Where We Intend To Go...
In an effort to continue to walk in step with what the Lord is doing in the Hill community, we are plotting a course, in humble dependence upon the Holy Spirit, to further impart the kingdom realities that the Gospel produces into our neighborhood. It is extremely unlikely, due to the high level of poverty, that weekly tithes, offerings and gifts from our regular collections will, in the foreseeable future, ever cover the combination of our modest weekly operating budget and the moderate growth in programs and activities targeted at further penetration into the lost neighborhoods that comprise the Hill Community. Despite this financial fact, we go forward in God’s Grace counting on His provision. In particular, we desire to focus our energy and resources in the following areas:
1. Spiritual Development--At the heart of all historic revivals and renewals is a foundational focus upon the Gospel of Jesus; namely, a dependence upon the finished work of Christ not only to save our souls, but to empower God's people to live lives of holiness to the glory of God. Therefore, this year we will be focusing the implications of the gospel in two areas:
2. Youth Development--Due to the high level of single-parent homes within the Hill community, the need for healthy, safe, loving, and gospel-driven youth programs are simply beyond description. Thus, we desire to help provide opportunities in the following way:
3. Economic Development--A key issue that needs to be addressed in all impoverished communities is that of helping to bring economic stimulus to the region via new businesses and/or empowering community members to start new enterprises, which could bring employment opportunities. Currently, we are in the development stages of 2 micro-enterprises:
4. Cultural Renewal--Due spiritual oppression and poverty, life-giving culture is often stunted and perverted. However, infused with the power of the resurrection, via the Gospel, people and communities can begin to heal and express their unique and life-giving flavor to the larger city as a whole. As such, the Gospel penetrates into every sphere of cultural life, leading it to bring honor and glory to Him for which all things were created for; education, the arts, relationships and community, and our spiritual lives all begin to be done in response to the gracious work of Jesus in our lives. It is this vision that fuels many of our community development activities, such as:
5. Mercy & Justice--One cannot read the bible and not notice the heart that the Lord has for the poor, widowed, orphaned, and the foreigner. Because Jesus is not a respecter of persons, the very heart of the Gospel demonstrates and compels those whom it saves to be merciful and just toward those who are weak or oppressed. Even so, we want to endeavor to show mercy and justice in a way that empowers folks to bring their gifts to the Church and the world so that they can produce for themselves and for the good of those who can't produce. Therefore, we want to focus our time, talents, and treasures to bring:
Can You Help Us Move Forward?
Due to the major economic constraints of the residents of the Hill, we are forced to trust the Lord to raise up ministry partners to help us with fulfilling our vision via their financial support, prayers, and talents. Therefore, we are asking the Lord to help us raise up a team to help us in three areas:
1. We need to annually raise a $150,000 to reach the Hill community.
In particular, in light of the economic downfall the past 5 years, we are seeking to lock-arms with 1,000 people, who can help us with a modest annual gift of $100. Of course, we realize some may be able to give more, which would help close the gap for folks who aren't able to give at this time. If you would like to be one of our 1,000 partners, you can make an online contribution at : https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=9da9f8 or, you can write a check to CPC in the Hill, putting 'Hill Church' on the memo line, and mail it to Christ Presbyterian Church, 135 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT. 06510.
2. Help in sharing our story and need with 3-5 of your friends or churches.
Most people simply do not expect to hear much good coming out of the inner city, so we would love the opportunity to share this miracle. In doing so, they may be willing to consider supporting our work in the inner city. I would be more than willing to come to speak to any group, church, or family about what the Lord is doing.
3. Recruit a Team of Prayer Partners.
Simply put, if the Lord does not continue to move in the lives of people in the Hill, then nothing is going to happen. Therefore, we need all the help we can get in calling upon the Lord to bring His kingdom to bear on the inner city of New Haven. We will keep you updated on a monthly basis about the progress of the ministry and prayer needs via our newsletter The Lamp Post. In addition, we will keep you posted on summer and special opportunities to come to the Hill community and participate in some exciting ministry.
Beloved, our future, 'Where we intend to Go', is heading straight into 'What We Walked Into', which you have seen and heard is not an easy mission field. We are running a 'Rescue Mission' at the gates of the evil one's stronghold. We have seen the Lord bring us so far; much like the children of Israel working their way home from Egypt, we have come to far to turn back now. Please don't allow us to be stalled in the 'wilderness'; the lives and neighborhood that we have in tow has such an amazing future in the Lord's redemptive plan! If you would like to Thanks for prayerfully considering this exciting opportunity to help build the kingdom of God.
1. Spiritual Development--At the heart of all historic revivals and renewals is a foundational focus upon the Gospel of Jesus; namely, a dependence upon the finished work of Christ not only to save our souls, but to empower God's people to live lives of holiness to the glory of God. Therefore, this year we will be focusing the implications of the gospel in two areas:
- issues of anger and violence through a weekend seminar called Equipping For Peace, which will equip Christians to be able to help others learn how to process anger and conflict, with the gospel as the starting point.
- weekend seminar called Tracing the Storyline of the Bible, focusing biblical instruction on the central redemptive message of the bible and how that truth is progressively developed throughout the canon. This will provide a significant discipleship component to the church and many throughout the inner city.
2. Youth Development--Due to the high level of single-parent homes within the Hill community, the need for healthy, safe, loving, and gospel-driven youth programs are simply beyond description. Thus, we desire to help provide opportunities in the following way:
- Impact Week Outreach (Soccer & Art Camps)--Two parallel camps during the first week of July, in which we build relationships, teach the gospel, and provide community building opportunities for both children and their parents.
- After Camp Program--Following the 1-week camps, we continue our interactions for the remainder of the summer with the children through a 3-times per week 'after camp' gathering, where we are able to continue to build relationships, educate through various field trips, provide mentoring, have fun, and continue to share the redemptive stories of the bible.
- Summer and Year long Youth Interns--Key to the assimilation of many of these children and their families into the life of the church is having the assistance of various part-time & full-time interns to help solidify the faith's of the children and their families. Their work plays a pivotal part in establishing necessary programs and discipleship tools for the health and life of the youth of our Church.
3. Economic Development--A key issue that needs to be addressed in all impoverished communities is that of helping to bring economic stimulus to the region via new businesses and/or empowering community members to start new enterprises, which could bring employment opportunities. Currently, we are in the development stages of 2 micro-enterprises:
- Dry Erase Board Co-Op,
- Clothing and Household Items Cooperative
4. Cultural Renewal--Due spiritual oppression and poverty, life-giving culture is often stunted and perverted. However, infused with the power of the resurrection, via the Gospel, people and communities can begin to heal and express their unique and life-giving flavor to the larger city as a whole. As such, the Gospel penetrates into every sphere of cultural life, leading it to bring honor and glory to Him for which all things were created for; education, the arts, relationships and community, and our spiritual lives all begin to be done in response to the gracious work of Jesus in our lives. It is this vision that fuels many of our community development activities, such as:
- Back-To-School Outreach
- A Hill Art Show, Lesson, & Competition
- Walking In His Midst Barbecues & Bible Studies
- 2 Major Speaker Outreaches via either an Athlete, Actor, Concert, or Cultural critic.
5. Mercy & Justice--One cannot read the bible and not notice the heart that the Lord has for the poor, widowed, orphaned, and the foreigner. Because Jesus is not a respecter of persons, the very heart of the Gospel demonstrates and compels those whom it saves to be merciful and just toward those who are weak or oppressed. Even so, we want to endeavor to show mercy and justice in a way that empowers folks to bring their gifts to the Church and the world so that they can produce for themselves and for the good of those who can't produce. Therefore, we want to focus our time, talents, and treasures to bring:
- educational tutoring
- transportation assistance for work
- job training assistance
- childcare assistance for working & college-enrolled single parents
Can You Help Us Move Forward?
Due to the major economic constraints of the residents of the Hill, we are forced to trust the Lord to raise up ministry partners to help us with fulfilling our vision via their financial support, prayers, and talents. Therefore, we are asking the Lord to help us raise up a team to help us in three areas:
1. We need to annually raise a $150,000 to reach the Hill community.
In particular, in light of the economic downfall the past 5 years, we are seeking to lock-arms with 1,000 people, who can help us with a modest annual gift of $100. Of course, we realize some may be able to give more, which would help close the gap for folks who aren't able to give at this time. If you would like to be one of our 1,000 partners, you can make an online contribution at : https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=9da9f8 or, you can write a check to CPC in the Hill, putting 'Hill Church' on the memo line, and mail it to Christ Presbyterian Church, 135 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT. 06510.
2. Help in sharing our story and need with 3-5 of your friends or churches.
Most people simply do not expect to hear much good coming out of the inner city, so we would love the opportunity to share this miracle. In doing so, they may be willing to consider supporting our work in the inner city. I would be more than willing to come to speak to any group, church, or family about what the Lord is doing.
3. Recruit a Team of Prayer Partners.
Simply put, if the Lord does not continue to move in the lives of people in the Hill, then nothing is going to happen. Therefore, we need all the help we can get in calling upon the Lord to bring His kingdom to bear on the inner city of New Haven. We will keep you updated on a monthly basis about the progress of the ministry and prayer needs via our newsletter The Lamp Post. In addition, we will keep you posted on summer and special opportunities to come to the Hill community and participate in some exciting ministry.
Beloved, our future, 'Where we intend to Go', is heading straight into 'What We Walked Into', which you have seen and heard is not an easy mission field. We are running a 'Rescue Mission' at the gates of the evil one's stronghold. We have seen the Lord bring us so far; much like the children of Israel working their way home from Egypt, we have come to far to turn back now. Please don't allow us to be stalled in the 'wilderness'; the lives and neighborhood that we have in tow has such an amazing future in the Lord's redemptive plan! If you would like to Thanks for prayerfully considering this exciting opportunity to help build the kingdom of God.