Interactive Sunday Service

To continue what we learned from last year’s intergenerational small communities, we started interactive all-church Sunday gatherings. Near the stage we had instruments and drawing materials to engage a variety of worship expressions. Council leader Vicky shared the parable of the prodigal son using pipe cleaner people and paper hearts. Then the congregation got in little groups to discuss themes found in the Bible passage. We still are finding joy in gathering all the generations to seek Jesus together.

Green Lent

During the 2024 season of Lent kids and grown-ups got together for a series about what it means to care for God’s creation in light of climate change and how to respond to environmental issues with a biblical framework. Sprinkled among deep discussions were fun activities to help us enjoy God’s creation, such as a diverse fruits taste test or painting our favorite things in nature.

Apsara Feast at Council

Our council got together for great conversation and prayer for our church community.

CityLove street outreach gives Christmas boxes

The CityLove street outreach had a fun time handing out Christmas boxes on Christmas Eve, giving to people in the homeless community around Broad Street in Providence.

We wanted to deliver something at Christmas time—the team had been walking on a monthly basis to pray with people up and down Broad St—but we had no budget for this initiative. Recently, we’ve been learning to be open to whatever God provides. We pray and ask God for direction and provision, and then we explore. A couple of us walked around the Renaissance Church (Ren) building and found shelves and shelves of special items in our inventory: Vera Bradley bags, shampoo bottles, granola bars, etc. We gave a donation call out to the Ren community, and many people brought what “stocking stuffers” they could. A Ren friend who works at Burlingtons collected all the shoeboxes while she was working. Even Burger King donated meal certificates. It was amazing to see how God provided enough for 50 Christmas boxes!

East Bay Potluck

The East Bay small community conclude their season of neighborhood gatherings with a potluck. Meeting in a community room at Rumford Towers bi-monthly, a few elderly residents joined in.

Grocery delivery crew

Grocery delivery around Upper South Providence!

Bonfire

The West Bay small community wrap up the season with a community bonfire at Bill and Sarah’s.

Having fun at the Southside Community Land trust Block Party

We set up a free-draw easel for the community at our info table at the Southside Community Land Trust’s celebration that welcome new businesses at their location.

The Merge at the Haven

This year a multi-church gatherings of teens and young adults called The Merge have been meeting every month to worship God together. In October we hosted The Merge at the Haven.

Kids lead the Bible story at neighborhood gathering

👸To share God stories with all ages, kids from the Cranston neighborhood gathering reenacted the story of King Artaxerxes granting Nehemiah permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild it, an answered prayer of Nehemiah’s (Nehemiah 1 - 2). This is intergenerational church in action. 💯

Ice Cream Party at Core Gathering

Having conversation, ice cream—and hugs—after the core gathering.