We recently received a Thomas Lyle Williams grant which is a five year step down grant that opens the door to expand/create new programs/outreach/services in the community. It's a really cool time to be receiving this. Our programs are growing, we are making great inroads in the community both in the neighborhood, politically, and in the college/downtown area. This all is happening while the city is renovating, building, and rehabbing homes, buildings, and green spaces. The neighborhood has received a lot of press about redeveloping Oak School into a viable space (purpose to be determined). And so, the timing is great. Hope is in the air. People are motivated and anxious to see what the latest development for the betterment of the city is going to be.

In our case, we are still working out the details of exactly what we are going to do. We know that it will likely involve food, community, classes, worship, discussion, and increased use of our building. How that all takes shape, no one really knows. I've been spending the past few days looking at models around the country where churches and groups are doing innovative things in their community. While we don't want to steal some one's idea and expect that it will work in our city, I have found lots that we could borrow from, and also I have gotten a good feel for what people seem to be looking for in a faith based community.

The first church I checked out was Scum of the Earth located in Denver, CO. I heard about this church years back because it was started by a ska band I used to listen to called Five Iron Frenzy. One of Rachel's college friends is a member of the church and it has always peaked my interest. Their motto is "for the right brained, and left out". Labeled primarily as a church full of tattooed punk/indie rock kids, it is way more diverse. Upon reading their newsletters I discovered that they had sent a married couple out in a veggie oil run short bus that had been converted to a mobile home of sorts to explore other communities that emphasize simplicity, community, work with the poor, work with the marginalized, etc.. They had a blog chronicling their travels and providing links of the places that they had visited which helped to stumble upon other communities, some of which are vastly different than Scum. The Mercy Seat is one church that leans heavily on arts and takes the old liturgies and puts them to music or write new ones that are similar in theology. There have been several others and it's interesting learning about them. I have to thank God for the Internet without which, I could not discover whole facets of Christian practice, culture, etc.. There are some churches that I used to admire, but have since lost respect for, and the Internet has also helped to give a more complete look into their ministries and see how they play out for better or worse.

I've always been fascinated with history, the story of people or a movement, and seeing where it is going and where it has been. More than anything, it helps to bring about an appreciation for my own church background. It gets me thinking more about The Sal and using resources, history, etc so that we can grow as a church and increase our influence in the neighborhood/city in a way that God honors and blesses. And so, I'll continue to look into what other churches are doing, what Christians are longing for, what people exploring faith are looking for, and pray that God guides us as we create new ways to connect with people through this grant.

I do know one thing. I LOVE seeing groups full of diversity (not just race or color of the skin) who celebrate their differences and embrace each others worship language (style of worship).