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Dear Centenary Family,
Several years ago in a strategic planning process, one of our stated goals was to see our facility as a base of operation for mission in the city as well as a resource for good in our community. We also hoped that offering to hospitality to others would provide some income, even if modest, to help us offset the cost of operating our facilities. Covid put some of those goals on hold, but now our building is indeed slowly coming back to life as a means of grace to the city. I hope you know that even though most of us are not in our beautiful and historic building every day, your faithfulness and generosity is making it possible for us to collaborate with others whose mission is compatible with our mission of “Changing the World Through Love.”
Consider some of the things going on.
- Four days a week VABODE holds sessions from 9 to noon. VABODE, offers mental health services to individuals and is using our space to work with people recovering from substance abuse. Our staff has graciously offered hospitality and worked out the kinks as we learn to share space. I was asked to sit in on part of a session this week and pray with a class of about 15. I was proud that our facility was being used for this hard but holy work.
- Change the World RVA is housed on our third floor also. They are doing life changing work with housing insecure young adults. They are making a real impact.
- Quill Theater uses space in our building for rehearsals periodically as they prepare for performances. The Arts have always had a special place in Centenary’s heart.
- A.A. meets in our building every Tuesday and always expresses gratitude for the use of our space.
- Every Friday we still feed 120-140 people.
- We’ve been holding conversations with our Walk-In guests on Fridays for a couple of months now as we try to put our Asset Based Community Development into practice. People appreciate being heard, affirmed, and supported.
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We’ve just begun watching a series about the life of Jesus called The Chosen following our 10 a.m. service this summer. I hope you’ll consider joining us this week.
We know that the church “is not a building” but “the church is the people.” We know we are called to take the good news beyond the walls of our church building, but it turns out if stewarded well, buildings can be a blessing in so many ways. Thanks to our Trustees who’ve worked hard to develop agreements with these groups and church members who’ve helped us in making these meaningful connections.
One of our hopes is that we can find ways to meaningfully collaborate and connect with groups using our space. One of my hopes is that those relationships will be strengthened as we continue to increase our in-person connections. I’ve wondered what it would be like if we had members from our congregation who would serve as liaisons with each of these groups to extend hospitality and build relationships. I’d love to hear from you if you’d have an interest in doing something like that.
I’ve wondered what it would be like for our church to find ways to be open and available for life-changing mission every day of the week. We’re not just making God’s love known on Sundays, but now almost every day of the week. Thank you for the part you play in making this happen.
I look forward to worshiping with you Sunday. The text for this week is Luke 10:38-42. It’s about two sisters with very different personalities, Mary and Martha. The title I’m working with is It’s Hard to Listen When There’s So Much to Do! Is the Gospel about listening for God’s voice or serving others in need? Maybe the answer is “Yes.” We’ll try to work out this tension this week. I wrestle with it. Maybe you do, too.
Peace,
Matt
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