Today I spent most of my day at the KIA dealership with the DOOR van. I have to admit, of the things I get to do in my job, maintaining vehicles and property is not at the top of my excitement list. Thinking about the new books we’ll read in the Dwell houses next year is exciting; getting to talk with and meet the new Dwellers is exciting; interviewing potential summer staff is exciting; getting a new tail light for the DOOR van and an oil change…not quite as exciting. It was not long after I got to the dealership that Dexter pulled me back to the car repair area to show me the transmission fluid. The fluid was supposed to be a light pink/red color. Our transmission fluid looked like sludge. Dexter said it looked like it had not been changed since the car was new (five years ago). He then stressed to me the importance of preventive car maintenance. Preventive car maintenance is the necessary work that keeps your vehicle in good running condition. Preventive maintenance reduces the chance that your car will break down and prolongs the life of the engine, cooling system, brakes and, yes, the transmission. As I sat in the dealership waiting for the van to be finished, I realized that there were a lot of similarities between car preventive maintenance and the life of faith. Our life of faith is filled with the necessary work that keeps our relationship with God and our neighbor in good running condition. Things like prayer, service, shared meals together, forgiveness, and worship. When viewed as single episodes, maybe they don’t seem so exciting or spectacular, but these Christian practices are the essential routine that helps us live the lives God is calling us to live. I believe it is much more our preventive maintenance or spiritual practices, rather than our mountain top experiences that sustain us as Christ’s hands and feet in the world. And so in celebration of my new appreciation of the role of preventive maintenance, I’d like to share some of the small but exciting work our Dwellers have been doing this week. These may not seem like huge events, but it is spiritual routines, like these, that are the foundation of our Dwell Intentional Christian communities.
· Katie, one of the Capitol View Dwellers, was a face painter at the first annual Perkerson Park Spring Forward Festival in the neighborhood.
· Alison helps tutor in the GED program in the Capitol View Neighborhood and the house prayed for one of the men she works with who is taking his test today.
· The Grant Park Dwellers spent Saturday morning eating hot dogs and watching movies with the residents of a senior high rise in their neighborhood.
· The potential Dwellers who were in Atlanta for an informational weekend spent Saturday morning cutting down bamboo for the Oakleaf Mennonite Garden, a ministry of Berea Mennonite Church.
· Both houses spent time praying for one another, eating together and supporting one another in both their celebrations and disappointments.
Just a few of the many spiritual routines lived out in our Dwell program each week. Thanks be to God.
~Jannan Thomas, DOOR Atlanta City Director
Wednesday
A Testament to the Presence of God
This week our reflection comes from Tommy, one of our Grant Park Dwell community members. Atlanta's Dwell program seeds intentional Christian communities which focus on practicing Christian disciplines, serving the neighborhood and nurturing Christian community. Our Dwellers are mostly local folks who have a desire to live in Christian community and become the family of God to one another. Tommy is nursing student at Emory with a heart for children and justice. He also is the house leader for the Grant Park community. This is his second year in our community.
~Jannan Thomas - DOOR Atlanta City Director
"I chose to live in community because of the way I understand my call as a follower of Christ. That call includes loving my neighbors as brothers and sisters, sharing my life and my possessions, and intentionally pursuing alignment with Christ. This (Dwell community) has been the closest thing to the biblical image of a church that I’ve ever been a part of. Regardless of our struggles, this experience has taught me more about love than anything else. By putting myself in the position of vulnerability, where people around me become aware of my true self, it has become increasingly harder for me to avoid the refining nature of truth. For example, I've learned how to do simple tasks, like clean out the refridgerator, even when I know that it is not fair. ButI know that it is good for me to serve others in this way. I've also learned to be content or satisfied or grateful in serving others even when it is not fair. The concept of always coming back to the table regardless of feeling like you want to is an example of Christ’s reconciliation. As a community, we’re not able to avoid the relationships we have in this house. Therefore, we’re forced to deal with them. And because of our mission and vision, we have to deal with them in a way that honors Christ. In that process, in those situations that often seem hopeless, the success and the feeling that we’ve experienced is a testament to the presence of God."
~Tommy, Grant Park Dwell community member
~Jannan Thomas - DOOR Atlanta City Director
"I chose to live in community because of the way I understand my call as a follower of Christ. That call includes loving my neighbors as brothers and sisters, sharing my life and my possessions, and intentionally pursuing alignment with Christ. This (Dwell community) has been the closest thing to the biblical image of a church that I’ve ever been a part of. Regardless of our struggles, this experience has taught me more about love than anything else. By putting myself in the position of vulnerability, where people around me become aware of my true self, it has become increasingly harder for me to avoid the refining nature of truth. For example, I've learned how to do simple tasks, like clean out the refridgerator, even when I know that it is not fair. ButI know that it is good for me to serve others in this way. I've also learned to be content or satisfied or grateful in serving others even when it is not fair. The concept of always coming back to the table regardless of feeling like you want to is an example of Christ’s reconciliation. As a community, we’re not able to avoid the relationships we have in this house. Therefore, we’re forced to deal with them. And because of our mission and vision, we have to deal with them in a way that honors Christ. In that process, in those situations that often seem hopeless, the success and the feeling that we’ve experienced is a testament to the presence of God."
~Tommy, Grant Park Dwell community member
Monday
Thank you Concordia University & UNC - Wilmington!
This past week we had the pleasure of hosting college students from Concordia University and University of North Carolina at Wilmington. A big thank you to everyone who served with such enthusiasm and a heart for God. I wanted to share one of the reflections from the groups last week about how she saw the Face of God while serving in Atlanta.
~Jannan Thomas, DOOR Atlanta City Director
"I have seen God personally two times this past week. The first one includes some of my future goals and includes some history of myself. I haven't had the easiest life and in fact I had once started down a wrong path. When I was 13 or 14 years old, I was able to turn my life around. I had help from a number of individuals who helped me realize that I could actually do something with my life. Ever since then, I have had a dream of having a shelter for teens who were like me. I want to be able to guide them in the right direction in their lives. My plan is to be able to provide a place to stay and eat until they are able to get on their feet, and transportation to and from places such as school, work, church, etc. Basically a place where they can go to better themselves. For a while now I have been thinking of other services I could provide for young people but haven't been able to decide on what would be best. This past week my group went to a place called Genesis. And as we were given a walk through the building, we learned about the different services that they provide. As the Genesis worker was discussing what went on, a light bulb went off in my mind. I believe that it was God telling me that I should provide counseling, clinical, and day care services in my shelter, in addition to the other services I was planning for. I also believe that, without a doubt, this is something God wants me to do with my life and by visiting places like Genesis, HE is giving me opportunities to learn how I can help benefit the lives of many teens.
The second time I saw God was during one of the times we were doing the prayer stations. I walked over to the scrabble session and read the directions. I sat down and prayed, asking God to give me a word to add to the board. I thought of the word acceptance and picked up the letters E, A, P, E and nothing more. I was looking at the board for a place to begin spelling the word but could not find a place. So I gave the words on the board a look over and prayed once more. When I opened my eyes, they landed on a single "E" on the board and when I looked back at the letters I was holding, I realized that with what I was holding, plus the "E", it spelt "PEACE". So, I layed the letters on the board, said a thank you prayer to God for leading me to the word and went back to my seat."
~Latressa
~Jannan Thomas, DOOR Atlanta City Director
"I have seen God personally two times this past week. The first one includes some of my future goals and includes some history of myself. I haven't had the easiest life and in fact I had once started down a wrong path. When I was 13 or 14 years old, I was able to turn my life around. I had help from a number of individuals who helped me realize that I could actually do something with my life. Ever since then, I have had a dream of having a shelter for teens who were like me. I want to be able to guide them in the right direction in their lives. My plan is to be able to provide a place to stay and eat until they are able to get on their feet, and transportation to and from places such as school, work, church, etc. Basically a place where they can go to better themselves. For a while now I have been thinking of other services I could provide for young people but haven't been able to decide on what would be best. This past week my group went to a place called Genesis. And as we were given a walk through the building, we learned about the different services that they provide. As the Genesis worker was discussing what went on, a light bulb went off in my mind. I believe that it was God telling me that I should provide counseling, clinical, and day care services in my shelter, in addition to the other services I was planning for. I also believe that, without a doubt, this is something God wants me to do with my life and by visiting places like Genesis, HE is giving me opportunities to learn how I can help benefit the lives of many teens.
The second time I saw God was during one of the times we were doing the prayer stations. I walked over to the scrabble session and read the directions. I sat down and prayed, asking God to give me a word to add to the board. I thought of the word acceptance and picked up the letters E, A, P, E and nothing more. I was looking at the board for a place to begin spelling the word but could not find a place. So I gave the words on the board a look over and prayed once more. When I opened my eyes, they landed on a single "E" on the board and when I looked back at the letters I was holding, I realized that with what I was holding, plus the "E", it spelt "PEACE". So, I layed the letters on the board, said a thank you prayer to God for leading me to the word and went back to my seat."
~Latressa
Tuesday
Interest Weekend for Young Adult Volunteer Program
Are you interested in diving into a year of service and living in Intentional Christian community? Come and learn about the Young Adult Volunteer program at Atlanta's Interest weekend on March 26 and 27. On Friday night we will have dinner together and hear from current Young Adult Volunteer's and alumni of the program. They will inspire you to pursue a year of service as they share their learnings and God moments of their year. On Saturday morning we will do a service project together in the city and then tour the Young Adult Volunteer houses and neighborhoods in Atlanta. You don't have to just be interested in serving in Atlanta to participate. Come and learn about ANY of the Young Adult Volunteer sites. The weekend is free, but it is important to RSVP by March 19 to Jannan Thomas, jannan@doornetwork.org. Come and see how a year of service will create a lifetime of change for you.
Monday
How Did You See the Face of God?"
Right before I went on vacation (Sorry for the delay in posting...I was enjoying the Florida sun) we had the pleasure of hosting high school youth and their sponsors from South Acton Congregational Church, Acton, MA and First Presbyterian Church, Douglasville, GA. Below is a reflection from one of the youth on her time in Atlanta and what she learned during her mission trip to Atlanta.
~Jannan Thomas, DOOR Atlanta City Director
"Reds, yellows and blues leap from the canvas, layered one upon the other. This is not
merely a picture but a sculpture with texture. It’s called “The Orchestra” and, despite its
abstract nature, we can almost hear the music. This is the work of Bob, a quiet man with a
Master of Fine Arts and a debilitating mental illness. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Bob
travels two hours by bus to the Friendship Center, sketching what he sees as he goes. When
he arrives, he can create his masterpieces.
The Friendship Center is an organization that provides many services to the poor and
mentally ill of Atlanta. It is facilitated by a small Episcopal church, whose membership consists
largely of people with mental illnesses. My group visited the Friendship Center on
Tuesday, our second day working with DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach
and Reflection).
Many of the people who attend the Friendship Center live in group homes that don’t
provide enough activities or a community; many cannot work. As such, it is hard for them
to afford to leave the group home. The Friendship Center provides free meals, activities
and the opportunity to be part of a community.
We visited the art center housed in a Baptist church that partners with the Episcopal
church. Members of the Friendship Center can paint, make ceramics or participate in
woodworking. Bob showed us his paintings; as did Clifford and Gwen, other members of
the center. Clifford’s realist painting of a squirrel was amazing, as was the pride Gwen took
in the bust of Martin Luther King that she had painted.
Later, we attended a meeting that gave the members an opportunity to discuss the rules
of the center and have a say in how it was run. The meeting showed how much respect the
members have for each other and for the volunteers and staff who work there.
We also toured the organic garden and green house which employ members of the center.
These members learn valuable skills and develop self-esteem as they care for their flowers
and vegetables.
Aside from Bob, Clifford and Gwen, we met a woman named Theresa. She was somewhat
belligerent and hard to talk to. Apparently, she was in nursing school when she was
diagnosed with schizophrenia. It is hard to imagine the confusion and anger these people
must feel when they reflect on the lives they used to have and the things they accomplished.
We can easily assume that they have nothing now but they have not lost their identities.
They still create beautiful art, form beautiful friendships, and experience beautiful
love. They are still beautiful people. The DOOR program leaders asked us every night,
“How did you see the face of God today?” I saw the face of God in Gwen, Bob, Theresa,
Clifford, all the staff and all the volunteers.
So much good has come out of the Friendship Center. It led to the partnership between
the Episcopal and Baptists churches and the friendships between staff and members. As
the staff and volunteers teach the members of the center how to garden or make pots, they
in turn learn from the members. From my one-day visit, I learned the power of community
to strengthen and support its members and that a mental illness does not inhibit one’s ability
to love."
~ Meghan, DOOR Discover Participant
~Jannan Thomas, DOOR Atlanta City Director
"Reds, yellows and blues leap from the canvas, layered one upon the other. This is not
merely a picture but a sculpture with texture. It’s called “The Orchestra” and, despite its
abstract nature, we can almost hear the music. This is the work of Bob, a quiet man with a
Master of Fine Arts and a debilitating mental illness. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Bob
travels two hours by bus to the Friendship Center, sketching what he sees as he goes. When
he arrives, he can create his masterpieces.
The Friendship Center is an organization that provides many services to the poor and
mentally ill of Atlanta. It is facilitated by a small Episcopal church, whose membership consists
largely of people with mental illnesses. My group visited the Friendship Center on
Tuesday, our second day working with DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach
and Reflection).
Many of the people who attend the Friendship Center live in group homes that don’t
provide enough activities or a community; many cannot work. As such, it is hard for them
to afford to leave the group home. The Friendship Center provides free meals, activities
and the opportunity to be part of a community.
We visited the art center housed in a Baptist church that partners with the Episcopal
church. Members of the Friendship Center can paint, make ceramics or participate in
woodworking. Bob showed us his paintings; as did Clifford and Gwen, other members of
the center. Clifford’s realist painting of a squirrel was amazing, as was the pride Gwen took
in the bust of Martin Luther King that she had painted.
Later, we attended a meeting that gave the members an opportunity to discuss the rules
of the center and have a say in how it was run. The meeting showed how much respect the
members have for each other and for the volunteers and staff who work there.
We also toured the organic garden and green house which employ members of the center.
These members learn valuable skills and develop self-esteem as they care for their flowers
and vegetables.
Aside from Bob, Clifford and Gwen, we met a woman named Theresa. She was somewhat
belligerent and hard to talk to. Apparently, she was in nursing school when she was
diagnosed with schizophrenia. It is hard to imagine the confusion and anger these people
must feel when they reflect on the lives they used to have and the things they accomplished.
We can easily assume that they have nothing now but they have not lost their identities.
They still create beautiful art, form beautiful friendships, and experience beautiful
love. They are still beautiful people. The DOOR program leaders asked us every night,
“How did you see the face of God today?” I saw the face of God in Gwen, Bob, Theresa,
Clifford, all the staff and all the volunteers.
So much good has come out of the Friendship Center. It led to the partnership between
the Episcopal and Baptists churches and the friendships between staff and members. As
the staff and volunteers teach the members of the center how to garden or make pots, they
in turn learn from the members. From my one-day visit, I learned the power of community
to strengthen and support its members and that a mental illness does not inhibit one’s ability
to love."
~ Meghan, DOOR Discover Participant
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