Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Say What? (Part 2)

Question: "What was your favorite ministry site?"

"My favorite ministry site would have to be Marillac House. Marillac House is a Daycare type thing that a bunch of kids go to during the day. There is also a thrift shop right across the street from it called Nifty Thrifty, and it was also a part of Marillac House. I worked in the Thrift Store all week except for Friday morning. In the Thrift Store, there were clothes, kitchenware, furniture, books, movies, CD's, TV’s, toys - basically anything you would find at a Wal-Mart but a lot cheaper. What my group had to do was go through donated clothes, price them and hang them up. But, if there was anything that you wouldn't wear or you know someone that wouldn't wear that, then don't price it - just throw it in the recycle pile. Patty, the manager of the store, said that they get so many donations in that it was okay to just get rid of the ones you couldn't see anyone wearing, and I was a bit confused for awhile about why we were supposed to just throw this stuff out. Then it hit me. Why would we put something out that was in perfectly good condition, but something no one would wear? Well, because we don't want them to feel inferior because they have cheaper clothes. The motto of the Thrift Store said something about how everyone should be treated with dignity no matter what their income was. If you ask me, that's a superb motto."

"I liked the neighborhood immersion around North Park, which is the most ethnically diverse area in Chicago. We talked to people from all different cultures and learned about them. The Youth experienced true Korean hospitality; we sampled soft drinks from Korea and pastries from the Middle East. We learned about fava beans and talked to street vendors. It was a great, ‘flavorful’ adventure which opened many of our eyes to the beauty in the differences and similarities between all peoples."

Friday, August 24, 2007

Say What? (Part 1)

As we begin to wrap up the summer here at CSM, we wanted to give you a moment to share about your time in the city. Have an experience you want to share?? Email us!

The following are answers to the question "What did you learn?" from a group that served in Chicago with CSM:

"I feel as if God showed me again the importance of being part of his plan to restore creation. This is his vision. The image of seeing a group of people "sent' to love others was eye-opening. In addition to that, I have come to realize that mission does not just refer to loving people whose name we do not know, but living lovingly to those around us. I saw community form in our group which is also an image of the Kingdom of God which we are called to be a part."

"This week I realized that God’s purpose is for all Christians to be like Jesus and to do God’s will. This week has allowed me to open my heart and listen to what God is trying to tell me. I felt God at work in my heart by putting a desire there to bring our mission work home to Gardner and to continue to help those in need."

"God’s purpose is simple, yet complex, and truly the complexity comes through our on sin. God’s purpose is to further the kingdom on earth. When we sin we distance ourselves from our neighbors across the street, in another part of the town, our families and those around the world. Our “us” vs. “them” mentality builds systems of separation in government agencies, the military, social-economic structures, even religious groups. These systems of separation put many in the judgment seat on a daily basis. We can all work to change these systems through small acts of kindness and mercy such as lending an ear, seeing and responding to needs around us. We can also take a stand by undoing systemic injustice in policy and community life (bigotry, socio-economic status and cultural discrimination) and how we treat all people. God made all people. God sees the good in his creations and loves all people. God expects us to do the same. We need to think more about “We” as a community in this way."

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Top 10 Social Justice Videos

Check out Visual Faith's Top 10 Social Justice Videos - get inspired, share with others and do something great for God!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

CHANGE THE WORLD...and grab a pizza

Want to change the city? Go grab a pizza.

More specifically, go grab a pizza at the Lou Malnati's Pizzeria on West Ogden Avenue in Chicago.

"So how," you ask, "will my scarfing down a large pepperoni change the city?" The answer to that question is a fascinating story of how the church and private enterprise can work together to change peoples' lives for the Kingdom.

West Ogden Avenue runs through Lawndale, one of Chicago's poorest and toughest neighborhoods. One reason why Lawndale is in such trouble that poverty begats poverty. As economic conditions decline, businesses leave--taking with them desperately-needed jobs and the income they generate. It makes for a bleak urban landscape, with little hope for improvement.

That is, until Wayne Gordon of Lawndale Community Church approached the Malnati brothers. Wayne, along with a dedicated and talented multi-ethnic team, has developed an amazing ministry in Lawndale--including neighborhood renovation, sports programs, a full-service medical clinic, counseling, and much more. But with all the great things the church has accomplished, the lack of jobs for Lawndale's young people and adults loomed as a chronic sore. So when Wayne, who knows the Malnati brothers well (they're strong Christians), heard that they were contemplating opening a tenth store, he challenged them: "Why don't you tithe this store?" They accepted the challenge, and opened a Lou Malnati's right across the street from the church. They hired their staff from within the neighborhood, invested a ton of time and money in training and management, opened their doors, and hoped for the best. Oh--and any profits from the restaurant will be donated to Lawndale Community Church (there's a plaque by the front door that says so). Is that cool, or what?

Except that one problem quickly surfaced: the restaurant was losing money big time. The 90-95% of the Lawndale community who are law-abiding citizens tend to stay indoors at night, as we would if we were in their shoes. Night after night, the restaurant was deserted.

The Malnati brothers finally approached Wayne to let him know that they'd decided between themselves the maximum amount of money they were willing to lose before they'd be forced to close their doors. "We don't want to tell you the amount," they said. "But we're getting close."

So what does God do but bump Kyle and I into Wayne at an urban ministry conference right around that time. He shared the situation with us--and we got a brainstorm. "Wayne, we're going to put every single one of our CSM groups into that restaurant during their mission trip, even if it's miles out of their way. They're going to enjoy the pizza, meet the staff, and hear the story of what you guys are trying to do. It will be a ministry in itself."

The restaurant is still open. CSM might be its single biggest customer. And our groups are performing a vital ministry, learning firsthand about the issues inner-city neighborhoods face, and stuffing their faces with great pizza--all at the same time.

Only God could put together something as fun as this. Oh, and if you're ever in Chicago, drop in to Lou's place on West Ogden. I recommend the Stuffed Special.

- Noel Becchetti, President

Monday, August 13, 2007

Mission Group Tours Underworld of Chicago

"At the mention of Chicago, thoughts that first come to mind are the Magnificent Mile’s skyline, the loveable Cubs and it’s pizza, but beneath those pleasures is a whole different world. It’s one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country and the busy streets are littered with crime and homelessness.

For a group from Tipp City United Methodist Church the Windy City was the final destination, but the real trip was from out of the safe confines of their hometown..."

Keep on reading from the Tipp City Independent Voice!

Mission Group Tours Underworld of Chicago

"At the mention of Chicago, thoughts that first come to mind are the Magnificent Mile’s skyline, the loveable Cubs and it’s pizza, but beneath those pleasures is a whole different world. It’s one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country and the busy streets are littered with crime and homelessness.

For a group from Tipp City United Methodist Church the Windy City was the final destination, but the real trip was from out of the safe confines of their hometown..."

Keep on reading from the Tipp City Independent Voice!

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

CSM in the News: Mission Group Tours Underworld of Chicago

At the mention of Chicago, thoughts that first come to mind are the Magnificent Mile’s skyline, the loveable Cubs and it’s pizza, but beneath those pleasures is a whole different world. It’s one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country and the busy streets are littered with crime and homelessness.

For a group from Tipp City United Methodist Church the Windy City was the final destination, but the real trip was from out of the safe confines of their hometown.

Read the entire article...

Thursday, August 02, 2007

NPR: Critics Hit Chicago Public Housing Efforts


There have been big changes recently in Chicago's public housing. NPR recently came out with a great piece explaining the complex issue that is now having an effect on many who inhabit "Chi-town". PLEASE PRAY for those that are now caught in transition and for those that are in power.

Learn how you can serve the people of Chicago with CSM.