Everything that happened at Street Church in 2024!
LOOK WHAT GOD DID!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:1-5
Dear Street Church family,
I am always struck by the joy of the Lord that invades our services and ministry. We are a joyful lot because the Presence of God is in our midst.
Look at this picture.
You will see one person who is living unsheltered and another who grew up in foster care in the projects and struggles with keeping work and relationships. There is a woman who has been housed and homeless on and off for a number of years and there is a man who battles mental health issues that whisper lies of defeat and hopelessness.
Stories, people, and God.
Yet, they have joy. They are here every week worshipping and giving thanks to Jesus for keeping them alive. Our volunteers give them a community, love, and help navigating life. Your donations help them survive in an economic landscape where buying soap and underwear or paying bills is a challenging reality.
Wait, there was more!
I found joy in bombed out villages in Ukraine where you sent me to love people who have been living in hell. I found joy in memory care units with people who may be complicated and forgetful but are still alive and seeking Jesus as best they can.
The enclosed newsletter shared how far and wide how your gifts went to care for the marginalized, but you did more than can be counted or tallied. You made it possible to give the intangible Kingdom gifts of hope, love, and community. . These are pearls of great price.
As the year closes out, I thank you all for your lavish love and support of the work and my family. I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider a year-end gift to The Street Church as a thank offering for what you have received and as a token of love and solidarity with God’s Family in the field. Help us burn brightly in the dark corners as a beacon to the lost and scattered. You may scan the QR code which will direct you to our website where you can give. Checks must be postmarked before January 1st.
Thank you all and Merry Christmas,
Bryan and The Street Church Family
“Kids knew me and my faith..."
The Character of God
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.”
Revelation 2:11
The cold days are coming upon us. While this might keep some of you away, I ask you to prayerfully consider joining us on the wettest, snowiest, coldest days.
Now, now, pastor….really? Yes.Having been downtown for some time now, I can tell you with full assurance that the greatest “sermon” we preach is when we simply show up in less-than-ideal conditions…. and it changes us as well while we layer up with polypropylene layers covered in thinsulate and Gortex and go and be with our friends who have to be out of the shelters and on the street before lots of folks even wake up.
oh, that word used in the verse above translated “love”… it’s the same word used here:
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
There is no commandment greater than these.”
Honestly, actions most often do speak louder than words
Last Week’s Update…stay connected!
Logistics
Served: ~75
Last week's leaders: Kenny, Crystal, Geoff, Maralee, Chino
Next week's leaders: Kenny, Geoff
Next week's preacher: Kenny
Gifts
Last week's: underwear
Next week's: hygiene
Looking Ahead
Much of the sandwiches and fruit for next week are claimed. Still some other stuff left.
Service
It was good to be back at Street Church! Storage was a breeze thanks to Crystal and some of her 180 Life friends helping pack lunches a few days prior. We still had a strong crew show up of Wenda, Emmy Lou, and Wenda's friend Cheryl and Barbara. Geoff helped us load the van, we stopped at Chick Fil A for some ice for the cooler, and off we went.
It was a beautiful sunny day and a lot of our regulars came out downtown. The monthly crew from 180 Life joined us as well as my friend Kendrick, who came for the first time. Crystal did a great job leading in the opening circle.
We had a great time of gathering and welcoming each other as Malaree and Liz did a great job holding down the coffee station. I met a 20-year-old named Jordan who said he'd been out on the street for 3 weeks - he's currently sleeping at Bushnell Park. He got fired from one job but starts a new one at Amazon on Wednesday. It was his first time, and I gave him one of the winter coats we have. I forgot to bring a sleeping bag. Sidenote: Malaree brought a fleece as well and we gave it to one of our regulars Steven, who could not have been more excited. Thanks for sharing the love, Malaree!
One of my favorite moments was seeing a bride come up the sidewalk, and Curtis holding up the train of her gown! The weight of her gown almost knocked her down as she crossed the street. Curtis, who is always on the lookout to be used by God, saw that and went to help her up and carried (and cleaned) the train of her gown as she rushed into City Hall (she was late for her own wedding!). What an awesome display of love.
Crystal led us in the readings and then Bryan and Lisa gave a short message on love and how that will triumph over all especially at Street Church, despite the behavior from a lot of soon-to-be leaders in this country (and many others). I was able to give a message on the importance of character, especially God's character, and trust. I continue to be amazed at everyone's attentiveness. We had a great time of prayer and then communion afterwards.
Overall, it was a great day to be back at church. Looking forward to next week.
Blessings,
-Kenny
From the Community Churches
The Gospel on the Sidelines…
Most folks are drawn to the center stage wanting to not miss the “big” thing. Jesus was sneaky… he worked miracles on the margins of the margins… the folks outside
the “club” in off-the-beaten-path nowheres…
In one of the little community churches where we meet my mom came who two years ago should have died. Another friend gets her lunch break off from where she works to come and serve. Another is recently retired and is with me at almost every service as well as volunteering in hospice. And one more is retired as well and loves Jesus and wants to spend her days well.
All this love moves every resident to bless us for coming and bringing Jesus, and as we see so often, move staff to share deep things in life and we come along side them because we are their church too.
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 Gables Community Church
The River Ridge Community Church
The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church
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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
