Streets – Neighborhood Church

What would heaven look like here, in our neighbourhood?
That’s a question that Joe and Heidi White in Fresno, CA considered as they invited neighbours around to find out what they wanted for their neighbourhood.
They called it a Tournament of Wants –
and the winners were street safety and a community park.

So they hosted a play street event.
A block-party-plus!
They shut down the entire street and invited vendors who would contribute to the health and safety of the neighbourhood.
The city councillors and other government officials attended.
They explored things like painted intersections and speed bumps.
Anything that would promote safe streets for their neighbours.
It was a carnival in the streets – and at the same time, holy ground.

Zechariah 8 says:
This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain… Old men and old women will again sit along the streets of Jerusalem, each with a staff in hand because of great age.
And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there.

The mission of God includes safe streets for our children.
Isn’t this a great way to declare the name of Jesus and His desire for this world?

Photo credits: Unspash (Kenny Eliason)

Streets – Neighborhood Church