From Jail to Jobs!
Posted: Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Filed under: 2k15 | Tags: jails, joblessness, Jobs, Jobs for Life, Richmond, RVA Comments Off on From Jail to Jobs!Yesterday we entered into the City of Richmond Jail (RCJC) to provide a biblically based, Christ-centered job skills training program called Jobs for Life. We could NOT be MORE THRILLED!!!!!! God is on the move!!!! (Could I use any more capital letters or exclamation points???? or question marks???) There’s room for LOTS of help from LOTS of people! Keep reading for how YOU can help!!! The participants are Leaders in the REAL (Realizing Everyday Addictions in our Lives) Program.
Why are jobs important? Because it gives a person DIGNITY!
The church does a lot to help alleviate poverty…
But little do anything to focus on work. Imagine if…
We would giving people their dignity back, and they could buy their own food, clothing, and more! Imagine that. Communities, families, schools, and loves would be transformed! Yes. and Amen.
So, are you ready to be a part of this? It’s going to take time…and sacrifice. Obedience is the best sacrifice. So, pray about it. If you hear a yes and amen… Contact us below!
The Jobs for Life RCJC Team will include the following key support functions in its leadership team working in partnership with RCJC staff and residents/peer leaders. We are in need of Champions and Instructors! Classes are held every Monday 4:30-6:30 (4:15 arrival) and Thursday 5-6:45- (4:45 arrival).
- Co-Site/Champion Leader: Marti Williams
- Recruits, trains, directs and encourages a team of Champions (mentors); reviews student progress reports and coordinates post graduation Champion/Graduate support.
- WE WILL NEED 5-10 more Male Champions (Mentors) for our first class of 9 men. Champions help support and encourage the participants and help lead small group discussions.
- Recruits, trains, directs and encourages a team of Champions (mentors); reviews student progress reports and coordinates post graduation Champion/Graduate support.
- Co-Site/Instructor Leader: John Kirwan
- Teach and facilitate the Jobs for Life Curriculum in a caring, creative approach to set the stage for learning and to create an atmosphere for student interaction and participation; consistently role models what is expected of students; works with small Group Discussion Leaders and Champions to ensure that students are learning and applyingJfL principles; helps every student move closer toJfL Graduation.
- WE WILL NEED Male and Female Instructors and guest speakers. Instructors can commit to facilitating to 1-4 (or more!) classes. Faciliator’s guide is provided.
- Teach and facilitate the Jobs for Life Curriculum in a caring, creative approach to set the stage for learning and to create an atmosphere for student interaction and participation; consistently role models what is expected of students; works with small Group Discussion Leaders and Champions to ensure that students are learning and applyingJfL principles; helps every student move closer toJfL Graduation.
- Another way to help…Snacks
- If you ever have known someone in jail, you will know that food is very sparse and commissary is VERY expensive. One way we can help encourage the guys is to provide yummy snacks and drinks! Last night, they had soda for the first time in a very long time! And you can assist us in providing them! Snacks need to be finger foods (no utensils required); and Drinks need to be in 2 liter bottles – NO Cans!) Favorite snacks include: Pepsi, Baby Ruth (or any candy, for that matter!), Cheese Popcorn, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Nacho Cheese Doritos, Tortilla Chips and Queso, BBQ Chips, and all kinds of fruit!
Are you game to help someone go from Jail to a Job? If so, ask God about it. Then, contact us, if, and only if, you hear a Yes from Father God. Complete form below and submit it. We will be in touch soon!
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Side note:
One of our JfL participants, Terrence, will be seen on This Life With Lisa Ling on Wednesday, 10/21 at 9pm. And Aziz, who was recently released will be on Steve Harvey Show Tuesday, 10/20 at 4pm. Watch them both!
RVA: Under Construction – Jen Hatmaker Speaks
Posted: Friday, May 16, 2014 Filed under: 2k14 | Tags: Jen Hatmaker, John 1:14, mission, Richmond, RVA, St Giles 1 Comment 
presents
Jen Hatmaker Speaks…
RVA: UNDER CONSTRUCTION
METRO Richmond, VA is under construction!
WE, the Church, are being called to rebuild it by fulfilling the mission Jesus gave us:
Love God. Love Neighbor.
Make Disciples who Make Disciples.
Join us in welcoming Jen Hatmaker, as 700+ attendees will hear Jen speak and discuss what it means to live on that mission as an individual, as a small group or family, and as a church! Jen’s message is NOT just for women only! GUYS – You are welcomed and encouraged!!! Although many of her books are geared toward women, her message is for everyone who is part of the body of Christ in RVA: men, women, church leaders, young adults, singles and parents!
Location:
St. Giles Presbyterian Church 5200 Grove Avenue Richmond, VA 23226Weekend Schedule:
Friday 8/15 6-9:30pm
Saturday 8/16 8:30a – 1p
Saturday “Un-conference” – Attendees are encouraged to continue the dialogue following the event with new friends and old by joining them for lunch at various places throughout Richmond. More information will be provided as the date approaches.
Who is Jen Hatmaker?
Jen Hatmaker and her husband, Brandon, live in Austin, TX where they lead Austin New Church and raise their brood. They pioneered Restore Austin, connecting churches to local and global nonprofits for the spiritual and social renewal of Austin and beyond. She is the author of nine books and Bible studies, including Interrupted and 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess. Jen and Brandon have five children ~ Gavin, Sydney, Caleb; and in 2010 they added Ben and Remy from Ethiopia.
What is Into The Neighborhood?
Into The Neighborhood is a newly formed nonprofit Christ-centered ministry, founded by Louis and Marti Williams, based on scripture:
The Word became flesh…and moved into the neighborhood. John 1:14 (MSG)
For more information, click here > Into The Neighborhood.
Where can I get tickets?
Please Note: Early Bird Prices are available through May 31, 2014. Prices won’t be this low again, and numbers are limited.
Where can I get information about sponsorship?
If you are interested in a sponsorship package please contact Marti below.
We are super excited about seeing you at St. Giles on August 15-16 and are praying for all attendees..
This. Here.
Posted: Sunday, April 13, 2014 Filed under: 2k14 | Tags: easter, Easter Bunny, easter egg hunt, friends, Jesus, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights 1 CommentWhat a terrific day for an Easter Egg Hunt!
WHY, you ask?
This. Here.
Sun Shining! Birds chirping! Kids laughing! Candy! Cupcakes! Friends! Games! Bunny!
WOO! HOO!
We started the morning by playing a game similar to an old school Cake Walk, while we waited for everyone to arrive. Old friends and new streamed in throughout the morning. It’s always so good to see old friends and make new ones on days like this. LOVE IT!
Photo Cred: Rachel Loughlin
Shortly after the Easter Bunny arrived, we had a photo shoot on the front porch. People typically keep the photos digitally these days, right? I still like my old school prints, and I have learned that the kids LOVE to have their own photos. So, we will now print out pictures for the kids to have their own photos.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a good shot of everyone??? 🙂
After sitting still for so long, the kids were ready to go on an Egg Hunt!
Once all the eggs were found or at least we think so anyway (Bella will probably find one in the next week.), we paused to hear the Good News story of Easter, as told through Resurrection Eggs. Cherie and Ashley did an OUTSTANDING job!
And a party just wouldn’t be the same without the sweet treats…cupcakes, donuts, lemonade!
Louis and I so appreciate the donations that allow us to be able to do this. For the pictures, the candy, the prizes, cupcakes, donuts and more! For the folks that pitched in to help…we thank you…IMMENSELY. We are grateful for the quiet time of chillin’ with sweet friends afterwards. Although we don’t see them often, we thank God for the gift of our spiritual family and friends. And time to relax and catch up…picking up where we left off last…although the baby is now a toddler who walks, talks, climbs and giggles.
If you wonder why we celebrate Easter…Resurrection Day, it’s not because of the yummy chocolate candy, the good food or even the good fellowship.
We love to celebrate Easter with old friends and new.
Why, you ask?
This. Here.
We were created by a loving God to be in relationship with Him.
But we sinned and cut ourselves off from Him.
In His great love,
God became man in Jesus,
who lived a perfect life,
and died on the cross.
He rose again from the dead.
He calls us to trust in Him alone. If we trust in Christ,
we live a new life
and have renewed our relationship with God again.
This is why we celebrate Easter…
because Jesus lives.
Choosing Love
Posted: Saturday, April 12, 2014 Filed under: 2k14 | Tags: acts of kindness, driveby, Easter Bunny, joy, Richmond, RVA, Southern Tip of Highland Park 1 CommentLast week we came up with the idea that we would do some drive-by joy instead of the drive-by shootings that have happened in our community quite a bit lately. You can read about that adventure and more here >> Easter Fun! Thanks for responding!!! You totally answered our plea! Exceeded our expectations! And WOW…are we sooo grateful! Thank you for your generous investment in our ministry and lives!!! You are the BEST friends EVER!
The Easter Bunny and a few neighborhood kids, and I toured the Northside yesterday afternoon…Southern Barton Heights, the Southern Tip of Highland Park, Brookland Park Boulevard, and parts of Battery Park. We greeted people with “Happy Easter!” while giving out candy and smiles to all we saw along the way. We even caused a small traffic jam a couple of times too. OOPS! What a blast!!!
We were greeted with joy, laughter, and smiles. Photos were taken. Fun was had. Candy given out and eaten. We stopped to treat a guy who was walking down Dove Street. He was filled with joy unspeakable. I wish I had gotten his name…knew who he was. But, we gave him joy in the form of candy, and he said “One good turn deserves another. Let me see what I might have to give you.” He presented us with a selection of rings to choose from. These are the ones we chose. His parting words were… “God bless you. Pay it forward!” And…we are. God bless you, too….new friend. God bless you, too.
Ya know, as I pause to look at the picture… to really reflect on my life. As I reflect on this picture…of one White/Caucasian hand among 3 Black/AfricanAmerican hands. I think about all the hate that’s out there. A lot of fear. But, as we approach Easter in another week, I am really reflecting on the cross. Jesus chose to LOVE when he chose to relocate from heaven to earth. He chose love when He died on that cross for our sins.
When I reflected on that picture, I realize that I chose my ring well yesterday..because I chose LOVE on my ring, and I want to choose to LOVE in my life. I really want to choose LOVE every minute of every day. Sometimes, it’s so much easier to hate….with my words, my thoughts and my actions. But, one that I know is that LOVE is a choice. And I want to choose LOVE at all times.
John 3:16-17 (NLT)
16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
Side note: Let us know if you want to join us on one of our drive-bys! Happy to have the company!
Front Porch Challenge – Need Some Help!
Posted: Friday, April 5, 2013 Filed under: 2k13 | Tags: community, front porch, missional, Northside, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights 2 CommentsLouis and I undoubtedly have THE. BEST. wrap-around front porch ever. Best view of the best neighborhood. EVER. Now that the weather has warmed up, we will find ourselves out there every chance we can get. We refer to it as our front porch ministry. Since we live at an intersection with quite a bit of foot traffic, we get to meet a ton of our neighbors just by sitting outside chillin’ with a drink in hand greeting our friends and neighbors. Sometimes we have music…and Louis and I have been known to dance as well. 🙂 We have created a ton of a unforgettable memories of on that porch as well.
We also have the happiest, best dogs ever. Bella and Wesley love the porch just as much as we do, and we LOVE to have them with us. Wesley, the nearly 15 year old black lab, is not our worry. Bella, the 8-9 year old almost chocolate lab, might as well be 2. With all the feral cats around, she will bound off the porch before you know it, which doesn’t make for a very peaceful night when we are constantly saying…No, Bella. And we find ourselves a bit more stressed than we need to be.
So, here’s the challenge. Note in the pictures below the set up of our porch. We need a creative, tasteful, inexpensive, simple, portable, easy-to-store, way to contain the dogs on the porch while we are out there. You might say…simple! Get a leash. Well…not so simple. Bella will chew through it in about 10 seconds flat – which won’t end up being very inexpensive after we replace it over and over again.
So, any ideas???
happiest best dogs ever
the entrance – steps
across the street
from the front to the left
from the front to the right
from the side
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! 🙂
Back-to-School Prayer Service – Hope You Can Come!
Posted: Wednesday, September 7, 2011 Filed under: 2k11 | Tags: Back to School, Commonwealth Chapel, prayer, Richmond, RVA Comments Off on Back-to-School Prayer Service – Hope You Can Come!
Northside Back to School Community Day
Posted: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 Filed under: 2k11 | Tags: Back to School, Community Day, Flying Squirrels, Neighborhood Housing Services, Northside, Nutzy, Richmond Comments Off on Northside Back to School Community Day
Reminder! CCDA Cafe
Posted: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 Filed under: 2k11 | Tags: Cafe, CCDA, Christian Community Development, East End Fellowship, Making a Melody, Richmond, RVA Comments Off on Reminder! CCDA CafeJust a quick reminder: CCDA Cafe tomorrow, Wednesday, June 30 at 6:30p. Hope to see you there! Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Thanks!
PLEASE NOTE:
Due to an unexpected response, we have obtained a larger location. What a wonderful problem to solve! I could not be more thrilled. Thanks to Northminster for letting us use your space! New .pdf is located below.
New Location:
Northminster Church 3121 Moss Side AvenueRichmond, VA 23222
If you want this doc in a .pdf format, check this link – CCDA Cafe Richmond Flyer – New Location.
Is Richmond Important to God?
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Filed under: 2k11 | Tags: 2010, cape town, city, contextual, Diversity, Lausanne Movement, missional, Richmond, Tim Keller, urban mission Comments Off on Is Richmond Important to God?Take a listen…and see how God answers this question as He speaks through Tim Keller. You know….there is nothing else I can say or add to this video at this time. I probably need to listen to it about 100 more times to fully comprehend what God is saying to me through Tim Keller during this short (about 17 minutes) video. Thankfully there is a related white paper for the Lausanne Movement in Cape Town 2010 available here. As I head out to the hair salon in a couple of minutes, I will take the paper version to read, re-read and highlight. And pray expectantly…that I hear more from the Lord as I do.
What is God’s Global Urban Mission? from Redeemer City to City on Vimeo.
Miss Marti's House 
