STEP = Strategies to Elevate People

Posted: Saturday, March 27, 2010 | Author: Marti Williams | Filed under: 2k10, Community Announcements | Tags: church, missional, missional church, Richmond, STEP Richmond, Strategies to Elevate People, Urban, urban ministry | Comments Off

In January of this year, I was nominated for and accepted a board member position with a non-profit ministry serving Richmond’s inner city called STEP (Strategies to Elevate People). If you are interested in learning more about, serving with or giving to this deserving organization, check out their newsletter by click this link > STEP March Newsletter.

Here’s a little more info about STEP….

Mission Statement

Develop strategies to meet the needs of the urban poor in Richmond.

Vision Statement

Defeat poverty in the lives of our urban neighbors.

Our Goals:

Build vital relationships through effective Christian community and

Mobilize resources of the church to serve the poor in the City and

Empower organizations and ministries seeking to reach our urban neighbors in order to

Minister to the urban poor by sharing the love and hope of Christ

Our Core Values:

The Church

We serve as an arm of the Church, upholding its role in ministering to the needs of the poor (Eph. 4:11-12)

People

We believe that every person has a valued place in the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12-15, Ps. 8:4)

Relationship

We are called to be in community with other believers to support God’s Kingdom work (Heb. 10:24-25)

Education

We enable others to be educated in order to produce opportunities and enable them to more effectively steward the gifts with which they have been entrusted (Prov. 23:12 & 24:3-4)

The Work

We enable others to work so that they can in turn give to others (Titus 6:17-19)

Thanks for reading and considering.

The Next Day Part 2

Posted: Friday, March 26, 2010 | Author: Marti Williams | Filed under: 2k10, 2k8, Frank, Louis and Me! | Tags: 2 Chronicles 16:9, calling, Inspired Faith, missional, missionary, Richmond, scripture, Southern Barton Heights, Urban | 1 Comment

Continued from last nights post….The Next Day Part 1

These are complicated questions to answer. There is so MUCH history that goes into it. There are way more questions than answers. Or…answers that you want to hear, anyway. I encourage you to dig deep…ask the questions…seek the answers.

A question like, HOW did it end up like this? Deep-rooted systemic decisions and policies that were made intentionally by people in power dating decades….centuries ago…that have led to the problems we have in the City of Richmond today. If you want to learn more, Ben Campbell, at Richmond Hill, has a wonderful class – Richmond’s Unhealed History – 9 Lectures on the History of Richmond 1607-2009. It offers a whole new perspective….that is NOT what you read in the history books in school growing up. We need more people to get involved in the social justice issues that impact not just the City of Richmond, but the metro area as a whole.

Others may ask…why don’t YOU move? Why do you stay? As a matter of fact, Frank himself has asked me that same question more than once. He thought I would be packing it up after that night. But, I will tell you what I told him. A year before Frank got shot, my car was vandalized when the windows were shot out. It later was stolen and dumped off in Petersburg. People then asked, why don’t you move? If I had moved in early 2007 after that happened, who would have been there the night Frank got shot? God doesn’t NEED us to do a thing. He can do it on His own, without our help. But, what a priviledge it is to be used by my Almighty God. So, He called me (and now Louis) here to SBH. We won’t leave until He calls us some place else. I have committed my life to Him..so I will go where He sends me. Will you?

Just yesterday, Mom sent me a devotional newsletter email called Inspired Faith. I will end this post with that word…

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.II Chronicles 16:9 NIV

God has called each of us to obey Him in the place He has us. In His eyes we all have a ministry. Many serve Him in a local church through a variety of ministries, such as music, teaching, youth work, or by being a part of the church staff. Others serve on the mission field, on the job, at school, or at home.

God knows you and He knows your heart desires to serve Him. You are someone that He will use to make a difference, to share His love, and to touch the hearts of others. What has qualified you for this high privilege of being used by Him? Is it your talents, your personality, your education, your influence, or your résumé? It is none of these; rather, it is the response of your heart toward Him. God is always searching for those whose hearts are yielded to Him so that He can work mightily through them.

Sometimes we can be led to think that God’s work is dependent upon us, upon what we do, and upon what we know. The truth is that God wants us to be totally dependent upon Him. He is the Treasure, we are the vessels; He is Vine, we are the branches; He is the Living Water, we are the channels through which He flows.

The apostle Peter was someone who needed to learn this important truth. Jesus taught him the futility of trying to get results through his own efforts by allowing him, an expert fisherman, to labor all night and come up empty. Afterward, when He followed Jesus’ word to cast out into the deep, Peter pulled in a catch that was beyond his dreams.

As His servant, remember that your ministry is His idea and not yours. He is the One who knows you, who has called you, and who has equipped you to serve Him. Remain true, remain faithful, remain restful, and remain totally dependent upon Him.

God is not looking for those who are clever, but for those in whom He can be wise; He is not looking for those who are talented, but for those to whom He can be all sufficient; He is not looking for those who are powerful, but for those through whom He can be almighty.

by Roy Lessin, DaySpring Cofounder

Breaking.Bread.

Posted: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 | Author: Marti Williams | Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: Bible, breaking bread, church, eat, Fritz Kling, Hebrews 13:2, hospitality, john mark hicks, Luke, missional, missional table, Northside Missional Community, pharisee, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, The Meeting of the Waters, Urban | 2 Comments

My friend and author of The Meeting of the Waters, Fritz Kling recently posted on his FB page…

“Over the past 25 years, there has been a 45% drop in how often people invite friends to their homes. Wow! I know Val and I have done our part to keep that figure from being worse! But I’m troubled by what this means for a culture…and what we Christians are doing to stem the tide. In the Bible, good things happen over meals and in homes, and I feel a need now to try harder than ever to practice hospitality.”

I could NOT agree more! Good things DO happen over meals and in our homes…not to mention on our porches and back yards!!! Fritz’s comment really got me thinking…

Louis and I truly enjoy entertaining! Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband who *LOVES* to cook, especially on the grill. Some of you know…you’ve tasted his delectable goodies. As many of you know, his homemade teriyaki sauce is good on just about EVERYTHING! He receives regular requests for his teriyaki steak or chicken, crab stuffed salmon, and pancakes! We have often thought of bottling it. But, can’t think of a good name. Any ideas? RevUp Teriyaki is a good possibility.

But, it is NOT just about the food goodness. It’s more about the communing….the chillin’ and relaxin’ with old friends or making new ones. It’s about building community, laughing, playing, relaxing and enjoying one another. The Bible is FULL of stories that take place around the table. I particularly like the ones that where Jesus ate with the “sinners” and the “outsiders”. Then, this got me reading…a blog…John Mark Hicks Ministries, specifically his Missional Table post, although there were more posts on the topic.

“Luke is a narrator. He tells stories rather than writing didactic prose. Through the stories he inculcates the values which he wants his community to embrace. Each meal story reveals something about Jesus and his mission. In Luke 5:27-32 Jesus sits at table with sinners as a physican among the sick. In Luke 7:36-50 Jesus receives a sinful woman at the table of a Pharisee and declares her sins forgiven. In Luke 9:10-17 Jesus shows hospitality to 5000 people as he first calls his disciples to mission (“give them something to eat”) and then models before them his messianic mission. The disciples are called to service. The table has a missional dimension; it reflects the mission of God to commune with his people at table. In Luke 10:38-42 Jesus accepts women as his disciples. In Luke 11:37-54 Jesus condemns the Pharisees because they sit at table only in form, not in spirit. In Luke 14:1-24 Jesus notes that their table does not look like the kingdom of God, but it looks like themselves. In Luke 19:1-10 Jesus invites himself to table with the tax collector Zacchaeus and declares that salvation had come to his house. Luke 24 welcomes a stranger to the table in Emmaus (Luke 24:30-35) and commissions the disciples to bear witness to gospel among all nations (Luke 24:45-49). Just as the disciples offered hospitality to a stranger on the way, so the table is a place where the church welcomes strangers (aliens or “others”). The table has a missionary quality, especially in light of the fact that the disciples receive their call to missions at a table.”

If this is what Jesus is modeling for us on a frequent basis, then who are we communing with and how often are we doing it? Based on the statistic that Fritz brought us, we must not be doing it often. I wonder why we don’t do it more. What keeps us from “breaking bread” with others on a more regular basis? Taking quality time with our families and friends?

and possibly even strangers?

Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Here are a few pics of times we have welcomed friends and strangers, sinners and saints, young and old, black and white, rich and poor to our table, our porch, our back yard and our kitchen for a cooking lesson or 2! I hope to have many more full tables in the weeks, months and years to come! You are welcome at our table anytime…come on over!

Scholarship Announcement!!!

Posted: Monday, March 22, 2010 | Author: Marti Williams | Filed under: 2k10, Community Announcements | Tags: 23222, ABWA, announcement, NeighborWorks, Richmond, River City Express, scholarship, Southern Barton Heights | Comments Off

This is SOOO EXCITING to announce! Please help spread the word!!!!

NeighborWorks® Resource Group

in partnership with

River City Express Network of the

American Business Women’s Association

offers a

$1000 scholarship

to a

Woman resident

of the

23222 Zip Code

who attends or plans to attend a

technical school or community college.

Here are the qualifications!

In order to be eligible for scholarship consideration, candidates must be women who:

(1) are citizens of the United States and residents of City of Richmond (zip code 23222 only)

(2) will be college First or Second Year level in Aug. 2010;

(3) are attending or have been accepted at a Virginia licensed, accredited vocational/technical school or community college authorized to confer an associate degree;

(4) have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale.

DEADLINE: May 1, 2010

The application will be completed online and requires a biographical sketch, three (3) professional letters of reference and an official transcript. To apply, interested, eligible women should send name, zip code and email address to:

Cindy A. Mims at camims12@gmail.com

Help us get this news out into our community! Please share this info with your community associations, churches and schools!

About NeighborWorks® Resource Group

Established in 1981, NeighborWorks® Resource Group is a private, non-profit organization created specifically to present opportunities for low and moderate income families preparing to purchase affordable homes and to strengthen communities in Richmond and central Virginia. NeighborWorks® Resource Group serves as a central resource for services and training to help homebuyers purchase, rehabilitate, insure, and maintain their home. For more information, we invite you to visit www.nwresourcegroup.org.

RIVER CITY EXPRESS NETWORK of ABWA is part of a national network of businesswomen. Founded in 1949, ABWA is a 17,000 member strong association with chapters and Express Networks nationwide, providing business skills training and networking opportunities for women of diverse occupations to enhance career advancement and personal development. Visit our website: www.rivercityexpressnetwork.org

ABWA has dedicated more than half a century to women’s education and provided workplace skills and career development training for more than 565,000 members.

SBMEF is a charitable trust and public foundation. It has the same tax status as public schools, churches and community funds. The Fund is listed in the IRS “Cumulative List of Organizations” described in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 – revised Oct. 31, 1974.

Constant.Change.

Posted: Sunday, March 21, 2010 | Author: Marti Williams | Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: change, church, Petersburg | 2 Comments

“The only thing constant in life is change.”

François de la Rochefoucauld

Now…isn’t THAT the truth?!?!? Today was a BIG BIG day for Louis’ church. Due to a number of different factors – change in demographics, decline in the economy, too little too late mentality, loss of membership, aging population, etc…..some big decisions have been under consideration for the last few months. Today was the day that the congregation unanimously voted to pursue selling the church building and it’s property. In addition, they also voted (unanimously) to move Louis to half time…20 hours a week….in the hopes of prolonging the ability to keep a pastor with them as long as possible, even if it is part-time. We are thankful that there was unity in these decisions, as tough as they may be. Louis and the session (elder board…for those non-Presbyterians) have done a WONDERFUL job of prepping the congregation for this day.

This decision has been difficult for everyone involved. The church body has been around for nearly 100 years. Some current members are 4th generation members of 3rd Pres of Petersburg. Change is rarely easy. We are praying for peace….peace that can only come from Above.

On a personal note, Louis and I are excited about what the future may hold for us. The Lord has been soooo generous and continues to provide for us. Although I have been displaced, I continue to work in a temporary assignment until sometime later in the year. I will receive a generous severance package that will hold us a little bit.

Louis and I will be taking a monthly one-day retreat to pray and discern what God has next for us. Our first one is scheduled for Good Friday, 4/2. We are pretty sure we know our calling, but the details aren’t at all clear. It’s like an old-school Polaroid photograph developing (SLOWLY) before our eyes. We will keep you posted!

Thanks for praying with and for us during this time of uncertainty.

My handsome Hubby bringin' the Word on Christmas Eve 2009.

Check out my new fav blog!

Posted: Sunday, March 21, 2010 | Author: Marti Williams | Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: altruistic, Year of Giving | Comments Off

Year of Giving

The Year of Giving is a year-long journey of altruistic giving, which started 12.15.2009. Every day Reed finds a person to give $10 to and then shares their story. Reed has given us all a wonderful gift of documenting these stories!

Check it out!

a beautiful day with beautiful friends…

Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010 | Author: Marti Williams | Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: missionary, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban | 1 Comment

A few friends came by for a visit….I just love them! Allow me to introduce you….

Wesley, Chucky, Ethan and Olivia

Ethan, Olivia, and Dad~Chucky

Chucky

Ethan

Olivia

Shequeria and Daniel Jr (7mo)

Zyera

New Stuff!

Posted: Friday, March 12, 2010 | Author: Marti Williams | Filed under: 2k10 | 2 Comments

Hey…just want to bring your attention to a couple of changes I made on the site!

Added a new page at the top “PRAY!!” where I will list prayer requests for SBH. Join me in praying!
Added a new page at the top “PRAISE!!” where I will list praise reports! Join me in praising God for meeting the needs for SBH. COMING SOON!!!
Added a new page at the top “OPPS” where I will list the volunteer opportunities and needs for the community. COMING SOON!!!
Added a new page at the top “Wanna Help?” This list how you can help. Know that any financial resources will flow through my church, Commonwealth Chapel.
On the side bar, I also added a “Grounds 4 Good” section as well. Check out the new way you can assist us by buying fair trade coffee and having delivered to your home! Wake Up….Do Good. Be sure to select Miss Marti’s House as your Cause!

More changes to come!!! If you have any ideas or suggestions…send them my way!

Missional Church – Simple

Posted: Friday, March 12, 2010 | Author: Marti Williams | Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, Evangelism, missional, missional church, witnessing | 2 Comments

Some of you might ask….Marti…what exactly ARE you doing in this community? or you may have seen or heard me talk/write about being “on mission with Jesus”.

In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus commands:

¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This is referred to as the Great CO-MISSION, because you are CO-laboring or CO-missioning WITH Jesus. But, you may say….I don’t know how to or I’m scared. But let’s take a look at Acts 1: 8. It states:

⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

You are NOT alone!!! All you need is the power of the Holy Spirit. Look at what happens…YOU will be witnesses. “Witnessing” has gotten a bad wrap for sooo many reasons! It has been done poorly by a lot of people, including ME! But, let the Spirit guide you in your conversations and remember there is NO condemnation!!! For we have ALL fallen short…and frankly, I fall short every day….EVERY day!

This quick, short video explains what a Missional Church looks like. Imagine if EVERYONE at my church, Commonwealth Chapel took this approach! Imagine if EVERY church was a Missional Church! Imagine if ALL of us were “on mission with Jesus” in our everyday lives…work, home, PTA, gym, dog parks, etc. Imagine…

Where can YOU be Missional today?

I pray that the Holy Spirit will “come on” you, Southern Barton Heights, and the City of Richmond in a powerful way, equipping you/us for your/our personal mission(s) with Jesus. It doesn’t have to be in SBH…that just happens to be mine…and now Louis’.

Blessings.

A View from the Porch

Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2010 | Author: Marti Williams | Filed under: 2k10, 2k9, Louis and Me! | Tags: being missional, building community, front porch, missional, Richmond, simple, Southern Barton Heights, Urban Life | 2 Comments

Louis and I have a couple simple ministries to build relationships with our community…that cost virtually NOTHING! Since there is a lot of foot traffic in SBH these are great ways to meet our neighbors. Living on a corner lot has its advantages!!! Join us any time!!! We do this with intentionality in warm weather months!

Front Porch Ministry/Chillaxer

Front Porch Ministry or Porch Chillaxers – We grab something to drink and a snack and just SIT on our front porch. We meet more neighbors this way than any other. Some will even come and sit on the porch with us.