Change of Date: Waiting for ‘Superman’

Posted: Saturday, May 21, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: 2k11 | Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Change of Date: Waiting for ‘Superman’

Please note the change of date due to illness…..

“WAITING FOR “SUPERMAN” is a film that we made for and about kids who are struggling to get a great education and their parents who are doing everything they can to ensure that they get it. As you know, this is a dauntingly complex problem. There are many factors that led to the current state of our nation’s education system and there are many ways to put it back on the path to success. Reform will look different in each community, and it will take a variety of actions at all levels of society to make lasting change.”

Davis Guggenheim, Director and Lesley Chilcott, Producer

You are invited to view and discuss this documentary at our home.  Let’s talk about how we can make a difference in the lives of the kids in our community.  Here’s the 411:

Saturday, May 21st   Saturday, June 25

6pm – 9pm

Miss Marti’s House
2101 Barton Ave

Contact:  Shonda Harris-Muhammed
foxinthebox1908@comcast.net

Look forward to seeing you!  Remember to RSVP to my friend and neighbor, Shonda Harris-Muhammed at the email address above.

Happy 3rd Anniversary, Frank!

Posted: Thursday, January 27, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: 2k11, Frank, Northside Missional Community | Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Happy 3rd Anniversary, Frank!

WOW!  It’s been a while since I have allowed myself to think about the night 3 years ago when Frank was shot outside my back door in Southern Barton Heights!  If you are new to the blog, or haven’t heard the story before…take a look at this string of posts telling the story of Frank (click his name…then scroll to the bottom and click “older entries” to go to the first blog post.  Be sure to go back to the first post…and read backwards so you get the story in order.) I take a few moments each year on January 27th to really think through the events leading up to that night and the events following it.  This is the first year, however, that I can read back through it on  y blog.

Can I just say it?…GOD IS GOOD!!!  Respond with me…  ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!  Vicky and I had a short conversation on FB a few minutes ago where she said…”That story still makes me cry.”  You know…it makes me cry, too.  Tons of emotion going on.  I don’t even know where to start!  And…I cried.  I give glory to God.  I’m humbled.  I’m grateful.  I’m amazed.  I’m encouraged.

Tonight, we had our weekly Missional Community where we studied the story of the Fishes and the Loaves.  One of the things I really get from that miracle is how Jesus took something really small…a boy’s basket of 5 loaves and 2 fishes…and fed over 5000 hungry people!!!!  Is that not crazy?  That the Lord could take something so small…and perform a miracle?  He just needed a willing participant, the boy offering his bread and fish.  That’s the way I feel about the night Frank got shot.  Louis and I had little-to-no first aid training.  Little-to-no experience in treating traumas.  But, you know….we didn’t need it.  We had the Holy Spirit…and that is all we needed….and a willingness to go.  Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

So now, I wonder…what “fishes and loaves” am I holding on to and not sharing?  What am I NOT willing to offer up to the Lord to use to bring Him glory because I think that I don’t have enough experience, enough education/knowledge, enough money, enough time, enough training, enough…fill in the blank with any obstacle/excuse you can think of?  It’s time to step out in trust and faith and let God be God…because I can NEVER have enough of anything.  The best thing I can do is get out of the way.  Zechariah 4:6b says, “…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.”  I can’t work hard enough, smart enough, efficient enough.  I can’t get enough education, time, money, etc. to do what God does.  It is NOT by my might, power, brains, money, common sense, education, scheduling, etc. but by HIS Spirit!

Louis and I could NOT have arranged that night even if we had tried, but God knew where we needed to be and when.  So…I’m going to step out in that faith, trust and obedience.  Give what I have.  Give what He has given me.  I’ll do it from one-day to the next and let God be God…and give HIM all the glory!  Amen?

So, Happy 3rd Anniversary, Frank!  To new beginnings!  To your new life!  Love you and thankful that God brought us together!  Can’t wait to see your face again!  To God Almighty be the glory!

Gathering of Northside (Sinners and) Saints

Posted: Saturday, January 15, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: 2k11, Northside Gathering | Tags: , , , , | Comments Off on Gathering of Northside (Sinners and) Saints

We are thrilled that our gathering of Northside Saints continues!

The Spirit’s presence was upon us as we prayed for the city… specifically for the Northside of Richmond, VA last Sunday, January 9th.  We spent time talking about our God-given visions for the Northside.  Then, we went into a sweet, powerful time of prayer.

Although the weekly gathering remains somewhat intimate, we would have quite the crowd if everyone showed up!  The numbers who frequent are growing with new first-timers coming each month!  But, ya’ know…it only takes 2 or 3 to gather together as Christ-followers.  And He showed up!

Here are our prayer requests for January -> -> ->

Matthew 18:19-20 NLT ~ Holy Bible

19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

If you live in or serve the Northside, please consider joining us for future gatherings.  We’d love to have you! The list of future gatherings is below or you can print it here…Flyer – February.


Weekly Thursday Gathering

Posted: Thursday, December 23, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: 2k11, Northside Missional Community | Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Weekly Thursday Gathering

I just love our weekly gathering.  Some would call it a small group….others….a bible study….more might call it a missional community or a life group.  Whatever you want to call it…I LOVE it!  It started as a group of people from Commonwealth Chapel who met together for what we call Missional Community…where we did fellowship, read the Bible and prayed together.  In addition…we would do things to meet the needs of our community.  In this case, Southern Barton Heights.

So here we are…a couple of years later…and our group now consists of mainly our friends from the community…and just a couple of people from church.  We experience real life together.  We have gone through really hard things together…unemployment, drug and alcohol addictions, family “stuff”…and we have gone through the good things as well…employment!  New cars!  Sobriety!  New people and friends!  New homes!  I can’t imagine life without my Thursday night gathering of friends…my Spiritual Family, who encourage me from one day to the next, who call me out when I’m not being real, who love me even when I mess up!  I could go on and on!

We meet every Thursday night from 6-8pm.  Or…something like 8pm.  We are guilty of going til 8:30 or later…becasue we enjoy each other so much.  But, people are free to scoot if they need to.  If you want to come…and join us in real talk…real life….and learn about Jesus…we welcome you!  We eat together (covered dish style) at 6-7p…while we also talk about what is happening in our lives.  Then, we spend time talking about what God has to say to us through the Word…also known as the Bible.  We close with some prayer…for our concerns, our community, and our city.

Starting the first week of January, we will be talking through the Seven Signs in John. Come and  join us and bring a friend!

….more blessed to give than receive.

Posted: Thursday, December 16, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: 2k10, Community Announcements | Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments Off on ….more blessed to give than receive.

Today in SBH

Although I am often reminded of Richmond’s homeless population, when it is below freezing, windy and snowing outside…I am REALLY reminded of them….and my heart breaks. According to the July 2010 research data provided by a local organization, Homeward, that works to prevent and end homelessness:

  • 73.9% of adults are males, 25.9% are females, and .2% are transgendered. Most homeless persons are single, never married adults (52.6%). 6.4% are married, and 47.4% of people
  • experiencing homelessness are or have been in families, including those who are married, as well as those who are separated, widowed, or divorced.
  • 10.9% of homeless persons have children living with them.
  • A majority of persons report that they are African-American (60.6%), followed by White (31.6%).  4.1% indicated that they are Hispanic.
  • The average age for adults is 43.7 years.
  • 54.5% have just a high school education or GED. 22.4% attended some college, and 6.9% have a college degree or higher.
  • 18.2% are veterans.

There is a lot of great work currently taking place to meet the needs of the homeless in Richmond at an organizational level.  But, I was recently inspired by 2 new friends (Mary and Jordan Niermeyer) this fall.  They moved in not too far from me 9 months ago, but I just met them a couple of months ago. Each year Mary and Jordan put together ziploc bags for the homeless, but this year, they opted to invite their friends to join them.  In lieu of a housewarming party, they asked their friends to bring items that would help them build a bunch of bags to hand out.  These bags consist of a piece of fruit, water bottle, crackers, granola bars, personal items, hand warmers, a couple of sweet treats, etc.  In addition, we also included a list of resources for them to use.  What a selfless, inspirational act!

So…today…it’s really really cold and snowing…and our homeless friends come to mind.  A local church, West End Assembly of God (WEAG), recently gave me 50 bags with similar items…chapstick, crackers, soap, etc.  But, I’d like to add a few more items to what is already there.  I would love and NEED your help!  If you or anyone you know would be interested in contributing, bring your items by the house…stuff a few bags then, take some with you!  These are the items that we need (#s vary because we have already received some contributions):

  • 50 pairs of gloves
  • 45 stocking caps
  • 35 pairs of socks (both men and women)
  • 50 bottles of water
  • 45 hand warmers

Thanks to you for giving!  And…special shout out to Mary and Jordan for inspiring me!  And to WEAG for getting me started!

Maybe this will inspire you as well!  Grab your friends, family, children and make up some bags…and the next time you see a homeless person or someone in need, offer them a smile and a bag.  In the Holy Bible, Paul reminds us in Acts 20:35b…

…You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus:

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

May you be blessed abundantly as you give!  Joy to the World!

If you can supply some of our needs or have questions, please reply below!  Thanks!

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Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Posted: Sunday, December 12, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: 2k10, Community Announcements | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Happy Birthday, Jesus!

 

YOU ARE INVITED!

 

 

Wanna Help?

Posted: Wednesday, December 8, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Wanna Help?

A number of people have contacted me recently wanting to know where we stand…are we a non-profit…how can they give to the work that we are doing in Southern Barton Heights, etc.  So, this is a quick post to explain.

Louis and I are still doing our due diligence on the whole non-profit thing.  Is it better to set up our own non-profit? continue to flow money they way that we have been? partner with another non-profit?  We haven’t landed on exactly what we are going to do just yet.  BUT, we would love to utilize any gifts or donations you would like to send our way. 

So, in the meantime…if you would like to make an end-of-the-year (actually we will take your gifts anytime of the year!!!) tax deductible donation, please write a check to my church, Commonwealth Chapel (placing m2h in the memo portion) and send it to:

Commonwealth Chapel
1836 Park Ave
Richmond, VA 23220

 

Your gift will be used to meet the needs of the community, provide resources for the neighborhood kids, single moms, homeless, etc.  In addition, we are looking to partner with Jobs for Life next year to provide job skills training to youth and the un- and under-employed adults.  A lot is in the works!

Louis and I thank you for reading and for your support!  We are looking forward to what the future has to hold!  If you want to stay up-to-date on what’s happening…be sure to subscribe for updates by providing your email to the right!

Joy to the World and Peace on Earth!

Marti and Louis

“Helping Neighbors Build Communities” Contest

Posted: Monday, October 4, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: 2k10, Community Announcements | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

LISC Virginia (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) is celebrating their 20th anniversary by inviting young photographers (ages 12-18) to submit original photos!  An anonymous donor is providing disposable digital cameras to Miss Marti’s House for 20-30 Northside youth to participate in this contest. For a printable version, click LISC Photo Contest!  Please contact me if you are interested!  See more details below!

logo LISC Virginia’s
20th Anniversary Photo Contest
“Helping Neighbors Build Communities”
To celebrate 20 years of “Supporting Revitalization of Local Neighborhoods,” LISC is inviting young photographers ages 12-18 to submit original photos taken in their neighborhood that best represent the tagline, “Helping Neighbors Build Communities.”Eligible Participants

Students ages 12-18 who live in one of LISC’s five neighborhoods, including Battersea and Halifax in Petersburg; and Northside, Southside and Greater Fulton in Richmond.

Prizes

GRAND PRIZE (sponsored by CRT/tanaka): • iPod Touch
For Each Neighborhood: • 1st place: $50 gift certificate • 2nd place: $25 gift certificate

Winners of the photo contest also will be featured on Richmond.com.
Be sure to share this contest with friends and family who may be interested in participating!
Photo entries are due Friday, October 15 before 4:30 p.m.
Late entries will not be considered. Click here for contest information and rules.
CRT/tanaka Thanks to CRT/tanaka Public Relations and Marketing for sponsoring our Grand Prize.

Submissions Due: Before 4:30 p.m. October 15, 2010. Late entries will not be accepted.

Rules:

  • Participants must submit their photos via our website. Any photos mailed in will not be accepted. Enter Contest Now!
  • You may submit up to 3 photos.
  • All photos submitted must be unedited and taken by you. Cropped photos are allowed.
  • File format of all photos must be jpg or jpeg.
  • All photos must be 3 megabytes or smaller.
  • All photos must have a title.
  • You have 400 characters or less to tell us why you took the photo and how it represents, ‘Helping Neighbors Build Communities’.
  • If your photo includes people, you must mail a Personal Release Form for each person within 7 days of your photo submission.
    Mail Personal Release Forms to::

    Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
    Attn: Frances D. Stanley – Photo Contest
    413 Stuart Circle, Suite 300
    Richmond, Virginia 23220

    Any person appearing in your photo under the age of 18 must have the Personal Release Form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
    Check here to download the Personal Release Form. Personal Release Form

  • Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Prizes:

Grand Prize: iPod Touch – sponsored by CRT-tanka

From each Targeted Area

  • Grand Prize: iPod Touch – sponsored by CRT-tanka  
  • From each Targeted Area
    • 1st Place: $50 Gift certificate
    • 2nd Place: $25 Gift certificate

Winners of the photo contest will be interviewed by Richmond.com. Richmond.com

Questions? Please contact Frances Stanley (804) 358-7602 ext 13.

Northside (Sinners and) Saints Gathering

Posted: Sunday, September 26, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: 2k10, Northside Gathering, One Church. One Richmond. | Tags: , , , , , | 2 Comments

Today, we had our first gathering of Christ-followers in the Northside, and we look forward to meeting again!  It was a blessed afternoon in the presence of the Lord.  Thanks to All Souls Presbyterian for hosting us. And..thanks to everyone who attended and helped out!  For more info on our gathering, read Gathering of Northside Saints.

There was a diverse group of 30 people present…from 16 different churches, with no more than 2-3 families/individuals from any one church. People responded to email invitations, phone calls, invitations mailed to the local churches, from the blog post and from Facebook.  Most live in the community, although several attend church or serve the community through ministries.

Many of us didn’t know each other.  After a short welcome and opening prayer, we spent some time getting to know one another through a normal icebreaker.

  • Find 3 people who you haven’t met before and get their name, neighborhood and why they came.
  • Find 3 people to finish these 2 sentences…”Our God can….” and “Our community can….”
  • Find 3 people to learn 2 things you have in common.  Needless to say….it got kinda noisy and energetic….but it was FUN!!!

Then, we broke up into small groups of 6 people and discussed the following questions.

  • What has God been doing in Northside? How have you seen God at work in Northside?
  • How has the Lord been at work on your street?
  • What has God been saying to you? What has scriptures been speaking to you?
  • What should we be praying/interceding for?

Lastly, we spent time in prayer for the local church, the community, new ministries, etc. A lot of good stuff came out of our time together; and we hope to do this more often – on a monthly basis.  Please join us in praying for the Northside of Richmond!

Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done.                             On Earth as it is in Heaven.

To God be the Glory!

(The rest of the summary and future gathering dates will be forthcoming. If you are interested in being a part of future gatherings, be sure to let me know.)


Gathering of Northside Saints

Posted: Sunday, September 26, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: 2k10, Community Announcements | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Repost…

It’s not too late to attend….RSVP not required!

There’s no doubt that God is moving in Northside of Richmond, VA, and it’s so exciting to hear and see what He is doing!  You are invited to a Gathering of Northside Saints to….

1 – Fellowship – get to know one another
2 – Learn – to hear what the Lord is doing in our community
3 – Share – to encourage one another
4 – Pray – to lift up the needs of our community and to glorify and worship the Lord.

We hope to see you….

Sunday, September 26th at 3pm

All Souls Presbyterian Church
19 Overbrook Road
Richmond, VA 23222
(enter on the Miller Avenue side entrance)

We would appreciate an RSVP to missmartishouse[at]me[dot]com by 9/25, so we can be prepared with a headcount.  Please be sure to include the following information…

  • Names attending
  • Contact information like – email addresses/phone numbers
  • Willingness to volunteer

In the meantime, be praying for our community and our gathering.  In addition, be sure to invite other Northside Saints to attend!

May the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you!

Blessings, Marti

Marti Williams
www.missmartishouse.com
loving God and others in Southern Barton Heights; Richmond, VA

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