The Father's Voice

ὅσοι γὰρ πνεύματι θεοῦ ἄγονται οὗτοι εἰσιν υἱοὶ θεοῦ

                                                                Ρωμαίους 8:14

“Good morning Pastor Bryan! Do you have anyone to help today?!”

Before I could answer, my friend looked around and announced, “Grandma, see! I told you, I knew it! Pastor Bryan, yesterday God told me you had no help today so I called my grandma and told her we needed to come help today”

Who is your daddy?

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Romans 8:14

Last Week’s Update…stay connected!

Hey family!

The weather last week was perfect! What a gift!

Logistics

• Served: 100

• Last week's leaders:  Bryan, Malaree, Will, Ruth (in the AM)

• Next week's leaders: Kenny and ??? I can help 

• Next week's preacher: Kenny

Gifts

• Last week's: assorted tee shirts we had in storage, new washcloths, and snack bags made up by River of Life Church 

• Next week's: socks

Miscellaneous

• MY FAMILY AND I ARE HEADED TO THE CAPE AGUST 1-3 FOR HANNAH'S SWEET 16 CAMPING TRIP! THE LEADERS NEED SOME HELP

Service

I got to storage very early, having had s slow go of it last week, and just as I finished packing up the van, Nathan and his grandmother showed up. Nathan said he heard in prayer I would need help this week. For those of you who don't know him. he is a fine young man in his early 20's with an insatiable love for Jesus and serving. They both got on the lunch packing just in time as Ruth showed up with the food from VOX for next week!

Ruth made the ChikfilA stop (for the first time)and I headed downtown arriving at 11:15. That was ELEVEN FIFTEEN. Jaws dropped and we waited around for the remainder of the RIVER of LIfe Church team showed up, 18 in all! We know we are late at times, but often we have to load the van solo. We would love some help at Haul storage at 10a,

The home team was there and Willie the Goat Herder read! Along with Franklin, Veronica from River of Live Church, and Eric. We have not seen Curtis in a while. 

Lisa and my girls were there and they and Malaree were on the coffee table. A couple of folks from 180 Lifechurch joined us and were blessed handing out "you matter" cards to all the Comicon folks walking past. Raymond whom I met mid week with the Hartford project came back. I had sent him an electric copy of our help sheet. 

I picked up a new larger and sturdier Connect Four game for last week and it is amazing how many follks love to play that game. Just sheer fun. Will was playing with a new guy who later said to him "It feels good to feel normal again. Brookline, a newer young woman came back still battling her demons and Angel was off and asked me to "put water on his head" for Jesus. When he would not repent he did it himself and wondering off into the street telling me he loved me. 

I preached on staying focused and calm in turbulent times using a second handout I made with verses on rest, returning, peace and prayer. The flip side walked folks through the "prayer hand", and tool the Navigators use. 

After the sermon I made the call for Jesus and healing and a man came forward, then another, then another. I was moved by the Spriit to call everyone in around them and for people to place thier hands on eachother's shoulders. Then I walked them through the prayer hand, pausing and inviting them to lift up prayers for Adoration of God, thanksgivings, confession/repentance, prayers for themselves, prayers for others. It was so powerful being enveloped in a mass of coperate prayer. 

As we finished I called them to stay and went strait into communion. A new friend, David, asked if her could distribute communion. He was one of the three seeking prayer. 

We handed out the tee shirts, snack bags, and washcloths and a woman approached Malaree about what we were doing and she sent her to me. Her name i Cerra Williams and she works for the City in public health. She is a believer and we exchanged numbers as she wants to get donations and grants to us. Google her, she is the real deal. 

And then another woman walked up with her daughter asking if we took donations and if she and her daughter could come next week to help out... and would it be ok if she wore her sash and crown... as she is Miss Teen Connecticut. So I said sure, as long it was honest and not just a photo op. 

And we had Waldo and Sonic pass through to Comicon... and others from the odd asian youtube cartoons, and a big pack of adults still stuck on thier Pokemon days. 

        From the Community Churches

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

                                                                                          Galatians 6:10

I had a lovely, packed service at Farmington Station this past week and Rehab this past week but I would like to share a quick update on some ongoing outpouring of heroic love in Ukraine by a friend of mine.

The van was not damaged by drone hits, but broke down after countless trips from “safe” cities inside Ukr*ine to front lines to deliver humanitarian relief and transport civilians to safety. My wife and I helped with the final cost to fix the van and I say this not to boast, but to encourage you all to do the same. But first, you need to ask; “do I have personal friends in dangerous places working for the Kingdom of God?” We are supposed to “feel” our giving to the Greater Church. It should alter our lifestyle, just like it did for the early church. Whom we associate with should make people talk about us, not because they are A-list in the kingdom of Man’s Empire, but are the First in the Kingdom of Heave. People should gossip about the company we keep and cause us to be outcast ourselves.

Jesus  will not be impressed by our career moves, church attendance numbers, your vehicle, your vacation home. He will look at what you did with what He gave you. Did you steward well?

But Jesus, look at our carpet! Listen to our sound system!

Look, I like nice carpets and I have heard awful homemade electric guitars running off truck  batteries in remote villages… but church, choose this day whom you will serve.

God never promised us safety in body (Matthew 8:28) , security in finances (James 4:13), or happy life (John 16:33). The vast majority of follower of Jesus across the globe know this.

At the bank yesterday, I had to repeat multiple times to the agent helping me why I was wiring money and I kept saying “to fix a van bringing humanitarian relief to civilians caught in the Ukr*ini*n War” He told me as he had to, that once the funds were wired they could not be reclaimed…. which I knew from countless wires over the years… I told him that is fine, I have been praying that the addresses are still standing and am trusting God.

Thank you all for helping us do good… now, go and do likewise.

b

The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield

The Farmington Station Community Church

The River Ridge Community Church

The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church

GIVE HERE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY

SIGN UP HERE TO HELP SERVE.

SIGN UP HERE, TO PROVIDE FOOD DONATIONS  

Help Us Load Up @ 10am 164 South Street in West Hartford

visit our website thestreetchurch.org to learn more

or feel free to contact us at

admin@thestreetchurch.org

Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org

Feed My Sheep

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 

John 21:15-18 NIV Translation

Last Week’s Update…stay connected!

Hi fam (from Crystal),

Nice weather on Saturday. Clouds kept the hot weather at bay. Lots of people lingering after church :)

Logistics

• Served: ~90

• Last week's leaders: Kenny, Crystal

• Next week's leaders: Kenny

• Next week's preacher: Kenny

Gifts

• Last week's: Snacks

• Next week's: Hygiene

Service

Saturday was beautiful! Kenny, Ruth, Bryan and myself (Crystal), all arrived at the storage unit at different times to help either unload items from cars or load up the van. We arrived at City Hall to see a large amount of people in the downtown area whom we believe were Pokemon Go players. Looked fun! It was Vox weekend so several people from the church were out as well as the usuals: Benson, Jeff, Ed, and others from various churches. That's what I love about Street Church, the diversity of the people who come out from various churches and all walks of life. Some familiar faces and some new ones.

Kenny opened us up with great enthusiasm and then Franklin, Nicole and Isis read Scripture to us. Ruth preached a beautiful, heartfelt message. She shared briefly how her day had not started off well due to some news she received the night before but that did not dampen her message. It was clear and powerful. She taught us about finding our identity in Christ. How often do we need that reminder? That our identity cannot be found in our careers, relationships, success, appearance. It can only be found in Christ and Christ alone.

Early on I ran into a woman I met over Easter weekend at 180 Life Church. Her name is Elora and we both recognized each other. I had an opportunity to pray with her and encourage her and she introduced me excitedly to her friend, and as the day wrapped she gave me a hug and we said goodbye. Many people were praying with each other. What a sight to behold if you were walking or driving by and you see groups of people in prayer! I led us in communion and then we broke for lunch.

Bryan made the yummiest, baked ziti with meatballs and had a container that kept it warm. He was originally going to take the day off but couldn't help himself and came. We were happy to have his presence there. What we all noticed is that people lingered. After they ate, they lingered and they talked and they fellowshipped with one another. No one was in a hurry to get away. This is what happens when the presence of God is evident and people are loving upon one another. People want to stay.

I also took the time to alert people of my absence from Street Church as God is calling me to Texas. That is where I was born and raised and moved from 12 years ago. I don't exactly know what is in store for me next, but I can trust that with God leading it will be good. Goodbyes are always sad, but I will be around Street Church for a few more weeks and will likely be back up in October for fall and would love to see you!

Blessings,

Crystal

From the Community Churches

It’s been a long time, but with summer upon us I was a team of one this past week. It was a good reminder of how much Rushika, Anna, Mary, Eileen, Andrea, Karen and the boys add to these lovely churches.

The service was lovely as always when the beloved of God gather, but the Holy Spirit waited until I was packing to heal a friend who has been suffering in silence.

…and they have found community and love here, many years removed from any church community like so many others who simply seem to get lost once they get older and can’t get to church….

So we cried Holy Tears together, and like Jesus was washed by the tears of a woman I was washed by the tears of my friend.

Remember the widow and orphans we serve.

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield

The Farmington Station Community Church

The River Ridge Community Church

The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church

GIVE HERE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY

SIGN UP HERE TO HELP SERVE.

SIGN UP HERE, TO PROVIDE FOOD DONATIONS  

Help Us Load Up @ 10am 164 South Street in West Hartford

visit our website thestreetchurch.org to learn more

or feel free to contact us at

admin@thestreetchurch.org

Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org

The power of an invite

“Then he turned to the host. “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be—and experience—a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned—oh, how it will be returned!—at the resurrection of God’s people.”

Luke 14:13-14 Message Translation

Last Week’s Update…stay connected!

Hey Family, 

Weather was beautiful and we had no rain!

Logistics

• Served: ~90. 

• Last week's leaders: Geoff-Jeff, Bryan 

• Next week's leaders: VOX Church

Gifts

• Last week's: socks

• Next week's: Hygiene

Looking Ahead

• We are still serving hot side dishes. Backed beans with hotdog, Mac-n-cheese, pasta, all is welcome if you would like to cook something!

Miscellaneous

• This past weekend was “parent’s weekend” as Kenny’s mom and dad joined us as well as Crystal’s mom! It is such a gift seeing the faith passed down through generations.

Service

Geoff and I loaded up at UHaul. Thanks to Crystal and her mom for packing the lunches earlier this week. Julie, a friend of Louise, stayed and helped pack lunches for next week

We loaded both blue coolers, one with gatorade and the other water. We also brought down an extra case of water and gatorade and both went. It is getting hot!

We handed out “what to do if stopped by ICE” cards. I made it clear that we (Street Church) do not condone breaking the law but that everyone, even law-breakers, has rights and dignity. This is a time where we, as a church, can model the life of Jesus loving across more and more walls.

I preached on covering shame and it seemed like the groups had good times of prayer. Please continue to use the papers so we can teach prayer. Written prayers may not be your tradition but we have heard from many it is helpful for them. There is time for open prayers at the end of each section. Some groups go longer than others. It may feel "canned" but in a large group setting we need to be aware. If you are in a group and notice your group is going long, help them close and tell them you can continue to pray during lunch and find them and do so.

Isis jumped right in to help with communion and the line was long, reminding us our friends come here for Jesus first, food second. Kenny and his dad worked the socks, and Isis and Eric served the mac-n-cheese the Jacobs brought.

We had two folks exchange loud words, but loud is just loud and Eric mediated the conflict well along with Brother Benson. It was while I was preaching and, as a pastor, I cannot say how much I appreciate God giving us this ministry of reconciliation on the streets.

While we were wrapping up in our closing circle one of the family shared a story from a woman whom he was talking to. She speaks very little English, but he is fluent is Spanish. She told him

“I live right up the street and have an apartment and walk by this gathering every week. I thought it was private church and you had to be invited but today this man (Will) offered me water and invited me in. He was so welcoming and I was so thankful to be part of the church today!”

I had given Will the assignment of offering everyone person who walked past us a water or gatorade. Will is one of the must humble and hard working guys I know! It’s hard to think that two months ago he was estranged from God and homeless. So many are finding their way to Street Church through this grateful and unassuming man. He is such a gift.

Love to you all,

Bryan

From the Community Churches

Worship without words, advancing the Kingdom without degrees, and Holy Gossip…

If you happen to be driving by the Chrysalis Center in Hartford, look up and you will see our very own Malaree on the billboard working hard! Malaree is the consummate encourager wherever she is; on the bus, at the center, or with her “coffee club” at Dunkin’ every morning at 6 am. She is a force to be reckoned with!

I had the absolute pleasure of spending time with Crystal’s mom this past weekend. As most know, our beloved Crystal is headed back to Texas to finish seminary, help her dad battle cancer, and wait on The Lord, so her mom came to help her in the transition. She joined us for leader dinner and shared stories and I marveled at such a dedicated, Godly woman with a high school diploma who raised an amazing family with a husband she deeply loves.

I made my first “chair altar” last week when I showed up for a service and the regular staff were out. I didn’t realize how creepy it looked until I posted this picture.

… and then Tuesday… I worshipped at Farmington Station in the memory care unit with some twenty or so people. We sing a lot, and I joke even more, because this is the way were are. One lady had new shoes and swore they made her run faster when I told her they looked fast! One friend was what I call “stuck inside” today. They are fully there, but the words and thoughts are just stuck… like an emotional stutter I would say.

I do what I do with folks who are stuck…. I wait, and look them in the eyes because eyes don’t need lips to speak… and I told her it was ok, Jesus was in there with her words and he heard them loud and clear…. and that he loved her…

We sang together because music makes stuck people unstuck which is a very cool trick God thought up, but she couldn’t eat communion so I placed my hand on her back while her head was down again and sang “Yes, Jesus loves me” and she joined in and I felt her singing through her bones because my hand was on her back.

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield

The Farmington Station Community Church

The River Ridge Community Church

The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church

GIVE HERE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY

SIGN UP HERE TO HELP SERVE.

SIGN UP HERE, TO PROVIDE FOOD DONATIONS  

Help Us Load Up @ 10am 164 South Street in West Hartford

visit our website thestreetchurch.org to learn more

or feel free to contact us at

admin@thestreetchurch.org

Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org

The Blessings of Rain

“Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you

rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

  Acts 14:17           

Last Week’s Update…stay connected

(From Kenny)

Hey all,

We had a very wet but very great day downtown on Saturday, and thankfully we were able to give Pastor Bryan some much needed rest.

Logistics

• Served: ~60

• Last week's leaders: Crystal, Geoff, Kenny, Ruth

• Next week's leaders: Kenny

• Next week's preacher: Kenny

Gifts

• Last week's: Bombas hoodies

Looking Ahead

• We’ve got the Vox Youth Team serving with us this weekend as part of Vox’s “Serve Our City” initiative

Service

Upon arriving downtown, we were greeted by the misty weather, and a bunch of smiling faces. A lot of the usuals were there: Will, Benson, Ed, Max, and Malaree, along with Geoff, Ruth, Crystal and me. We had a few newcomers so we went over ground rules and then set up.

Ruth arrived with the Dunkin coffee and a bunch of creamers and sugar. Chantal, who has been coming consistently for almost two months now, brought a bunch of desserts and bread from a food bank in Meridan; she handed some of that out during the coffee period. 

Right as we were about to do the readings, it started pouring, so everyone sought shelter under the tents or the overhang of City Hall. It was providential that we had literally just moved the speakers under the tent not 5 seconds before the deluge started. Shoutout to Geoff for the holy intuition. 

Crystal led the readings from under the tent. The speakers worked really well; the Cupits said they could hear them from halfway down the block! Geoff gave an inspired message titled "The Mirror" about seeing Jesus in the reflection instead of ourselves, and that we should use Jesus' hope to look forward instead of looking behind at the mess we've left. It was very powerful. He was using his notes but they were getting wetter by the second. Eventually he abandoned them all together. I got a great photo (seen above) that I feel showcases what Street Church is all about.

The rain let up a bit and we had a time of prayer. Everyone huddled in small groups and were engaged in the activity. I led us in communion, and we fellowshipped with food and gave out the hoodies.

As we were wrapping up, a man named Nicholas stopped by. It was his first time; he was seeking food and shelter. Crystal got on the phone with 211 and after about 20 minutes, they were able to find a room for him at a shelter - Wethersfield Ave at 5p. He said he would be fine getting there, and seemed very grateful. Benson stuck around to make sure everything went well.

We went back to the unit and dried everything off. It was a wet but great day. Hope you all have a blessed week.

Blessings,

-Kenny

From the Community Churches

It was a quiet week; that happens on the few occasions each year where a month stretches into a 5th week. We have two upcoming services next week:

Tuesday, June 10, 1:30p at Brookdale West Hartford Memory Unit

Wednesday, June 11, 10:30a at the River Ridge (Avon) Memory Unit

Please continue to be praying for all of our friends in the nursing homes, that the joy of Jesus will spread like wildfire. Let me know if you would like to join for either of those worship gatherings. You might see the Lord move in ways you’ve never seen before.

Blessings,

Bryan

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield

The Farmington Station Community Church

The River Ridge Community Church

The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church

GIVE HERE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY

SIGN UP HERE TO HELP SERVE.

SIGN UP HERE, TO PROVIDE FOOD DONATIONS  

Help Us Load Up @ 10am 164 South Street in West Hartford

visit our website thestreetchurch.org to learn more

or feel free to contact us at

admin@thestreetchurch.org

Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org

A good day between the rain drops

I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles.
I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame.
At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home.
I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth
when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,”
says the Lord.  

                                                                               Zephaniah 3:19-20             

Last Week’s Update…stay connected!

Logistics

• Served: ~96

• Last week's leaders: Ruth, ChiChi, Bryan,

• Next week's leaders: Crystal, Geoff, Kenny, Ruth

Looking Ahead

• Next weekend we will be joined by VOX Hartford for City Serve

Service

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John
and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men,
they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

                                                                             Acts 4:13

One of The Street Church’s founding principles is that anyone who has had an encounter with Jesus and is living with Him in an active, vibrant faith, has a testimony given to them by God that is for the people of God.

We do not hold a public Bible Study at Street Church on Saturday, we preach the Gospel, and the Gospel was given to every man, woman and child. Of course we do not preach anything contrary to Scripture, don’t get all twisted up! An old friend had a ministry he founded named “Free People Free People”…. that is what we do.

It was a great day downtown in between the rain drops. Ruth and I loaded up the van and I was and am grateful for the partnership and right-hand-of-fellowship that VOX Church has with The Street Church Collective.

My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love.
This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality.

1 John 3:18

Ruth and Chi Chi led the service, both of color, both women, one from Haiti, another with East African decent, both women, both educated but neither seminary trained, and both women put forth the Gospel of Jesus. Chi Chi shared her message of her deepening relationship with Jesus, giving practical advice on reading Scripture for disciplehisp and intimacy with God. She encouraged folks to pick up a copy of the Bible and the 30 Days bible guide we offer and many asked for resources and help. Like Gusto said to Remy “anyone can cook”, God says to us “anyone can read the Bible”…

Communion was lovey and the line long and lunch went out without a hitch. Please consider making soup, chili, rice and beans, Mac-n-cheese, whatever once in awhile. It is really appreciated! Lots of easy recipes online and you can signup on our website.

It was like “old home day” with one couple who have been gone for a year in NC coming back. Unfortunately, things did not work out for them and they are still struggling but they knew this was a family to come to in the process. Both were baptized here and their faith remains their anchor. Many came by who have been away, and admittedly I was a bit sidetracked every time I saw a face I had missed. This was true for volunteers as well. Steph Remo and her daughter showed up “without signing up” which is always fine. She was an anchor years ago before COVID and then God gave her a vision to go back to school for nursing which she did. “Things sure have changed and gotten bigger!”…. but she still learned names of people remembering what we are about. We are not trying to be the biggest or flashiest thing in the city. We are a part of what God is doing and our part is loving people out of shame and disgrace and helping them feel human and beautiful.

It was a very good day.

Bryan

From the Community Churches

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Rushika, Anna, Mary and I headed off to Farmington Station with church in a box and Jesus in our hearts. Rushika stayed a few steps back (she is sneaky, that one!) and got this shot of what I feel each and every time we walk into one of our community churches… it’s mobile church but it all fits into crates and gets loaded up onto a beach cart… and the “A-Team” rolls in to bring “a dose of The Ghost!”.

It was a packed house thanks to a great staff and people still hungry for God. They were just wrapping up morning exercise so I jumped in while the team set up Church. While we were singing, a new friend, Sylvia, rolled in from the courtyard in her wheelchair:

“I like your singing, can you yodel?”

(you know, like every pastor gets asked during service)

“why I can fake it, but no, not really”.

…and she began to sing and sure enough after a few bars she ripped right into yodeling… another first in our services! I asked her where she learned to yodel and she said her father used to bring home record albums and she would listen to them and practice. So there you go, welcome to Yodel Church.

Blessings,

Bryan

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield

The Farmington Station Community Church

The River Ridge Community Church

The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church

GIVE HERE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY

SIGN UP HERE TO HELP SERVE.

SIGN UP HERE, TO PROVIDE FOOD DONATIONS  

Help Us Load Up @ 10am 164 South Street in West Hartford

visit our website thestreetchurch.org to learn more

or feel free to contact us at

admin@thestreetchurch.org

Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org