New Around the Mission
Come and See
April 28, 2011
Fostering relationships in the neighborhood of Baker is forefront in the minds of church planters Rob Paris, Lead Pastor, and Clint Wilson, Associate Pastor, as they lead Church of the Advent in Denver, Colorado. Their outward focus and hospitable spirit shines through their “Come and See” events and introduces them to the community.
“Our neighborhood is incredibly diverse. Traditional methods of making our presence known, like mass mailings, would not be received well,” explains Clint.
Advent held initial preview services at Wellspring Anglican in Englewood, and then officially launched on February 11, 2011, at Mi Casa in the Baker neighborhood. Mi Casa is a non-profit community center and auditorium serving the Latino community, at-risk youth and the unemployed. The multi-purpose building also provides office space for a number of non-profit tenants.
Last month, 40 people turned out for a complimentary luncheon hosted by Advent at Mi Casa, a first time event bringing employees and tenants together.
“We thought we might have 10 people show up to take a free lunch back to their office,” reports Clint. “They stayed around to talk and kept saying how awesome it was.”
The luncheon generated meetings with several individuals, a newcomer’s attending Wednesday afternoon prayer and potential partnerships with non-profits to maximize efforts to serve the community. But connections extend beyond the walls of Mi Casa.
Food and prayer, common denominators in “Come and See” events, take prayer walkers to local parks for potluck meals and outdoor fun with residents. Following a pancake breakfast on Palm Sunday, a crowd waving palms walked and prayed over a six-block area, attracting the attention of one of Clint’s own neighbors. Reminded of the significance of the day, this neighbor showed up for Advent’s worship service for the first time.
While the church revels in new opportunities to meet and minister to newcomers, they also rejoice in three baptisms since their launch – a sign of new life sprouting from seeds planted along the way.
Visit the website of Church of the Advent for more information.
Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
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