Every third Sunday the church we are part of does a "listen, learn, and serve." It means we don't have a normal Sunday worship service, but instead we gather together to somehow... listen, learn, or serve.
This past week was the first one we have participated in. It was a prayer walk. And it was good.
We met together in our usual gathering space (the third floor of another church), and went over logistics for the day. I'm guessing there were maybe 35-50 people of all ages (a lot of teen and pre-teen), and we walked together to four places in downtown Fort Wayne. It took just over an hour.
When we got to each location, we merely stood in the parking lot or somewhere off to the side, and someone read the following 'Vision & Prayer' for the group:
With our feet on the ground, we open our hearts to the voice, significance, and calling on this particular place. With eyes and ears curious and attentive to this location and it's influence on our city, we stand in solidarity with God's desire and mission for justice, grace, and peace.
In this place, may hope and health increase.
In this place, may a longing for goodness and growth abound.
In this place, may all be moved to experience and witness the unfolding of the Kingdom of God.
We were then to ponder (and briefly discuss) the following at each location:
The Rescue Mission:
Take a few moments of silence as you imagine the hundreds of people who receive aid and care in this place each week. Is there a time when you or someone close to you was badly in need of support? What made a difference?
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge:
Take a few moments of silence as you read the quotes along the bridge. Is there a message or idea that feels particularly pressing or needed in this season?
Allen County Jail:
Take a few moments of silence as you wonder about the 500-600 people who currently exist within crammed and dehumanizing spaces inside this facility. How might we begin to imagine and expect an entirely new system designed around rehabilitation, restorative justice, and mental health?
Promenade Park/Condos:
Take a few moments of appreciation for a park that has been very successful in bringing a diverse set of people together in the heart of the city. Also, take a few moments to consider the influence and opportunity of a surging influx of people living nearby. How might we facilitate and protect spaces where all people feel welcome and safe?
I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found the experience fairly moving. Especially outside the jail, where we could hear some of the prisoner in the "yard" (where they can see nothing but sky because it is brick except for the very top, which is wire). Being 'present' in each of these places did seem to have an impact on me. I'm glad we went.
1 comment:
I thought it was a really good experience, too. It was such an abrupt contrast to go from the jail to Promenade. I wondered if there was anyone sitting on their balcony listening to what Josh said.
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