40 for the Neighborhood Day 35 April 15
While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Luke 21:1-4
Prayer: Lord, help us live with the generosity of this woman, believing that all that we have already belongs to you.
Prayer Reflection: Lord, who do you want us to be in our neighborhood?
How could this land best be a part of who we are to be in the neighborhood?
Know Your Neighborhood: Nollie’s Café (on Harrison Street) that opened a 11 years ago and was known for its scratch-made baked goods, just closed its doors on March 29th.
40 for the Neighborhood Day 36 April 16
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. I John 4:10-12
Spend time giving thanks for God’s love for you. What gets in the way of you trusting God lives in you and loves through you?
Prayer Reflection: Lord, who do you want us to be in our neighborhood?
How could this land best be a part of who we are to be in the neighborhood?
Know Your Neighborhood:
The If Project, whose office is located in South Lake Union, seeks to provide support and mentorship for women while they are incarcerated and upon re-entry. They will host a Story telling Evening at 415 Westlake on Wednesday, May 29. Please save the date.
40 for the Neighborhood Day 37 April 17
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” Luke 21: 5-6
What are temporary structures that we put our faith in? How is God inviting us to invest in what is eternal?
Prayer Reflection: Lord, who do you want us to be in our neighborhood?
How could this land best be a part of who we are to be in the neighborhood?
Know Your Neighborhood:
In early Seattle history, South Lake Union provided housing for workers and owners of mills on Lake Union. In the 1960’s many houses were demolished for parking lots. Since 2003, there has been a movement toward housing again – most at market-rate although there have been consistent and vocal advocates for community affordable housing.
40 for the Neighborhood Day 38 April 18
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end…. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:1, 15-17
Thank Jesus for the example he gives us on how to live. What is a specific way Jesus’ is inviting you to serve today?
Prayer Reflection: Lord, who do you want us to be in our neighborhood?
How could this land best be a part of who we are to be in the neighborhood?
Know Your Neighborhood: Many of the children, who live near or in South Lake Union in low-income housing or transitional housing or are homeless in Seattle, attend our neighborhood school Lowell Elementary School. In August Union will host a summer camp for children who live at Compass House on Dexter.
40 for the Neighborhood Day 39 April 19
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Lord, thank you for showing us how to love one another even as you gave your life for us on the cross.
Prayer Reflection: Lord, who do you want us to be in our neighborhood?
How could this land best be a part of who we are to be in the neighborhood?
Know Your Neighborhood:
WestSide Baby is a nonprofit organization that collects new and used items for children and babies and distributes them free of charge to King County families in need. We work with local social service agencies assisting low-income families. Agencies request items from us and deliver them to families who are homeless, living in transitional housing, in need of a little help during a difficult transition. We work every day with the hope that all babies and young children in our community have their physical needs met – diapers, food, clothing, appropriate toys, books, and safety equipment for their care
The South Lake Union office is located on 8th Ave N and Republic (2 blocks from 415 Westlake).
40 for the Neighborhood Day 40 April 20
As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. I Peter 2:5, 9
Spend time reflecting on what it means to be chosen by God out of love to bring God’s wonderful light into a dark world.
Prayer Reflection: Lord, who do you want us to be in our neighborhood?
How could this land best be a part of who we are to be in the neighborhood?
Know Your Neighborhood:
South Lake Union has been designated as one of seven Innovation Districts in the United States by the Brookings Institute because of its emphasis on connectivity, technology and community.
What do you sense is God’s imagination for who we are to be in this space and time? What have you heard over these 40 days? Please take some time write down your thoughts.