Living Stones

The Stranger Effect by Ken Perry

I  came across this great 3 minute video from Igniter Media called Strangers (check it out here at www.ignitermedia.com/mini-movies/2201/Strangers)-- and it illustrates the impact that individuals have over people they will never meet.  This happens every day -- and for good or bad we have an influence that echoes in the lives of others.

What can we do as parish communities to echo the Gospel in our wider communities?   Is it getting involved in community actives that benefit those outside our churches?  Crafting a mission statement so the direction of the parish is clear?  Stepping out in faith and doing something nice for a neighbor who wouldn't give us the time of day?  Making a real effort to be wise stewards of parish resources?   Welcoming in families, widows and orphans in an intentional way? 

Giving away your space by Ken Perry

 I came across this excellent post from marketer/author Andy Sernovitz.  It's about companies (see churches) using their extra space for marketing purposes by allowing groups to using the space.  It's a great way for companies to be helpful  and reach out to groups in their communities --and sell some extra stuff in the process.

It got me thinking, what if we applied this to our parish facilities?   What if our stance to the community at large was one of openness and hospitality?  Wouldn't that be a great way to show love for our neighbor and build relationships at the same time? 

This especially applies to those groups which serve others in our community.  I know there are a number of churches allowing groups to use their facilities already (e.g. boy scouts, 12-step groups, etc.) --but what would it look like if we invited people to book time (for free). Even if your parish is short on space (as some are), what about offering your grounds?  Your parking lot?

I don't pretend that there's not an obvious cost.  There are certain liability and damage issues that need to be addressed.  In some cases a certificate of insurance would be needed by the participating group.  I would argue that the cost of inaction is far greater.

What would the effect on how our parish community sees your parish?  What kind of bridges might it build?  What effect would it have on members of our own parish?

 

Half of Over 65s Online by Ken Perry

A recent Pew research study indicates that as of April 2012, 53% of American adults age 65 and older use the internet or email.  This is the first time that over half of seniors are online.  Although still the lowest group percentage-wise, this represents another reminder of how parishes need to increase efforts to evangelize online - especially give how the 65+ population has been growing rapidly in our diocese. 

It also represents a real opportunity for parish communities to strategize how they can reach out to seniors not only sacramentally but also to connect seniors to the life of the parish during the week!  Some of the tools available include a dynamic parish website, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, etc), email prayer chains, homilies online, video conference for workshops/prayer groups and even apps.  What ways are you currently reaching out in your parish?

Who is Our Brother's Keeper? by Ken Perry

More and more coorporate America is looking to invest in communities.  The headline post reads, "Invest in Communities to Advance Capitalism".  Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz writes in a blog post for the Harvard Business Review.

"As corporate citizens of the world, it is our responsibility - our duty - to serve the communities where we do business by helping to improve, for example, the quality of citizens' education, employment, health care, safety, and overall daily life, plus future prospects," ...Simply writing checks for charity projects doesn't cut it. "We must go deeper," he says."

While on the face of things, money invested back into communites can be a helpful thing, I can't help but wonder -- where is the church in all this?  Are we abdicating our responsibility as Catholic Chrisitians to love our neighbor and to serve as Christ did?

In the same way, we are called by Christ to invest in our own local communties.  Not just whoever happens to come to our events, but to reach out and serve the wider community in which we live in significant and meaningful ways.

St. Theresa's Parish in Tuckerton is parish that is a great example of thinking about new ways to reach out.  It's the largest food pantry in the area and has partnered with local food stores to help distribute food to those who in need.  Concerned about the lack of young families in church, Fr. Mick Lambeth began inviting a core group of young families to get together and begin to talk about outreach strategies.  The group is called "B3 - Bringing Faith, Friends and Family Back", and is now planning strategies and events to connect with those not in church on Sunday.

So where does your church community stand in all this?  In what ways are you already being salt and light in your community ?  In what ways can you improve the lives of others in your local community to serve-- not in the name of not capitalism--but in the name of Jesus Christ?