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Congregation Says ‘Don’t Wait’ – Use Vacant Property Now
HOMER GLEN, IL (October 13, 2006) – “Drive-in” movie nights, barbecues, and a block party are just a few of the ways that Southwest Covenant Church is using its undeveloped property to reach its community.
The congregation meets at a local middle school, but hopes to build on its own property soon. Members believe it is important not to wait, but to begin using the land for ministry, says Ryan Cooper, the church’s associate pastor.
 “Finding Nemo” was the most recent film shown and was part of the neighborhood block party the church has called SouthwestFest. The fest included inflatable jumpers, pony rides, popcorn and snow cones, carnival games and live music.
About 100 members of the local community attended the event, says Cooper. The local newspaper also featured the event on its front page.
For the past two years, the congregation has shown movies once a month during the summer, setting up a large sound system, screen and lights. The community Summer Kids Camp also is held on the property.
“We have produced Group’s Jerusalem Marketplace and Bethlehem Village the last two years,” Cooper says. “We spend days setting up the almost eight acres, transforming it into a marketplace where students learn about the week leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection, as well as a village area, where students learn about the week leading up to Jesus’ birth.”
The church also has hosted community yard sales and many barbecues with accompanying bonfires, Cooper notes. To learn more about the church and its unique ministries and community outreach initiatives, call Cooper at 708-301-0380 or email the church staff at Southwest Covenant.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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