tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750170919619479082023-11-15T09:44:11.567-08:00Unity in the CommunityMichael Hatcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05608008892382046597noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-77691774392101654542010-03-22T08:30:00.000-07:002010-03-22T08:30:23.841-07:00This site is now inactiveIf you're interested in serving people in Ft. Worth, you're encouraged to visit:<br />
<br />
<ol><li><a href="http://www.feedbygrace.org/">Feed By Grace</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.1lighthousechurch.com/">Lighthouse Community Church</a></li>
</ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-56398642663400165282008-05-10T13:34:00.000-07:002008-05-10T13:39:50.944-07:00What a MONTH!Wow. What an exciting month in Ft. Worth! Congrats on a successful <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"Art-n-the Park 2008"</span>, and the first ever <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"Ending Homelessness One Life at a Time"</span> on <span style="font-style: italic;">May 3rd</span>. Remember, our purpose for these two events was to create a sense of community among the different ministries and organizations who serve in the near east side area of Ft. Worth. Praise Christ that our goal was achieved with great success. If you didn't get a chance to read one of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">reviews written about "AITP"</span> then click this link and check it out! (includes pics, and a short write-up)<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">http://www.rhchurch.org/index.cfm?pg=news&id=110 </span><br /><br /> May 3rd event was a great success. Neale told me that there is a lot of momentum right now, and that we've got to make sure that we take the necessary steps to ensure that May 3rd wasn't <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> a meaningless pep rally; fruit should begin to be produced as a result. (My interpretation of our conversation= ) We must move forward with the next steps...<br /><br /> Here is how we <span style="font-weight: bold;">keep momentum</span> guys: Keep <span style="font-weight: bold;">serving together</span>. Continue to build those relationships that were begun as you served together over the past two months. Don't miss the <span style="font-weight: bold;">UITC network meetings</span>...<br /><br /> ***Join everyone for a <span style="font-weight: bold;">May 3rd FOLLOW-UP</span> meeting on <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Saturday, May 24th from 2:30 - 4:00pm.</span> This will be an important time to begin putting things into place, and creating categories of empowerment for those on the streets. So far we have these categories: communication/transportation, discipleship, jobs/employment. There will be other categories/committees as well. We need you guys to be a part of the planning, etc. of these things. To see what we've been working on go check out the <span style="font-weight: bold;">UITC website</span> that Michael has been working on.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">www.unitynthecommunity.com</span><br /><br /> The following weekend will be our <span style="font-style: italic;">regularly scheduled UITC network meeting</span> to follow-up, and continue organizing this process of empowerment for those one the streets. We realize that this is two Saturdays in a row that you will be sacrificing, but truly believe that some <span style="font-style: italic;">AMAZING kingdom things are "brewin"</span> on E. Lancaster. We're inviting you to be a part of what God is doing, and going to do. Please mark your calendar for May 24th, and May 31st. Details are at the above calendar....<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">www.unitynthecommunity.com</span><br />unityinthecommunity-ftworth.blogspot.com<br /><br />-Aaron Snow-UITC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356698080462723283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-24745525988882261142008-04-11T11:37:00.000-07:002008-04-11T11:40:31.778-07:00Unity...Whut?I believe that people all over the world are beginning to realize the need for Unity. For years we thought we could do it on our own. We thought ministry and the growth of the kingdom was some sort of a competition. We thought that the Lord gave US a vision, and that we were to move forward like a fright train pummeling anything in front of us in order to accomplish that vision. <br /><br />Of course, we rarely see that in scripture. Instead, I see Jesus stooping down to wash the feet of his disciples. I see Him commanding us to put the interests of others before our own, and humbly serve everyone around...yes everyone...(Philippians 2) "you mean even the church planter down the road!? But what if our members go to HIS church and not mine!?" (How a thought like that can even enter any of our minds blows me away) <br /><br />I have come to the conclusion that a main reason we haven't seen Biblical unity among the body here in the states is because if it happened God would get the Glory. We don't like that. We want the glory, and we rob God of the glory He deserves because our flesh wants recognition, and approval. We SAY we want God to get glory, but our actions prove otherwise. We say we want to grow the kingdom no matter what, but it usually translates into growing OUR kingdom. When true unity begins to happen is when pastors, leaders, planters, missionaries, etc. begin to humbly serve those around them EVEN if it does not directly benefit THEIR thing, but the others. <br /><br />Unity happens when we count the interests of others as equally important as our own. Once again, this will be difficult because for this to happen ONLY God can take credit, and receive glory for it. I beg, and pray that we would desire His glory more than our own. "Father, set us free from our fleshly desires...our desires that rob you of the glory you deserve." <br /><br />Unity in the Community has a desire to see Unity among the Body of Christ take place in Ft. Worth, and all over the world. We've started among the different ministries and organizations who serve the poor and homeless population in the near east side area of Ft. Worth. By the grace of God, and us humbly serving those around us we will watch God fuse us together in ways we've never seen before. "Thank you Jesus for your grace."Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-25338549705158609652008-03-30T22:13:00.000-07:002008-03-30T22:14:46.872-07:00April Network Meeting!Make sure you attend this meeting. We will be nailing down details for Art-n-the-park and the May 3rd event. Don't miss it!<br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=AprilMtgFlier.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/AprilMtgFlier.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-85105415885498990012008-03-03T12:10:00.000-08:002008-03-03T12:11:51.816-08:00UITC Network Meeting!Make sure you join us for the UITC network meeting this weekend. We'll be planning and discussing details for our two big events coming up in April & May. "Art-n-the Park" & "Ending Homelessness One Life at a Time".<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=FlierMarch.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/FlierMarch.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Please RSVP to Aaron @ unityinthecommunity@gmail.comAaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-5627513846363180732008-02-11T09:28:00.000-08:002008-02-11T09:34:12.356-08:00Art-n-the Park!Details for the first Art-n-the Park planning meeting:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="373"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3DPlXceD6Qc&rel=1&border=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3DPlXceD6Qc&rel=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="373"></embed></object><br /><br />What: Organizational meeting to find people who want to lead each station <br />When: Saturday, February 23 @ 1:00pm<br />Where: Tom and Marsha's House: 3012 Meadow Brook Drive Fort Worth, Texas 76103<br />Why: To get everybody on the same page and see where/how our talents and gifts can make this event happen<br />Who: Anybody who can commit to the pre-event planning <br /><br />**Please bring a sack lunch or eat prior to the meeting. Drinks will be provided!<br /><br />I'm looking forward to seeing all of you there! Please start praying now and ask the Lord how he wants to use you during this opportunity to be <span style="font-weight:bold;">His hands and feet</span>! <br /><br />Also, you are welcome to forward this to anybody who might want to help with the planning of Art-In-The-Park.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your interest and prayers! I can't wait for all of us to be out there with the people we love from the community!<br /><br />Just so you know:<br />Art-In-The-Park is: Saturday, April 26 from 10:00am- 3:00pm<br /><br />Let me know if you need any more information<br /><br />Love,<br />Meghan RinestineAaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-78900702007637528142008-02-06T14:08:00.001-08:002008-02-06T14:09:30.968-08:00Update...May 3rd - <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Ending Homelessness, One Life at a Time"</span>. Neale is meeting with Marvin Olasky in Austin tomorrow. The ball is rolling, and we need you guys to continue to spread the word among ministry leaders about this event. They, AND YOU will not want to miss this. At the <span style="font-weight:bold;">next UITC meeting</span> we will have BROCHURES ready for you to take. You can give these to the leaders who you are thinking about inviting. <br /><br />April 26th: <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Art-in-the Park"</span>. Meghan Rhinestine with Intentional Gatherings is the contact person for this event. (817.937.6201) (mer05b@acu.edu) There will a lot you can do to help prep for this, as well as the day of. We hope you will all consider spending that day with us as we serve the community. Go check out last year's AITP: www.artnthepark.homestead.com AND www.myspace.com/artnthepark <br /> **At the next meeting we will have specific areas you can sign up for to help with this event.<br /><br />I was reading this morning, and the Lord gave this to me for Unity in the Community...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ephesians 4:1-16</span><br />"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you[a] all.<br />7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says:<br />“ When He ascended on high,<br /> He led captivity captive,<br /> And gave gifts to men.”[b]<br />9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first[c] descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)<br />11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-81731803086334020692008-02-04T20:25:00.000-08:002008-02-04T20:32:35.949-08:00An Opportunity to ServeOne of the ongoing needs in the East Lancaster community is real opportunities for some of our friends to find a comprehensive that provides encouragement for life, counseling to face life challenges and help as they pursue work that will lead towards a more stable future.<br /><br />Neal Mansfield's <span style="font-style: italic;">Jobs for Life</span> program (based out of Unity Park) is one of those programs we've talked about before. Neal recently shared a particular need for trustworthy men to manage Saturday work sessions of the Jobs for Life program. Ideally, a person would commit to serve three hours every Saturday for eight weeks from 11-2pm or 2-5pm alongside a few guys from the neighborhood.<br /><br />For more details about getting involved, contact Neal at (817) 300-0918 or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.feedbygrace.org/">feedbygrace.org</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-42777651651584140062008-01-29T16:28:00.000-08:002008-01-29T16:29:07.962-08:00UITC meeting follow-up...Hey guys,<br /> I wanted to thank you all again for stepping outside of <span style="font-weight:bold;">“your thing”</span> and what “your ministry” does to see what’s going on with others in the city. We hope that you are catching the vision for UITC, which is that none of us, on our own, can meet every need on the streets in Ft. Worth. We need each other. <span style="font-style:italic;">We need Unity</span>. We <span style="font-weight:bold;">need the body of Christ</span>. We need Unity among that body. So, thank you for being willing to be a part of that Unity…<br /> At the meeting we discussed two events that we would all participate with together. Those two events were “Art-n-the Park” (April 26th), and “Ending Homelessness - 1 Life at a Time” (May3rd). I hope you feel like you had some say is this decision. Please feel free to inform us if there are other options that you feel would be beneficial for the UITC network to participate in. For now we feel that these events will accomplish two purposes: <br /><br />1) Unifying us as we serve together (“Art-n-the Park”). We will all be “in the loop”, and a part of planning/putting on this event. We hope you will provide any resources your ministry/organization has to see this event made possible in 2008. <br />(See www.artnthepark.homestead.com for more information on the event) <br /><br />2) Raise awareness and challenge us to “do things differently/in a new and fresh way” (“Ending Homelessness - 1 Life at a Time”). As you heard at the meeting, this event has HUGE potential to create much change in the homeless community of Ft. Worth. I believe that each of us have the desire, and see the need for one on one discipleship on the streets. However, many of us have resorted to other outlets of ministry because we simply did not have a way to know who was ready for, and needed that one-on-one discipleship. This event will open the doors for this type of discipleship to take place, and will invite YOU, and YOUR ministry to be a part. <br /><br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;">May we embrace these things as our own</span> as we seek to serve together as the body of Christ. I beg you to take some time this week to set aside your agenda, and serve some other ministry. (Just like Michael shared he has been doing at the meeting) Once again, please do not discontinue the things that you are currently doing, but also commit to being a part of these two events. As you do the ministry you are involved with constantly seek new, and more effective ways to do it. From this point forward we will be focusing on the planning and execution of these two events. Please stay tuned for details about how you can be involved. Thanks again for you time. <br /><br />In the power and purpose of Jesus Christ,<br /><br />Aaron Snow - Unity in the CommunityAaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-8218305816633784792008-01-11T14:42:00.000-08:002008-01-11T14:47:31.750-08:00UITC Network Meeting!Network Partners please attend...<br><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=UITCFlier.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/UITCFlier.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>Hope you can make it!!!Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-64929697814735217862008-01-08T00:16:00.001-08:002008-01-08T00:18:40.328-08:00Check the Calendar!Everyone,<br /> The above calendar is a great tool for you to use for your ministry, or to stay involved with ways to serve in the community. Please check it weekly for new events that have been posted. Also, we have scheduled UITC network meetings for the entire year of 2008. Make sure to mark your calendars and be there! We hope all is well, and don't forget to go and serve someone else outside of your ministry this month!Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-74455096797147862142007-12-19T10:58:00.001-08:002007-12-19T11:20:31.942-08:00Women & Children's Shelter Christmas Party!We had such a blast! If you haven't served these precious kids yet you've got to team up with Hot Dogs & Hope or Intentional Gatherings. From brining donuts, and playing with the kids every Saturday, to annual Christmas parties, these two ministries have truly reflected the love and grace of Christ to these little ones. Check out these pics and videos from the party...<br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSkK-1jwSkA"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSkK-1jwSkA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object><br><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=Picture8-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/Picture8-1.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=Picture7.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/Picture7.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=Picture9.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/Picture9.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=Picture5.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/Picture5.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=Picture4-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/Picture4-1.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=Picture3.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/Picture3.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=Picture2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/Picture2.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/?action=view¤t=Picture1-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/Picture1-1.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />This day was a blessing. Ronny Dudick from Hot Dogs and Hope said this at the end of the party, "Man, this is what Unity in the Community is all about." He is right. On Saturday different members of the body of Christ served together. Unity was created, and people were reached in a more effective way than if done alone. <br />And all the Glory goes to the Father! Thank you Jesus for who you are to us.Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-18742018068790595682007-12-11T07:36:00.000-08:002007-12-11T08:52:21.570-08:00Check it out!We want to say "Thank you" to everyone who came out to Unity Park this past weekend to help Feed By Grace put on their annual Christmas Celebration. This event was such a success! Neale, and many others were able to clearly communicate the message and purpose of Fee By Grace, which is to empower people help themselves. Many were presented with the opportunity to participate in the Jobs for Life program, which may be a key factor in seeing the streets transformed. Thanks for your efforts! <br /><br /> We have a couple of key things that we want you to take notice of this week:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">First</span>, on Saturday morning at 11am we will join Hot Dogs & Hope as they throw their annual Christmas party at the Women & Children's shelter. Details are on the calendar.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Second</span>, Feed By Grace is having a planning meeting for the May 3rd event on Sunday at 1pm. If you have a desire to be a part of this event you need to be at this meeting. Details are also on the calendar. <br /><br /> We have put together a tentative schedule for our <span style="font-weight:bold;">Unity in the Community Network meetings in 2008</span>. They are all on the calendar above, and will be held every six weeks. We hope that you will join us as we continue to join together as the body of Christ to see the city transformed. You will want to be at the meeting in January as we discuss some amazing things that are in the works for 2008. <br /><br /> So far we have seen some great progress as organizations team up and serve together. Several of you have done so. A beautiful union is taking place in Ft. Worth as the Body of Christ begins to work together. If you have not experienced the power, freedom, and beauty in serving with A MINISTRY OTHER THAN YOURS we beg you to do so. Keep up the good work.Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-73618916474174234302007-12-05T09:44:00.000-08:002007-12-05T09:48:38.033-08:00Faith of a Child...~ A Baby's Hug ~ <br /> <br />We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was<br />quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands<br />on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he<br />wriggled and giggled with merriment. <br /> <br />I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at<br />half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and <br />unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.<br /> <br />We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi <br />there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.<br /> <br />My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'<br /> <br />Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'<br /><br />Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with <br />my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know<br />peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'<br /> <br />Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.<br /> <br />My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for<br />the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments. <br /> <br />We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet<br />him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he<br />speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he<br />might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before <br />I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.<br /> <br />Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total<br />trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears<br />hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and <br />stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.<br /> <br />I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine.<br />He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.' <br /> <br />Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.<br /> <br />He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man<br />said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.' <br /> <br />I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering<br />why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'<br /> <br />I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no<br />judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding<br />a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all<br />eternity.<br /> <br />The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.' <br /> <br />If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is<br />really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel<br />about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at<br />all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are.<br /> <br />"Behold the maidservant of the Lord ! <br /> Let it be to me according to your word." <br /> Luke 1:38Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-10344132043489877022007-11-27T07:18:00.000-08:002007-11-27T07:27:09.161-08:00Adopt a Child for Christmas!Hello to all. Hope you are having a lovely holiday season!<br><br />My wife Melissa, works for Cornerstone Assistance Network, helping<br />provide housing for homeless families. Cornerstone is doing an<br />Adopt-a-child-for-Christmas project to provide Christmas gifts for their client's children. Please prayerfully consider participating with your<br />family in this project.<br />Here is a message from Melissa:<br />Turkeys are coming out of hiding and the jingle of bells can be heard in<br />the distance. It's that time again! Christmas is upon us!<br />Cornerstone is planning for the holidays and we need your help! Here is<br />the info:<br><br />3CP Adopt-a-Child-for-Christmas Program<br />Cornerstone will provide children's info and wish lists (30 children).<br />Volunteers are needed to:<br />Adopt children @ $100 each; deliver gifts to Cornerstone's main office<br />on Glenview in NRH or the 3CP office on E. Lancaster or arrange to have<br />them picked up by December 10.<br />Option #1<br />Sponsor a child by donating $100<br />Option #2<br />Adopt a child, receive his or her wish list and go shopping for the<br />gifts<br />Option #3<br />Volunteer to be a shopper. Using the money donated in Option #1 and the<br />kid's wish list, you can shop 'til you drop!<br />Please share this opportunity with your family, friends, Bible study<br />group, frat brothers, sorority sisters, club members, Sunday school<br />class, bunco group, office buddies, etc. Feel free to forward it to<br />everyone you know!<br />For those of you who aren't aware, Cornerstone Comprehensive Care<br />Program provides housing and case management for formerly homeless<br />families and individuals. We have approximately 25 families and<br />singles in our program now. There are about 45 children in those<br />families. Every quarter we hold a workshop to inform our clients of<br />pertinent information and life skills. This fall we had a holiday<br />tradition work shop to teach them how to make a traditional Thanksgiving<br />meal and tips for starting family holiday traditions. In addition, we<br />try to alleviate the burden of the season by helping provide gifts for<br />our clients children.<br />If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, please contact<br />me!<br />817-810-9941<br />mghatcher@canetwork.org<br />Thanks a bunch and Happy Holidays!<br />Melissa Hatcher<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-53293935537409120012007-11-26T08:33:00.000-08:002007-11-26T08:43:34.023-08:00Thanksgiving Success!Hey guys!<br><br /> This was UITC's first Thanksgiving in existence. It was exciting to receive phone calls from people in the community who had a desire to serve. They heard about UITC through the grapevine. We simply directed them to this site where they checked the calendar for ways to jump in and serve. We want to say thanks to those of you who were a part of serving this past Thursday on Thanksgiving. Please know that the people you served don't go away after Thanksgiving is over...they are still out on the streets night and day. They need us! We hope that you developed some relationships last week that will cause you to come back to the E. Lancaster area. We have discovered that one-on-one relationships are what these people need. That's where YOU fit in. So, Please make it a point to come serve at least once per month/week...or DAY! Here are some pics below from Unity Park, where N. Main Street Church of God teams up with Feed by Grace to hold a monthly service...<br> <a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/IMG023.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/IMG022.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/IMG020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/IMG016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br><br />Please check back periodically for updates from Thanksgiving. As organizations send stories/pics/videos from their Thanksgiving outreaches they will be posted here!<br /><br />Keep serving.Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-35417838411580245552007-11-24T21:43:00.000-08:002007-11-26T07:36:34.149-08:00Streetlight Building Report<span style="font-weight:bold;">Lighthouse Update: Michael Hatcher</span><br />Here is the Streetlight Building Report: Norman (Met Man) has jumped right in and made two friends (Satfon and Ray) on Lancaster Street. Last week Ray gave Norman a tour of the community. As they walked the streets they laughed, talked and shared stories. Ray even showed Norman some of the homeless campsites hidden in the bushes on the hill. Ray helped Norman process some of the things happening on Lancaster. The two friends look out for each other. Ray and Normom caught up with Stefon and three of them went to A-1 (The Corner Store) on Lancaster to enjoy the famous"Ghetto Burger". Norman said, the burger he ate that day was one of the best burgers he has eaten in a long long time, and he plans to come back. <br> <br> While these Brothers in Christ ate lunch Norman went over some of the paperwork that he brought for Stefon from the U.S. Patent Office and some notes he made for Stefon. Stefon believes he has an invention that will revolutionize the toy world. Move over, BIG WHEEL. Norman also blessed Stefon with a few writing and drawing supplies. The fellowship between the two men was awesome. <br><br> Mike Wallace, Dan Zue and Pastor Hatcher are putting the finishing touches on a three dimensional animated presentation of the structure and remodeling of the building on Lancaster. Whatever happened tostick drawings? Pastor Dustin said there's a possibility the women ofthe Met Church would like to make a contribution to the building fund. Rusty, the Mission Pastor from North Richland Hills Church of Christ,and Pastor Hatcher attended a Harvest event at NRHC that will contribute money towards the purchasing of the building on Lancaster street. Mike Wallace donated three air conditioners, four inside units and track lighting for the building. And Mike got a call from an unknown source who has agreed to install the air conditioners. Ronnie, from Morgan electric, has installed the electrical work in order forus to obtain our C.O. certificate. And Richard, an I.T. specialist, has committed his time put in our wireless computer system. We have a phone system with thirteen phones to go inthe building. Hank, a homeless war hero, gave sixty cent towards the building. He said he believes in what we are trying to accomplish because it's a war out here. In fact, Hank attend our Unity In The Community Meeting. I hugged Hank and thanked him for his contribution and support. I was reminded once again, it's not about the money or the building It's all about loving God and loving people unconditionally. <br> <br> Therefore, keep loving people and keep your contributions coming toward us owning the building so we can put hammers, saws, screwdrivers and paint brushes to work. <br> <br> Keep us in your prayers and visit our website 1lighthousechurch.com. At 9:00 AM Saturday November 24th we will be walking the streets and building relationships (Soul Cafe). At 6:00 AM there will be ThreeUnity in the Community ministries joining together to serve coffee and a morning meal on the streets. You are welcome to join us at 6:00 AM or 8:30 AM for the walk. Very soon we will own the building and there will be a lot of physical labor for you to do. So, don't put your hammers away to soon and don't give up on us as we walk through this phase to transform the inner city of Fort Worth. Until next time, God bless!<br><br> -Pastor HatcherMichael Hatcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05608008892382046597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-89651808609091112252007-11-13T14:46:00.001-08:002007-11-13T16:54:41.704-08:00A Great Meeting...<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/PB101036.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/Asnow84/PB101040.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">***Thanks again to Church on the Slab for providing Lunch!***<br /></span><br />We want to say thanks again to those of you who attended our "Unity in the Community" meeting on Saturday. We received lots of positive feedback from the meeting, and feel that this is the beginning of something beautiful that will take place on the streets; the ministries serving ONE ANOTHER! (Imagine that!=) Here are some extremely important things to remember that we touched on at the meeting:<br /><br />-<span style="font-weight:bold;">Frequent THIS website</span> to stay informed about what's going on, AND to submit what your ministry is doing.<br /> -Submit your upcoming events, pictures, videos, etc. in a reply to THIS email address, and we'll post it on the site!<br /> -Check the calendar NOW, and let us know at <span style="font-style:italic;">unityinthecommunity@gmail.com</span> if anything is missing, or needs updated/corrected.<br /><br />***Remember: the most important thing we wanted you to walk away from the meeting with is the realization of how important it is that we begin to <span style="font-weight:bold;">serve one another</span>. As we do this, Unity will happen. We challenged each of you to COMMIT to picking ONE other outreach, event, etc. to participate in that is separate from your ministry. Check the website/calendar, choose what you want to do, and DO IT! Make sure to tell the ministry that you are a part of UITC***<br /><br />Below is a list of the ministries/organizations that were present Saturday, who have shown interest in being a part of this network:<br /><br />-Church on the Slab<br />-Salt of the Earth Ministry<br />-Near East side Neighborhood Association<br />-Working Together Coalition: W.T.C.<br />-Intentional Gatherings, Inc.<br />-Lighthouse Community Church<br />-Feed By Grace @ Unity Park<br />-Veteran's Affairs: V.A.<br />-Gentle Beginnings Birth Center<br />-Hot Dogs & Hope<br />-The Met Church<br />-North Main Church of God<br />-Richland Hills Church of Christ<br />-New Beginnings International Church<br /><br />Submit your stuff, and we'll post it asap!Aaron Snowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974419746484827911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-11801972622339239582007-11-10T05:42:00.000-08:002007-11-13T14:43:26.696-08:00Hot Dogs & Hope<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J46gGpEjqeI&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J46gGpEjqeI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Nearly 12 years ago, Hot Dogs & Hope began their work on East Lancaster with two goals. They would provide food, clothing and core needs to people on the street every Saturday. And they would bring God's hope to people through prayer and encouragement.<br /><br />Today, the 8-20 volunteers and their friends pass out over 650 hotdogs and over 20 gallons of juice every week in addition to their nation-wide clothing drives and holiday events. You can learn more about this group that works across denominational lines by visiting <a href="http://www.hotdogsandhope.com/">their website</a><br />and you can join in by contacting them with the information below.<br /><br />Hot Dogs & Hope, Inc.<br />8353 Spence Dr.<br />Richland Hills TX 76180<br />(817) 235-1689<br /><a class="link" href="mailto:admin@hotdogsandhope.com">e-mail</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-13578289387990923382007-11-09T15:53:00.000-08:002007-11-10T07:14:42.684-08:00Unity ParkFeed by Grace, a great group led by Neale Mansfield, has a real heart to give the people of East Lancaster more than just food and clothing. Unity Park is one great expression of that. Located on 401 E. Presidio St. in Ft. Worth, the park is open for anyone from 8am-2pm every Saturday (and more often as volunteer staff levels allow). It offers a green space with recreation, something to drink and a place to rest with other people in peace.<br /><br />We encourage you to <a href="http://www.feedbygrace.org/UITC.html">read more</a> on the Feed by Grace website and volunteer to spend some time in support of this great service to the East Lancaster Community.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-62883290681834350092007-11-09T14:14:00.000-08:002007-11-10T07:14:27.797-08:00Lighthouse Church/Intentional Gathering Center<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e9hfYCZ3g3s&rel=1&border=0"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e9hfYCZ3g3s&rel=1&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Here's a great look at one of one project in the works. Contact Michael for more information.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575017091961947908.post-65658821012704314992007-11-09T06:11:00.001-08:002007-11-09T06:18:42.098-08:00We're Here!Welcome to Unity in the Community on the web. We're happy you're reading more about upcoming opportunities to serve the people of the East Lancaster community in Ft. Worth. When it's all said and done, they are the ones we hope this will benefit.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are your next steps?</span><br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contact Michael or Aaron</span> and talk through how you can get involved. Michael and Aaron have built some friendships with many people in the area and would love to connect you to any one of a number of ministries and outreaches in the area.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Send us an e-mail, asking us to add your event to the calendar. </span>This calendar is intended to highlight events and opportunities to serve the people of East Lancaster so that we can work in harmony. Getting your event on the calendar helps us avoid waste.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stay in touch with the site</span> We'll be adding news about upcoming events, highlighting meetings that will bring ministries together and sharing stories of the people of East Lancaster we all value so much.</li></ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0