LouDawg Does It Again!
Posted: Friday, June 1, 2012 Filed under: 2k12 | Tags: barton heights, Birthday, community, cookout, grilled chicken, Memorial Day, Movement Church, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights Comments Off on LouDawg Does It Again!As usual, LouDawg’s Grilled Chicken (about 80 lbs!!!) was a huge hit at our Annual Community Memorial Day Cookout for Southern Barton Heights. Although we’ve done this for years, we just started tracking numbers. 3 years ago, we had about 40 people. Last year, we hosted about 60. I was super surprised and thrilled when about 100 people showed up over the 4 hours! I couldn’t have been happier! It was a great time of getting to know our neighbors and friends.
We were thrilled when we connected with a small group from Movement Church who sacrificed their time to help us! They were amazing! Not only did they bring side dishes, but they also came early to help set up. They organized games for the kids in our neighbor’s yard….because when we had a ton of people in the yard, it got a little tight, needless to say. Our total yard is only .14 of an acre, so the back yard is 1/2 of that. And then…the guys, TC and Matt, hung out to help us tear down, along with Chucky, David and Khalil. Our neighbors were great…contributing to the meal, helping to clean up afterwards, etc. Brian, Christy and Joy were AMAZING in the kitchen!
I have mixed feelings about the day. On one hand I was sad, when I heard someone warmly say, “I’ve never experienced anything like this. This is great!” Another new friend said, “I’ve been longing for a sense of community in our neighborhood, and now…I think I finally feel that.” as she connected with neighbors she had never met. Why sad? Because my neighbors have been hungry for community, and haven’t felt it. On the other hand, I’m also thrilled because we are moving in the right direction. Less of us will be disconnected, but now will feel a since of warmth, love and community.
I look forward to continue moving in that direction… As we attempt to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Enjoy the pictures of the day. I guess I should note that we also celebrate my birthday (5.31) each year as well. I was overwhelmed when my old and new friends joined in singing “Happy Birthday to you” in the traditional tune….and then, in the Stevie Wonder style! Thanks to everyone for making my early birthday so special. And…go ahead….mark the day on your calendar for next year when I turn the big 5-0! 🙂
Annual Memorial Day Community Cookout
Posted: Thursday, May 24, 2012 Filed under: 2k12 | Tags: community, cookout, Memorial Day, RVA, Southern Barton Heights Comments Off on Annual Memorial Day Community CookoutThrilled to host our annual Memorial Day Community Cookout on Monday, May 28th from 4-8pm. We’ll provide the drinks and grilled chicken courtesy of LouDawg’s Cafe and Grill (aka Louis). If you can, just bring a side to go with it! Looking forward to seeing all who can come! Here’s the post from last year’s cookout… Memorial Day 2011.
Those with Knowledge Grow Stronger!
Posted: Friday, May 18, 2012 Filed under: 2k12 | Tags: Dr. John Moeser, Hope in the Cities, knowledge, Proverbs 24:5, RVA, Unpacking the 2010 Census, Virginia Center for Inclusive Community, wisdom 4 CommentsI stayed up WAY to late last night drafting a little talk that I gave this morning, so I hope this makes some sense.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend a training that prepared nearly 40 people to become facilitators of a program called “Unpacking the 2010 Census”. The DVD shares Richmond-specific information on poverty and jurisdiction, the history, and the policy implications compiled and analyzed by Dr. John Moeser and his team of students. After the group watches each video, we pause of discussion. This morning, a convocation was held at VCU’s Student Commons, just a few short months after we first started to facilitate the program across the Metro area. Earlier this week, I was one of 2 people asked to share from a facilitator’s point of view. I was honored to speak. Thanks to Hope in the Cities and Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities for the opportunity!
photo cred: Jonathan Zur
If you have any interest in having this information shared and dialogue facilitated in your church, non-profit or civic group, just say the word. Side note…They announced that the DVD will soon be available for purchase!
In case you care, this is what I was lead to share this morning. Peace.
I grew up in the West End of Metro Richmond…..as in Henrico County….when the West End stopped at Parham Road and Short Pump was nothing but a crossroads of a couple of country roads where my grandmother grew up. I first became REALLY aware of the poverty levels of our fair city in 2005 when I moved into Southern Barton Heights – just a short ½ mile North of Gilpin Court. Prior to that, I had little to NO understanding of how our city looked at the street level. I had made it to my mid-40’s without the history that is now documented in this video and in several books I have been reading. In 2008, I was first exposed to some of Dr. Moeser’s work on redlining, urban statistics. I learned more about the challenges our city faces through programs such as the Chamber’s Greater Richmond Challenge, RCLI – Richmond Christian Leadership Institute, through cherished times with my dear friend, Ben Campbell. So, I have this blend of reality at the street level, data and statistics that validate the everyday struggles of my neighbors and friends and a heart that weeps over the injustices and sins of the past, and I daresay, our present.
When the opportunity came to become a facilitator, I jumped at the chance. I couldn’t wait. Because I wanted to make it my mission to take this information to the people. Specifically to God’s people….to the Churches of Richmond.
My Bible tells me in Proverbs 24:5 New Living Translation
The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
I feel called to share this information with anyone who wants to hear it, because I believe, like Proverbs 24:5 states, that knowledge is power. And I believe we all should care, because if poverty impacts 1, it impacts us all. At this point, I think I have helped facilitate to or hosted 1 non-church group, 2 multi-church events, several stand alone churches and several more church requests in the works. Honestly, I have lost count, but it has now reached over 150 people with more to come. Thankful to HIC and VCIC for making this process smooth and easy. If you have been through the program, you know that the dialogue has been rich and thoughtful, emotions ranging from shock and anger to ‘yeah…that’s about right’ to ‘how did I not know this?’ One person even said, ‘that’s me. I live that. How come I didn’t know this?’ Referring specifically to the history.
On a personal note, I have seen and heard this information countless times, yet each time…I hear something new. I am grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to be among 40 facilitators who spent a weekend together being trained to share this information throughout our city. I soooo appreciate what I have learned from my new friends and co-facilitators. It’s been so fun to facilitate in a variety of ways…both the 1-hour version and the 2-hour version.
Thanks to Hope in the Cities, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, the Community Foundation and Dr Moeser and his team for the work and effort to share this knowledge which will only make us stronger and stronger!!! The question today is…now that we have the knowledge what are we going to do about it?
Let me leave you with this, as I close. Let’s remember Proverbs 24:5… The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. Let’s keep learning together. Let’s keep getting stronger…together. Let’s use our collective wisdom and knowledge together, which is even mightier than the strong!
Thank you.
Catchin’ Up!
Posted: Thursday, May 17, 2012 Filed under: 2k12, CCDA in RVA | Tags: bob lupton, Joe's Stone Crabs, New Hanover Presbyterian Church, Relaxation, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, summer activities, vacation 2 Comments
Time flies when you are having fun! It’s been over a month since I have written….yowza! So, here’s a quick download….
Shortly after Easter, Louis and I took off to Florida for 12 whole days! 4 days in Miami visiting our good friends – the Mozloom’s. And we got to love on the kiddos including Louis’s goddaughter! We also had a day at the beach, a stop at Chocolat Fashion (pure deliciousness), Joe’s Stone Crabs, shopping for deals and good ole family fun time! Then, we had quick stop in St Petersburg for a wonderful time with our friends Tommy and Diane Nance. Last stop…Orlando for the Exponential Conference and a few days of fun in the sun…including SeaWorld, Aquatica, and relaxing by the pool. We also had a lovely visit with long time friends who came to visit while we are there. It was a much needed time of relaxation and refreshment before we face a lot of new activities.
Since our return, Louis has accepted a calling as the Interim Lead Pastor for New Hanover Presbyterian Church, located just a short 15 minutes up Chamberlayne from where we live. We are excited to be a part of the NHPC family. Although we were there 2 Sundays ago, flying below the radar, we will be there officially this Sunday, 5/20. We praise and thank God for his provision during an uncertain time. It had been about 5 months since Louis helped his congregation close the church he had last served.
New Hanover Presbyterian Church
Growing Families In Our Communities To Serve Christ In The World
Over the last 18 months, I feel like we have been under fire with various health issues in our family, Louis and my own. Many of these have somewhat distracted us from serving the community we love. However, we had a time of serving our family, and we have been recipients of such love and grace from our friends and community. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. So, it’s time to get back out on there and meet some of our many new neighbors! We have much going on…and more to come!!! Check out our list of summer activities > Summer Fun! The one I am most excited about is hosting Bob Lupton as part of our Christian Community Development ministry! We are thankful that Bob had time in his calendar to visit Richmond and share his insights. If you want to hear him speak, check out this link for more information > Bob Lupton Speaks.
I will try to be more faithful in my writing, but no promises! 
Easter – Acts 2 Style
Posted: Monday, April 9, 2012 Filed under: 2k12 | Tags: acts 2, christian traditions, church, easter, easter egg hunt, easter morning, family, foot washing, incarnational, missional 4 CommentsI was in the middle of writing my first draft of my post-Easter Reflections, when I stopped to read Rachel Held Evans‘ post So how was your Easter…really?. It really got me to thinking differently about my Easter weekend. Every Sunday for my 48 (soon to be 49) years of life, I have been in the church on Easter morning. Louis, as a Pastor, is usually behind the pulpit on Easter morning. Now that I think about it, the first time I heard Louis preach was Easter 2008, and I married him December of the same year!
Since Louis and I were both free (in more ways than one!) on Easter morning, we decided to take a different approach to the Easter Weekend. We found ourselves forgoing all the normal Easter Christian traditions. We opted for BEING the church instead of GOING to a church. We decided to ‘do’ the Bible.
We opted for an Act 2 style of worship this weekend…
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Thursday night is our usual Missional Community, where we eat together, study the Word of God together, and pray together. We did something radically different for our group. We had an old-fashioned foot washing and communion together. Where we commune and fellowship over a meal every week, this was different. Where we serve our community and each other every chance we can get, here…we washed one another’s feet…literally…while praying and thanking God for one another. The Spirit’s presence was thick and beautiful.
On Friday afternoon, I got a prayer request email from a friend and a regular at our Thursday night Missional Community – who usually doesn’t usually request prayer for a number of reasons…lack of faith being one of them. But, I am thankful that she reached out this time on behalf of a friend. It was literally a matter of Life or death. I was weeping as I read the email and cried out to God. I am grateful that when I called on another friend to help with this prayer request…she answered her phone! 🙂 She gave me great advice to pass along, and she prayed with me right away.
Friday night, still somewhat grieving for the possible loss of Life, our normal Good Friday night service was replaced with dinner with a group of guys from Richmond Christian Leadership Institute (RCLI), where Louis and I are shepherds. We gladly broke bread together in the form of grilled cheeseburgers, grilled onions, roasted potatoes and cole slaw. The guys continued their fellowship surrounding the fire pit, as they talked about challenges of health care, education, etc. I hear they put our friend and visitor, Bill, through the ringer – as a pediatrician in one of state’s poorest counties. God’s presence was apparent as all the believers were together. I don’t think we share everything in common, but we did share the love of Jesus as an important commonality. (I regret….no pictures were taken. What WAS I thinking?!?!?)
Early Saturday morning, I received a text message. It was now a matter of LIFE! The friend of my friend now chooses LIFE! Death was scheduled for next Friday, but the appointment at the clinic will been cancelled. Where Life’s heart currently beats in her womb, Life’s first breath will come in 8-9 months. We are filled with awe as wonder and signs performed by God’s answer to our prayers. Praise God…and thanks to all involved!
This year, Easter didn’t consist of a Sunrise Service or a Sunday morning church service. We had no new springy clothes or accessories. We did, however, open our home to our community – Southern Barton Heights – and our community of friends to an Easter Brunch. Louis, once again, served up his famous pancakes by the order as our friends (old and new alike) came and went. In addition, we had plenty of fruit, egg/turkey sausage/cheese casserole, country ham and juice/coffee. After hiding over 400 eggs, we cut the older kids loose in the back yard, while the younger smaller ones were in the front yard.
We didn’t ‘preach a sermon’, but we devoted our time and our home to share the love of our Risen Savior in word and deed as we spent time in fellowship, sharing and praying with one another. We created deeper relationships with existing friends and developed new friendships with first time visitors to our home.
We ended the day with dinner with my family. This is the only tradition that carried over from past years. I can’t imagine Easter without Mom’s lamb and full dinner table. Mom – Thanks for modeling hospitality for me!
I look forward to what God is going to do among all of us in the future…and I look forward to those who will be added to the number of those who believe.
I am blessed in so many ways! Not to mention…a true blessing in the midst…
A little grief-stricken, I went to bed Friday night believing that Life could be put to death in a week. It reminded me of how the disciples went to bed…laying there awake…after Jesus died on the cross…believing that He was dead. Or maybe they were pacing the floor….talking to one another…trying to figure it all out. Not understanding. Some had even dispersed…went into hiding…facing it alone. Having to wait 3 days to hear that Jesus is Risen. I can’t imagine what that must have been like. The wait must have been horrific. I am thankful that Life’s heart will continue to beat, Life’s lungs will continue to develop, Life’s cells will reproduce, and what a story…a testimony that Life will hear one day. Faith is restored. Life will continue to live. God has a plan for Life’s life. I can’t wait for Life to grow up in the ways of the Lord. I believe. Praise God!
Now…enjoy a few pictures of our Easter Day… Peace.
Why I Celebrate Easter
Posted: Sunday, April 8, 2012 Filed under: 2k12 | Tags: Celebrate, easter, He is Risen!, holidays, Resurrection Sunday Comments Off on Why I Celebrate Easter
Happy Easter!
Posted: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 Filed under: 2k12 | Tags: brunch, church, easter, easter egg hunt, family, missional, pancakes Comments Off on Happy Easter!Everyone is dressed up wearing their new easter frock and heading to church, and that’s not your deal.
Maybe getting dressed up and heading to church on Easter IS your deal…and you can’t imagine Easter without heading into church like you do every week.
Or…maybe this is one of your 2 visits a year. You go ’cause your parents want you to. Or out of guilt.
We don’t care. Come hang out with us. Come as you are. Shorts, Jeans, Dresses, Suits. It doesn’t matter, as long as you wear something! 🙂 We just love to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus with our friends and family.
Lou-Dawg’s Cafe will be open serving Pancakes and Egg/Turkey Sausage Casserole. It would be great if you brought something with you…fruit, cooked bacon/sausage, juice, etc…but it’s not required.
Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 1pm for the kiddos.
Please RSVP by Good Friday, 4/6/2012.
Fill in the Blanks
Posted: Saturday, March 31, 2012 Filed under: 2k12 | Tags: easter, Follow me, Good Friday, Holy Week, Luke 9:23, Palm Sunday, Take up your cross Comments Off on Fill in the Blanks
As we approach this Holy Week….
Palm Sunday – Jesus’ Triumphal Entry
Maundy Thursday – Celebrated with Foot Washing and the Last Supper
Good Friday – Crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the Cross for our Sins
We wait 3 days until…..
Easter – Jesus is Risen! Risen Indeed!
Think on this…
Jesus Christ said:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 NIV
Consider these questions…
How can I be sure I would lay down my life to be a disciple of Jesus? What keeps me from doing what God has called me to do? What gets in the way?
Then…fill in the blanks…
If I’m not willing to _________ so that I can _________ ….
I can be equally sure that I won’t give up my life.
I would love to hear what you come up with, if you feel like sharing.
This is OUR City!
Posted: Friday, March 30, 2012 Filed under: 2k12 | Tags: Andy Crouch, Christianity Today, RVA, stories, This is Our City Comments Off on This is OUR City!
Last night we had the great pleasure of attending the “This Is Our City” launch at Northminster Church in the Northside of Richmond, VA. Hosted by Andy Crouch and the team behind the project, the event had about 3o0+ local people in attendance. Richmond is the 2nd city of 6 to be revealed in Christianity Today magazine covering “Christians contributing to the flourishing” of their city. Special guests included some of my friends and co-laborers Erik Bonkovsky, Brian Gullins, Corey Widmer, Amy Popovich and Danny Avula. Alex Mejias, David Bailey and others provided an awesome multi-cultural musical performance as well. You couldn’t help but feel energized and enthusiastic when you left.
These stories are just the beginning. The featured stories are those who in recent years have benefited our city. However, I also know that there are many more out there! Especially stories of the people who have been living in and serving our city for DECADES! There are many who have gone before us who have been living and toiling in our city going virtually unnoticed and unrecognized. They haven’t been brought on a stage to talk about their work, but they are people who make a HUGE difference in the daily lives of the community. Some refer to them as ‘remainers’. Others call them ‘historical neighbors’. They are agents of God whose presence was here long before I (or any of my friends) moved into the city. I challenge us to find them…celebrate them…encourage them…thank them….talk about them. If you know someone who has been living in, loving and serving our city in the name of Jesus for a long time, let’s get busy.
There are 3 different ways we can get their story told…
1 – Reply in the comment section below. I will get the information to the team. 2 – Submit your story at this link… This is Our City Stories 3 – Email the story to connect@thisisourcity.org.I praise God for the opportunity to serve Him in my neighborhood and my beloved city, Richmond. May God and only God be glorified in all that we do! Enjoy some pictures from last night’s festive gathering.
Miss Marti's House 