Bible study. Judges, paralegals, educators, administrators, retirees, volunteers, and public servants attend. Most attend other churches; very few attend our church on a Sunday morning but connect with us each week.
Offer your suggestions or ideas.....
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