Read a blurb from New Faith Communities latest newsletter. This second edition highlighted the Mission Congregation planting method with All God’s Children.
1) TELL THE STORY OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING THROUGH THE YEAR AS A MISSIONAL CONGREGATION.
It has been a very busy, emotional, and exciting year for All God’s Children Enfield Campus. We began our journey by assessing the needs of the community. We invited the community to a series of “Rock of Ages” listening sessions. The set up for Rock of Ages was very simple; red, yellow, black, and white rocking chairs arranged in a circle with a small table that held a letter size notepad, pens, and a candle in the center. We welcomed leaders from the community, then asked, “What do you feel is needed in Enfield? What do you see the facility being used for?”
The Enfield leaders began to imagine a food bank/distribution center, community center, after-school program, elderly assistance, job training, housing, and a safe place. Even though we came into Enfield not knowing what to expect regarding support, we knew that showing the authentic love of Jesus and shining the light of hope into the lives of the residents would be the catalyst for change, dedication, and renewal.
2) WHO ARE WE GATHERING INTO COMMUNION?
The more we gather people into communion, the more the news spread, and the more support we receive. Talking with those from Jenny’s Beans and Buns restaurant, Subway, the Chinese restaurant, walking the streets, hanging out in the library, the post office, and the banks are some of the places that we are encouraged.
We have many programs on the calendar. We are sponsoring Family Gatherings, SOAR Summer Camp, the Enfield Service Project, FOUR the future program that will join with AGC’s other campuses in offering skills training, workforce preparedness, and entrepreneurship.
3) WHERE ARE YOU DOING IT?
We gather at what is known as the old Inborden School in Enfield. This school has a long historical background and many of the residents attended this school. At our Picnic and Partnership event, the cafeteria, one of the school buildings, and the courtyard were cleaned. Volunteers were served food, and we enjoyed a little bit of praise and worship.
4) IT MATTERS TO WHO?
We matter to our community in so many ways:
- To a senior receiving food and singing while a long line of elderly wait in line.
- To a little girl who made Valentine’s cards while at the food distribution.
- To students and parents of Southeast Halifax High School.
- To Mrs North Carolina, Michele Duncan who heard of the efforts of All God’s Children and decided to make the revitalization of Enfield one of her platforms.
- To Darwin, Annette, and Laura who are privileged to serve among and with the friends of Jesus in Enfield.
- To hungry citizens who are fed every month. (900 Halifax County residents were served.)
- To Heritage and Beacon districts because of the partnerships.
To follow All God’s Children and their progress visit their website or Facebook page. http://allgodschildrenumc.org/