The Providence Effect on DOOR

Becky, our semester student, is interning at Providence St Mel.  Providence St Mel is a school that has a long history first as a Catholic school then as a neighborhood owned school in East Garfield Park.  PSM works to illustrate black history, organization, and care for students.  In December, the Department of Education recognized Providence St. Mel for its work with successful students.  A documentary was also made about the school, entitled The Providence Effect.  Click here to see a trailer for the film, The Providence Effect.

DOOR is thankful to the school and especially Becky’s supervisor, Joan Gerig, for being such a large part of the DOOR semester in Chicago.

Spring Semester in Chicago Begins

DOOR Chicago welcomed in the semester this past week!  "Chicago from a Multicultural Perspective" is a class offering that works in conjuction with an internship. Participant Becky S will receive 13 credits upon completion of the the semester.  Of course not all institutions and all majors are eligible for such academic credit.  But what a great way to spend a semester but living the words of textbooks in shelters, homes, agencies and ministries of Chicago!
The first week has included meals with various agencies and other service programs in Chicagoland. We've been in 6 different neighborhoods already and today we're cooking, serving and eating in a shelter for homeless. This week in class we will be working with Kenwood UCC, attending a event focusing on redlining on the West Side, and learning a bit about the history of Chicago. The impending snow storm can't possibly dampen our spirits.  It's been a great beginning, even if it doesn't quite look like "Spring" yet.

Video ready to highlight Discern program

Brian has been working with the summer participants from the DOOR Chicago Discern program. He has taken some interviews to make an outstanding video representation of what local leaders have learned and continue to learn in leadership and in ministry.

Faith House

We've been putting some extra care and attention into Faith House. The house is a special two story house located right next door to First Church of the Brethren. The house has had a wonderful history and mission in the neighborhood. We're glad it continues to house groups and individuals as a special place for gathering on the west side of Chicago. It is our hope that more groups will be able to use Faith House for retreats and meetings. If you're interested, contact Brian Sales, City Director.

The City as a Teacher

DOOR Chicago recently sent off 18 folks to serve in Paraguay, South Africa, England and Austraila.  Since 2006 DOOR has partnered with Radical Journey, a program of Mennonite Mission Network, to provide orientation for Radical Journey's program.  This year the participants lived with Jesus People, an intentional Christian community on the
northside of Chicago.  I am happy to work with this program each year, as the teacher I learn so much.
1.  Jesus People is an amazing community of folks that share resources, live together, and do church.  When speaking to several members of the community, it became clear to me that the joy of community is sometimes the struggle of working together.  It isn't all lollipops, roses, and smiles.  Instead, getting past those things speaks clearer to community
than maybe anything else.
2.  I am constantly amazed at how the city teaches better than I do. The things that I don't plan, couldn't plan, or couldn't even dream up, come up in city life.  From people stopping participants on the street or getting lost, lessons that only the city and God could provide
growing experiences for the participants and me.
3.  Young adults who want to devote their lives to living for God and service are inspiring.  Participants who choose to participate Radical Journey are usually much younger than I, and yet I admire them as they continue the journey in this way.

-Krista

Welcome to Radical Journey

Radical Journey and DOOR partner to provide training for the Radical Journey participants. DOOR Chicago is welcoming the Radical Journey participants in the coming week. Pray for these participants starting a year of service in Chicago and several other places in the world.

Welcome to Chicago

As the city directors of DOOR Chicago, we welcome you to our homepage. Our hope is that this page can help you understand the programming of our city and allow you to understand what you might be getting into when coming to DOOR Chicago. Welcome and we can't wait to host you!

Krista Dutt (DOOR Chicago City Director- Dwell)
Brian Sales (DOOR Chicago City Director- Discover)