by jthomas on January 19, 2012
On Feb. 25, Sojourn Community Church will turn its midtown campus into a free clinic and health fair serving basic medical needs for the surrounding neighborhoods. The clinics offer nurses stations, doctor’s offices, vision and dental areas, a Family Care Area with non-perishables and clothes, educational information, even a salon with licensed cosmetologists, nail techs and a masseuse. Everyone going through the clinic – last August, we served over 200 people – is accompanied by a Sojourn Advocate, someone to journey with them through the process and make them feel more comfortable.
And while our clinic always depends on one-day servants to operate, this February we’re giving the opportunity for a few Sojourn community groups to be involved in a more extensive way: Adopt the Medical Clinic.
Gimme Some Details …
We’re not calling you to adopt the whole medical clinic, of course. You’ll simply be responsible – under the guidance of a Med Clinic leader – for set up and take-down of one particular area. Here’s what it involves …
On Friday, Feb. 24, we’ll gather at our midtown campus (930 Mary St.) at 6 p.m. Each group will receive its set-up direction – tables, chairs, etc. – from the area leader, complete with printed room “blueprints.” Once set-up is finished (which shouldn’t take very long), the groups will be provided dinner, and we’ll spend a bit of time praying for the next day’s events. Our goal is to have everyone finished by at least 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 25, show up at The 930 at 10:30 a.m. We’ll tour the clinic again, perform any last minute tweaks to the rooms, and then spend some time praying. At 11, we’ll read from God’s Word, have a short devotion, and listen to a quick rundown of our various responsibilities during the rest of the afternoon. The clinic is open from noon to 4 p.m. Once everyone has made it through the clinic, everyone will help with taking down tables, folding up chairs and cleaning their areas.
Interested in adopting the clinic? Need more info? Email Josh Thomas at jthomas@sojournchurch.com.
by jthomas on January 16, 2012
If you’ve perused the “get involved” literature – or anything highlighting upcoming regular events – around Sojourn Community Church, you’ve probably run across something called Mercy Monday. Here’s a quick tutorial on why we have Mercy Monday, what to expect, and how to take part:
Why Mercy Monday?
It is clear from Scripture that God’s people are to be marked by a countercultural mercy, a benevolence toward a watching world that is set apart in its character. We are to shine as lights in the world, in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. Yet for many, stepping into that darkness is a daunting– sometimes paralyzing – endeavor. Where does one even start?
What is Mercy Monday?
Mercy Monday, then, is a catalyst. It is a chance to slip slowly into the waters of biblical mercy and face-to-face ministry for those who don’t feel equipped to dive in head-first. It’s a primer for local mission, an introduction to both personal and neighborhood service, an opportunity to proclaim the good news in intimate settings to those who may not look like us, may not talk like us, may not think like us. It’s also a chance for those who may already be comfortable in these situations to teach and lead others by example. No matter where you are on the spectrum, there’s a place for you at Mercy Monday. Furthermore, it’s something we don’t want to contain to one day; we don’t want you to come to do mercy on Mondays, but to become more merciful seven days a week.
How does Mercy Monday work?
We gather in the gallery of The 930, our Midtown building, for a short devotional. The Word of God is read, and we are reminded that we aren’t there to “do good deeds.” Rather, we are to focus on the boundless grace and matchless mercy we’ve received through Jesus Christ; whatever we do that evening should flow from and be informed by that glorious truth. We then split into groups of 3-5 people, led by a mercy leader, to:
• Visit homes in Germantown and Shelby Park or surrounding neighborhoods
• Serve in or tour local organizations we support – such as Jefferson Street Baptist Center, A Woman’s Choice, or local neighborhood associations
• Prayer walk the streets and dialogue with whomever we may run across
• Serve our neighborhood through various projects, such as street clean-ups
When is Mercy Monday?
We meet the first and third Mondays of each month, at 6:30 p.m.
To learn more …
For more information on Mercy Monday, or to learn more about biblical mercy and how your group can cultivate its sense of service or mission wherever you meet, please contact Josh Thomas at jthomas@sojournchurch.com.
