Goodness Weekly 8.1.22
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
–Mother Teresa
What’s Good:
We were blessed to hear our message this past Sunday from Katie Best-Richmond, owner of Rose Hip Coffee! We are so grateful for the welcoming and loving community Katie has created, and we can’t wait to continue this good work with this great human and friend.
Message from Katie:
There is something truly special happening in the parking lot of the church. Neighbors are changing from strangers to friends. People are finding a space where they can be welcomed and loved for who they are. I feel so incredibly lucky to participate and witness our neighborhood transforming little by little.
I opened Rose Hip with the hope of creating a safe space for the community to gather, but what has surprised me is the love the neighborhood gives back. This week was a challenging week at the trailer after someone reported us for having tables and chairs, resulting in us being given 2 days to either take our seating area down or move our trailer. This week also was our annual inspection, meaning we had to take the trailer to a building over on the east side of San Antonio. All while my weekday barista was on vacation and I still haven’t been able to fully kick my leftover covid symptoms. Needless to say, it was a bit overwhelming.
However, this week I also was showered in love and kindness by the neighborhood. Other coffee shop owners reached out with support and advice. We had a couple customers bring us flowers, others helped us move the trailer across the street. Everyone banded around us and shared with us how important this little trailer in a parking lot is to them.
Acts 2:42-47 speaks about the early church. It reads, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
This is what I think of when I see our neighbors gathering for coffee and conversation everyday. Transformation is happening among us over food and a shared space. It is an expression of what the church can be. While it might not be a formal church service, it is a place where people can gather and feel the love of God. It is a glimpse into how this church is creating a way for our whole neighborhood to experience a little more hope and a little more love.
Good Work:
At our Back to School Market we will have a school supply drive for Camelot Elementary. If you’re out at the store, please grab a couple of these items to share with the children at the school:
Crayola Crayons
Crayola Washable Markers
Watercolors
Wide Ruled Spiral Notebooks
Wide Ruled Composition books
Glue Sticks
Community Care Team -
This is a team of people committed to helping to care for our neighbors. We will do this by showing up for a neighbor who is feeling lonely, taking meals when they’re needed, etc. This week we will have a QR code on our Food Pantry to invite people to share other needs that they have & invite you to sign up to help meet those needs.
Sign up using this link:
Upcoming Events
Sunday, August 7th, 4:30pm Supper Church
Saturday, August 13th, 9am-1pm The Market at Sunset Ridge!!
Friday, August 19th, 7:30pm Sunset Worship, an outdoor summer series
Tuesday, August 2nd, 9:00am Story Time on the lawn
Wednesday, August 3rd, 9:00am Coffee & Games at Rose Hip Coffee
Morning:
God your Kingdom is one of human flourishing and
I want to witness the fullness of it
Where no one is hungry
Where everyone is safe
Where people know they are loved and have value
simply because you made them
Each in their unique and beautiful ways
Help me today to partner with you in bringing goodness
and beauty and kindness into my small world
Amen.
Evening:
I hold today out to you with open hands, Lord
Help me to review the day with gratitude and see
all of the places where you were present in it
For the things that didn’t go as planned, I release control
For the ways that I was not kind, I ask for forgiveness
For the ways that I loved, I thank you for the strength
And for all of what is to come
I give tomorrow to you
In Jesus name,
Amen.
