Semester 2010

I learn so much when I teach.

Becky and I were finishing a week focusing on “Church in the City” when we worshipped in four different congregations over Palm Sunday weekend. I had planned these field trips, so I thought I wouldn’t be effected. I was wrong.

The four congregations allowed me to worship in new and different ways, and also allowed me to think through why I attend church where I do. Four questions came almost immediately after the weekend.

What is the line between worshipping the Holy God of the Universe and worshipping the God who walks along side us in the journey?

What is the line between being a church that hosts guests well and making sure those who are not guests have a vibrant life in Christ?

What is the line between community minded worship and community minded living?

What is the line between stereotypical behavior and being true to yourself as a congregation despite the stereotypes?

Not only does being a teacher allow me to reflect on experiences that I have with my class, it is also giving me the permission to go on these spiritual field trips. Thanks Becky for helping me learn.

Week of Service and Learning

This week we've hosted Cats for Christ, Manhattan KS and St. Matthew's UMC, Madison MS. It was great having St. Matthew's return again. We value leadership development and see the fruits of the program there. It is great to watch as former participants return as leaders.
All around, it has been an incredible week of serving, sharing, learning and worshiping together.

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.

Volunteer Forum

DOOR Chicago is hosting a Volunteer Forum on Saturday March 6. High Schoolers from Chicago will be gathering and talking about what community service is all about. Wayne Richard will be speaking and lunch will be served. For more information, contact Brian Sales at Brian@DOORnetwork.org.

In celebration of Brenda and the H.O.O.D

Brenda Matthews, a member of the DOOR Chicago board and a all around awesome woman, was showcased and executive produced a documentary entitled H.O.O.D that debuted February 18. The documentary brought light to the many deaths of young people in the last several years on the west side of Chicago. We are thankful for the witness of Brenda Matthews to her community and to DOOR!

For more information and a trailer of the movie, click here.

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.