• Please continue to pray for God's leading as we seek ways to both create opportunities for fellowship as well as opportunities to deepen existing relationships
• Please pray that God paves the way for additional site team members here at Stonecreek.
• Andrea Lowe, who many of you met at the BBQ, is interested in relocating here from Virginia but needs to solidify employment before she makes the move.  Please keep her in your prayers as she is seeking God's direction in what is next.
• I have talked to two residents here in the past week that have pending surgeries.  I know they are representative of many more here struggling with health issues.  Please pray for the health of our neighbors here, many of whom are without insurance.

Jennifer

Simple pleasures, that’s what I was reminded of as we had our first church and community BBQ here at Stonecreek last Saturday. The day was amazing, more than I think I had hoped for when I had envisioned the day. The church was ready for whatever God brought that day. I was so blessed by them. We didn’t know if we’d have 5 neighbors or 50 and they were set for either. As we got ready I could see a couple neighbors circling the area to see if they recognized any faces. As one of the church volunteers pointed out it’s intimidating to walk into a group you don’t know. As the first brave neighbor came over others soon followed. I got to sit down and chat with so many people I’ve seen but haven’t really been able to connect with much. It was so much fun to be able to look around and see neighbors eating with people from the church. One of the best things was to look over at a craft table the church had set up and see members from the church and neighbors sitting next to one another making bracelets. Heaven. There is so much here. One of the neighbors had a list of ideas she’d like to see here in the complex. So simple, sitting, eating, listening, together

Last week was a really exciting time for the Apartment Complex Initiative.  The ministry was the cover story of the Oregonian.  In a well written article the journalist chronicled the ways in which Christ followers are living out their faith by moving in and coming alongside apartment dwellers. Also, the role of the local churches in serving those residents and "adopting" the complex.

More importantly, last week was exciting because it was the first community event at Stone Creek Apartments, the second ACI location.  This is significant because it shows that more people and churches are catching the vision and running with it.  It is also significant in the outreach journey of the complex itself.

The event caught me completely off guard and in the end I felt so excited and energized by the volutneers, the ideas, and the response of the residents....

Timing is everything. I know this. I know God has a plan. He always comes thru. It
seldom looks like I think it’s going to but He usually lets me in on the plan eventually,
even if it’s after the fact. It’s just when you’re in the midst of it, when you decide to take
this blind leap of faith, it can be easy to forget; especially when you feel like you’re the
only one on the ride.

I have had the great privilege to experience that “click” a few times in my life; that
amazing feeling when you can just tell you’ve stepped into what God has been putting
into place. As I met with a church deacon about a week ago I was fortunate enough
to feel that coming together. As we shared our hearts for ministry in the community I
could see how God had been lining up the pieces for months to get both their church and
Stonecreek ready for this moment. I don’t mind saying it was a huge relief. I knew it
would come eventually but had no idea if it was going to be two weeks, two months, or
two years down the road. I am very thankful it’s not the latter.

We have our first church/community event coming up at the end of August. We still
don’t know exactly what it will look like but I do feel comforted in knowing that we are
in His plan together. That’s partnership.

It’s amazing what a little sunshine can bring. Before I moved into the complex I had
heard a couple people mention that my new home sometimes felt like a hotel more than a
place people lived. I didn’t really think much about it until I moved in and realized how
easy it is to never see your neighbors. Just something about the layout I can’t quite put
my finger on. The buildings are spaced around a large courtyard so it’s really easy to
never see someone from another building and there isn’t any extra space in the walkway
in front of the doors which leads most people to keep them closed as passer-byes can feel
like they are in your living room. Until there is sun…

I came home on Sunday evening to a group of ladies sitting on the lawn in front of the
steps…just hanging out. A couple of them were ladies I recognized from Bingo. “The
breeze is lovely down here; feel free to grab a chair.” Come to find out when it’s hot
outside, its worse in the upstairs units. Around the complex I could see little groups of
people from the upstairs units hanging out in front of their doors, on the stairs, and my
little group on the lawn. I’m gonna like summer….now if I could just remember when
the pool opens.

There’s a lot to be said about history.  I don’t really have a full sense of what the history of Bingo and StoneCreek is but after walking into the Rec Room last weekend I know it runs deep.  The management here periodically hosts community events. I’d heard about these epic Bingo nights but just had no idea what to expect.  Walking into that room I saw community.  It was mixed bag with lots of different personalities, but a community with stories and a long history.  It was awesome.  I got the biggest kick out of listening to them rib one another about cheating (one couple cleaned up….did I mention there were prizes?) and cheering one another on when somebody new one.  It was great.  I can’t wait ‘til the next one

* This is part of the initial phases of ACI at Stone Creek Apartments.  Jennifer Nash has moved in and is learning about the community.  What is going on there in the way of healthy community development?  Who is involved?  Who is left out?  Who are the key trusted neighbors?

Each ACI site is unique and it takes time to build trust, listen, and become a resident. There is no rush because even listening can plant a seed that Christ is the King of compassion, being present can allow the Spirit to work through a smile, a laugh, or even silence.  It is an open heart and a willingness to be used that opens the door to God's love being expressed....not a solid game plan.