“July, she will fly, and leave no warning to her flight”
-Simon & Garfunkel
It seems like it was just June, and then we blinked, and August was right around the corner. Simon and Garfunkel hit it right on the mark.
As July turns to August, we have had some things happening in our Washington School Neighborhood. One of the discussion points for neighbors is the future of Washington School Elementary on Maple and 11th. An idea that came out of a partnership with Holland Public Schools, City Hall, and neighbors was housing for interns at some of the big local companies as well as a community space. The discussion continues and ideas are still forth-coming; clearly this landmark is significant to the community.
We have also been partnering with the renovation of a house on 15th St. called “Nuestra Casa: The Gathering Place” (Spanish for “Our House”). This space will be for neighbors to gather as they wish. We continue to welcome volunteers through the summer into fall–anywhere from housing work to bringing treats for the others. To get involved or find out more, email: nuestracasaholland@gmail.com or call 616-953-0253 and leave a message.
Also, as part of our work as Community Connectors, Good Samaritan Ministries has us reading. Currently we’re in a book called When Helping Hurts. This book focuses on how to alleviate poverty without unintentionally hurting people, including ourselves. The authors remind us to look deeper into the cause of poverty–that material poverty is just one manifestation of a deeper brokenness in which we all share. The fundamental issue is reconciling our relationships to God, self, others, and creation. This happens when follow an important rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Finally, in an effort to address material poverty, Good Samaritan Ministries is launching an initiative called Circles. Circles are ways to walk together toward financial security with those that struggle, maintaining mutuality and dignity. If you have been looking to get involved with the community, Circles might be a good way. Call the Circles coach, Stephanie, at 616.392.7159 x108 or talk to Andrew or Kallie.
Get out and enjoy the sweet flavors of summer!
Andrew & Kallie Spidahl, Neighborhood Connectors