Atlanta Celebration of all that God has Done!

What a night! Thank you to the many that came out tonight to our celebration 44doors.org! As promised we gathered to celebrate God's faithfulness. It was a delightful evening of food, new friends, and FUN! We are excited for the new connections made and the old commitments reaffirmed.

Tomorrow we look forward to our joint worship service as we gather with our partnering churches in praise and worship. We hope to see you there!

Didn't make it tonight and can't attend tomorrow? NO worries! Becoming a part of God's work here in Atlanta, email City Jannan Thomas at jannan@doornetwork.org

Summer Reflections

As I have been reflecting on the summer, we have much to be grateful for. A great staff, groups that had positive experiences, surviving the summer without a cook, finishing the Dwell house renovations, etc. But one group that came this summer still lingers in my mind. They had a really difficult time all week and I (and the staff) have reflected over and over about how we might have made their week better. But even now, four weeks later, they are still on my mind. But all of this thought over the group made me realize this week a new insight into the trio of parables about the lost sheep, lost coin, and the lost son (or prodigal son). This group who struggled so much to see the Face of God in Atlanta is such a small thing compared to The Kingdom of God. But I would rejoice if we were able to hear about how a seed had been sown by their time here in Atlanta, probably more so than groups that seemed to “get it” while they were here. And I can only imagine how much more rejoicing God does when we repent and join (or re-join) the Christian community. And for that small insight, I am grateful, even if I never know the rest of the story with this group.

Dwell Open House Wed July 15

This week we had a Open House for folks interested in our Dwell houses. Dwell is our year long intentional community. Here in Atlanta we have 2 houses in which intentional Christian communities form. It was great to meet applicants and to watch as future house mates meet and get to know one another. The Dwell year begins at the end of August. We are still in the acceptance/ placement process with a few candidates. Please pray for each team as they prepare to live and serve this year together.

Reflection times aren't always easy to lead

We get the chance each week to watch and learn as group's reflect upon their experiences in the city. Often those reflections can get "uncomfortable." We've been working together with our summer staff with case studies and our own reflection to think through those times that can stump a leader. The first instinct is often to move on really quickly from anything that is “uncomfortable”. But as we talk through those times we're learning to have the tools to respond. It is good to become much more comfortable with the “uncomfortable.”
One of the great things about a mission trip experience is the stretching and learning that can happen when we're out of our comfort. Even for youth directors, adult chaperones or staff leading discussions.

Atlanta- It's not just "The City Too Busy to Hate"

Atlanta is full of love and hope! Groups this summer have seen God's faithfulness all around the city through the eyes of residents, elderly, coordinators, participants, guests, clients, children, the other and one another. If you're preparing for your experience in Atlanta, come expecting to "See the face of God in the City."