Last Week’s Update…stay connected!
Hey all,
Cold day downtown for sure! It was mixed weather but full of joy!.
Logistics
Served: 75ish
Last week's leaders: Bryan
Next week's leaders: Kenny, Ruth
Gifts
Last week's: Socks, hats, first aid bags
Next week's: VOX Kits for City Serve
Looking Ahead
VOX will be with us for City Serve Day
Service
Hey Family! (from Bryan)
Thanks to Kenny and Ruth for drying all the bins out last week! I loaded solo but was expecting that, it keeps me thankful for the ability to do so. I made hot chocolate because it was so cold, and brought hats and dry socks. They were all greatly appreciated!
I pulled up downtown to find Ciera and Chris from VOX was there with her, along with Tinesha (first timer), Mike, Liz, Rebecca, Benson, Malaree, and a few others. We kept one tent down due to 45mph wind gusts We served coffee under the tree behind where we normally serve lunch, and lunch was served next to the van as expected to serve out of it with rain.
Ciara, Bernard, Rebecca read as we stood around them. It is a sight to see people so engrossed in the Word of God while others are scurrying about.
There were a few words tossed around between two guys who were not having a good day. I asked one leave and he did out of respect for us. The other guy wasn’t having much it so instead of escalating the situation I began praying and sure enough he just picked up his things and left.
I preached from on living in unity, peace through intentionally seeking personal holiness and striving to be of one mind in Christ. I had a hard time at the end with a horrific "tickle" in my throat and could barely get words. I croaked out the message and Benson helped me out and handed out communion with Liz. It was a great reminder of who The Messenger really is.
The food went out smoothly after we got the blob of people into a line. Some friends delivered some pizza from Domino’s. But not enough for the whole crowd. his was a bit of a challenge as there was not enough for everyone. I had to try and get it out to those who were with us from the start and were cold who hadn't been waiting in the library. This is were discipleship gets real gritty. Pray for these moments.
I helped Tinesha hand out hats and socks and she gave me a bit of her story…She is a new believer and a first-time volunteer who had heard about Street Church from a friend. She has lived this life… a vet who suffered from PTSD and ended up homeless for a while. She was overwhelmed by the love of God in this space. I asked her at one point if she would pray for a man we had met and she shuffled and smiled and prayed. After she was finished praying she shared she does “not pray well”.... you know how the rest of those conversations go with me :) I love helping apprentice people into disciples o Jesus here.
and then there was the last one...
I noticed a man shuffling toward us with his head down and not dressed for the weather. He had on a teeshirt, jean shorts, and a thin hospital blanket.
I walked up to him and said hello and asked his name and if he had been in the hospital recently. I gave him a poncho and helped him get into it which was like trying to dress a cat with all the wind…
He told me his name was “D….” and he was brought to the hospital last night.
"I'm not judging, just asking. Was it an overdose?"
... and he quietly mumbled "suicide"
and the space got very Holy.
"I'm glad you are still here” I told hi.
"You're the only one” he responded
And then he simply melted into me and I fully embraced him and he put his head my chest and wept and I just held him until he was finished. Two adult men, on the sidewalk, covered in God-Breath, in a universe that had stood still.
He said he was ok today and had a plan but needed clothes so Ciera and Rebecca helped him out. He stuck around for lunch.
That was the day.
God's presence over and in us.
We were able to feed and clothe and preach and loved a man back into life.
And we loaded up, there was another last, last one. A “newer” regular asked me where our Sunday Church met. He is seeking after God whom he does not know yet. He wanted to get deeper…. and he also asked if I knew where there was a AA meeting met
.... so I got him connected with the VOX crew for church on Sunday and Benson helped him begin his journey toward sobriety.
it was a good day. A very good day indeed.
Peace,
Bryan
Community Church updates!
I am so thankful for my good friend, Mary. She is a recent retiree and is spending her time volunteering as a hospice chaplin and with me in the nursing assisted living facilities. While I am on vacation in a couple of weeks she and Eileen will be leading a couple of services. These are two women of deep prayer.
Mary and I have been encouraged by the Lord to pray more fervently and with power for these community churches and the Holy Spirit is answering.
We had a packed house of perhaps twenty at one point and Mary and I were walking around the room after my sermon praying anointed prayers over our friends and hearing and seeing wonderful things. Just then one of the workers was passing by the door and walked into the Community Room where we meet and loudly said “Hey, why is it so quiet in here!?!?! Everyone laughed…. “we are having church”
Several staff joined us for communion and I was able to tell them I was thankful to be able to care for their spiritual needs. The new director was in her office with a closed door but told me later she had gotten goosebumps and was brushed by God and had to peak out her door so see what was going on.
There is revival in the camp people. Seek Jesus with others who are satisfied with nothing but him now.
The Street Church Collective Community
Arden Court Community Church
Brookdale/Chatfield Community Church
Compass Community Church @ Farmington Station
Clairebridge Community Church @ Brookdale/ChatfieldS
Farmington Station Community Church
River Ridge Community Church
The Street Church, City Hall Hartford
West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church
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visit our website thestreetchurch.org to learn more
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admin@thestreetchurch.org
Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org