Truth & Justice Spring series | Unpack: Advocacy

Truth & Justice Spring series

Unpack: Advocacy

Here, Sayuko Setvik reflects on the March 13, 2019 Unpack where Vazaskia Crockwell spoke on juvenile justice, the impact of racial and ethnic disparities, and the power of legislative advocacy.

The evening started out with CeCe Chan & Luci Roman giving a short presentation on Advocacy in Education Equity. They are high school students at Nathan Hale & Ingraham respectively, and active members of the NAACP Youth Coalition, as well as dedicated teachers in Union’s children’s ministry.

They presented on the Youth Coalition’s demands for changes in schools, including mandating ethnic studies in the curriculum, improving discipline practices, hiring staff reflecting the student body demographics, and training staff on issues of race and equity. For a full list of demands, go here.

It is clear that CeCe and Luci have such passion and enthusiasm for this work. We were inspired by how they are finding their voice, making their voice heard, and organizing to get more young voices heard. It was also fun to see them have the chance to encourage & give advice to a couple of high school students from Tacoma who came to our event.

Afterwards, we had the privilege of hearing from Vazaskia Crockwell, Washington State Director of Juvenile Justice, who spoke to us about her life, work, and passion for justice for youth. She has worked at YWCA, the Governor's Interagency Council on Health Disparities, among other places. She explained how each career move was to better serve the needs of people, to advocate for more justice and equity. What most struck me was her comment about our work needing to be aligned with our personal mission. While I completely understand how there can be many situations that prevent us from doing that, I also feel that it is such a gift when we can be involved in serving the needs of communities, helping to further God’s kingdom work of justice and love, and we are rewarded with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This has also led me to think about what my personal mission is, and what our mission is as Christ’s body. What does it look like to be “truth-consecrated in [our] mission”? (John 17:19)

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is guided by this visionary statement: “We envision a nation where all of our children are healthy, educated and free from violence.  Should they come in contact with the juvenile justice system, we want the experience to be rare, fair and beneficial to them.” She showed us data on how past and current practices disproportionately and increasingly affect people of color at each checkpoint such as at the initial police contact point, arrest, and prosecution.    

Youth of color experience systemic racism, as shown by the example of two of the youth leaders at Green Hill School, a juvenile detention facility in Chehalis, one of the facilities under Vazaskia’s supervision. The two young men committed the same crime but were given very different sentences -- the young person of color received a 21 year sentence, while his white counterpart was given a much shorter sentence.

While these statistics are abhorrent and the stories heartbreaking, the video Vazaskia showed us also spoke of the power of change and hope in a place like Green Hill. These youths have been able to be mentored and become mentors to younger kids, get an education in a supportive environment, and find strength in getting their voice heard in work such as the group advocating for representation and improvement in the juvenile justice system, which assisted in the passage of Senate Bill 6160, signed by Gov. Jay Inslee in March, 2018. SB 6160 allows the person sentenced to remain in a youth facility until they’re 25, rather than 21.

Hearing about Vazaskia’s life work, I also felt hopeful that someone like her, a powerful and compassionate role model for these youth, is investing directly into their lives and the juvenile system that have a huge impact on young lives, everyday.

It was a wonderfully inspiring and educational event to kick off our spring series, Unpack: Advocacy. Questions to (continue to) ponder:

1. What is an advocate and why is advocacy important?

2. What are ways that I actively advocate in my community?

3. What skills/tools have I learned or do I need to learn to be a more effective advocate in my community?

A word of encouragement from Vazaskia, from the 2017 “Pursuit for Change” event at Green Hill: “Don’t stop dreaming. When you stop dreaming, you stop living.”

by Sayuko Setvik

Week 6. 40 for the Neighborhood. April 15-20

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.

Week 5. 40 for the Neighborhood

Sign-up for our 40 Hours of Prayer on weekend of April 13-14. You can also show up at any time between 7 am (4/13) and 11 pm (4/14).

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 29         April 8  

 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12

Who are we likely to be critical of in our neighborhood?

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:   Dexter Yard, scheduled to open in 2020 will include “The Field House” an indoor space for the community to hold events, concerts, indoor soccer games and art exhibits. “ Our goal is to create..., such that it engages and encourages people to hang out 18 hours a day.”

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 30       April 9

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. .  Phil. 4:6

Pray about what causes you to be anxious in general and related to the neighborhood.

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 Fairview bridge, built over 65 years ago, will be closed beginning this summer for about 19 months to tear it down and construct a new bridge.

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 31         April 10

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.      Jeremiah 29: 4-7

What is to seek the welfare of the neighborhood/city?

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:    There 148,000 registered rental housing units in Seattle and 14 apartment buildings in South Lake Union.

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 32         April 11

 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.   Proverbs. 3:29

What is a prayer of blessing you have for the neighborhood?

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:  If estimates are correct the remaining build out of SLU will yield about $200 million from developers which would build roughly 2,100 residential units over ten years.

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 33          April 12

25 ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink,* or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?* 28And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, 29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” 32For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33But strive first for the kingdom of God* and his* righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 5

 Rest in the assurance that God knows what you need.

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:  Flatstick Pub is our neighbor across Mercer on Westlake. Their 11,000 square-foot is a thriving space offering  9-hole putt-putt golf course, and food provided by Ethan Stowell Restaurants with seating for 250 indoors, and 50 on a patio.

  40 for the Neighborhood             Day 34         April 13   

  “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.          Matthew 6:1-4

 How can you secretly love your neighborhood this week?

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 Wooden Boat Center on the South end of Lake Union has free 45 minute to an hour sailing trips every Sunday until 3:00pm through the year.

Week 4. 40 for the Neighborhood

(Also available on Union app)

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 23          April 1

Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. Proverb 14:7-11

 Where do we need to make amends as a neighbor?

Prayer Reflection:  Lord, who do you want us to be in our neighborhood?

How could this land best be part of who we are to be in the neighborhood?

Know Your Neighborhood:  The Goodwill next door to 415 is the busiest Goodwill story in the whole organization.

 40 for the Neighborhood             Day 24         April 2

Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. Prov. 11:12

What is the back story of the neighbor you have a difficult time loving?

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:   Two light rail stations are planned, one at Denny and Westlake and the other about four blocks west of 415 on Republican Street.

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 25         April 3

Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.  Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Isaiah 1:14-17

Lord, strengthen me to cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow—especially in the neighborhood.

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:   Union serves the neighborhood working with over 20 partners ranging from Lowell Elementary to Urban Impact and Union Gospel Mission.

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 26         April 4

 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
 ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
 ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
 ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  Matthew 5

 What does it mean to be a neighbor poor in spirit, who mourns, is meek, hungers and thirsts for righteousness, is merciful and pure in heart?

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 the 11th highest crime rates of all the City’s neighborhood but also the highest decrease in crimes of all neighborhoods.

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 27       April 5

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What does it look like to seek God’s way over human ways in the neighborhood?

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:   Our non-profit neighbor, PATH, is a global team of innovators working to accelerate health equity so all people and communities can thrive.  PATH focuses on five platforms—vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system and service innovations.

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 28         April 6

 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

 How do we draw out the best flavor of the neighborhood? What are we to help preserve?

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:   Cornish College of the Arts, begun in 1914 in offers degrees in the performing and visual arts and music. The College’s wholistic  holistic approach to education seeks to help  aspiring artists become practicing artists   to contribute to society as artists, citizens, and innovators.

Week 3. 40 for the Neighborhood

(Also available on Union app)

40 for the Neighborhood                 Day     17       March 25

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Pray for God to grow our humility, mercy and love.

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: There are about 100 restaurants in South Lake Union.

40 for the Neighborhood                 Day 18            March 26

When you make a sale to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not cheat one another. Lev.25:14

Pray that our neighbors would be supportive of our actions to love the neighborhood.

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 Seattle Times columnist John Hinterberger proposed redeveloping SLU into a central park to include mixed-income housing, retail, and commercial space on the park edges.   Paul Allen donated $20m to buy property for the Seattle Commons, which reverted to his ownership after the proposal was defeated by public votes in 1995 and 1996.

40 for the Neighborhood                 Day 19         March 27

 If people can’t see what God is doing,
   they stumble all over themselves;
But when they attend to what he reveals,
they are most blessed.    Prov. 29:18          

What do think God is already doing in your neighborhood and SLU? Spend time praying over these areas.

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: Garfield, Ballard and the Center School are SLU’s three “neighborhood” high schools.

40 for the Neighborhood                 Day 20            March 28

 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. Prov.  14:21

Pray for God to show you a need in your neighborhood that you may be a part of meeting.

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: Low-Income Housing Institute (LIHI) has 5 buildings in the Cascade Neighborhood,  Alley24 has 20% of its units set aside for those earning less than 60% of the median income.  18% of the residential units in SLU were empty as of January 1, 2019. The City predicts the need is for 20,000 more units.

40 for the Neighborhood                 Day 21            March 29

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Prov. 29:7

Lord, how do the poor gain a voice? Pray that we create space to hear the stories, concerns and dreams of those who feel voiceless in SLU and our neighborhoods.

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 the 1960’s acres of housing were destroyed in SLU to make room for parking lots.

Forty for the Neighborhood            Day 22           March 30

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phil. 4:4

Give thanks for the good that is happening  in the neighborhood.

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: Over a million people have received blood stem cell transplants around the world thanks to the pioneering work at Fred Hutch

Week 2. 40 for the Neighborhood

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 11     March 18

Proverbs 21:15       When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.         .            

What is an injustice that grips your heart today? Talk to God about how you can be involved in“doing justice.”Pray for eyes to see justice that you can celebrate in the neighborhood.

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: Google will soon have nearly a million square feet of office space in SLU –about a block away from 415 Westlake

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 12    March 19

 Luke 10:29        But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”                          

Talk to God about how you can live into being the neighbor you are invited to be. Pray for a neighbor that comes to mind.

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: SLU has roughly the same residential population as West Seattle (27,000) but a higher density (9,000 people per square mile) compared to 6,000.

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 13     March 20

Deuteronomy 5:21   “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”           

Pray for our role in supporting  Christ’s agents in the tech industry.

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: Brothers and sisters from Amazon, Tableau, Google, Facebook and other tech companies are meeting again at 6:00 pm today to Pray for Tech. Feel free to join in

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 14     March 21

Jeremiah 29:4-7 4          Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.             

Pray that tonight’s Commons Dinner builds trust and relationships among those we have met through Kakao Cafe.

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 Collective nearby at 400 Dexter  is a  diverse community of  “by-invitation-members who thrive on adventure, shared ideas and purpose…The space acts as both a basecamp and a launchpad to foster interaction and meet the dynamic needs of The Collective’s members and their endeavors.”

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 15     March 22

 Matthew 5:43-45       You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But
I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Pray for those who are your enemies or you have a difficult time loving in your neighborhood.

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: There are 1,546 households with children in SLU. Lowell Elementary is the closest public school.

40 for the Neighborhood             Day 16     March 23

Isaiah 1:17          Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.             

Pray for the hospitality workers and retail folks in SLU and your local neighborhood. Who do you know by name?

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 non-citizen population of South Lake Union (16.9) is almost twice that of the rest of Seattle (8.9%)   

Week 1. 40 For the Neighborhood. March 11-16

Forty days of Lent: A time to receive the new life poured out for us through the cross and resurrection of Jesus. 
It’s a time of reflection that some people find aided by giving up something for forty days but this year we want to suggest something else: Praying for the neighborhood for 40 days. It may be counter-intuitive but we have a hunch that as we pray for the neighborhood, looking at it with the eyes of Jesus, we will draw closer to Christ just as we find life when we give ourselves away.
You may want to find a time to pause in your day to pray, journal, walk, listen. These can be done daily or in clusters. Each week we will post scripture, questions and facts. Thank you for journeying with us!

Day 5    40 for the Neighborhood         March 11

 “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 23:22

What does it mean, in a city setting, to not reap to the edges of the field or pick up every stock  of grain that falls?

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 neighborhood had its industrial start with cabinet and furniture manufacturing followed by ship building, a steam plant where Zymogenetics is now and the location of Boeing’s first plant.

 Day 6   40 for the Neighborhood         March 12      

"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:10

 Where do you need to forgive a debtor this week?

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: SCCA, the first comprehensive cancer center in the NW, enrolls 1000 patients in a clinical trial each year.

Day 7   40 for the Neighborhood             March 13

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. Matthew 19:13

How can Union express Christ’s love to Children in South Lake Union?

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: Russians, Swedes, Norwegians, and Greeks made up a large part of the neighborhood population centered around Cascade Elementary School that is now Cascade Park up by REI (the school was destroyed in a 1949 earthquake).

Day 8 40 for the Neighborhood                   March 14

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16

 What un-grounded criticisms do we have of our neighbors?

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: Amazon’s 8 million plus square feet of office space is enough room to house over 70,000 employees

Day 9 40 for the Neighborhood                 March 15

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Col. 4:3

 Spend time praying for new open doors for God’s Spirit to bring healing and hope.

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 city largest sawmill was kitty corner from us on Mercer and Westlake.

Day 10 40 for the Neighborhood                  March 16

To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33  

What trappings of religion turn off our neighbors?

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: Denny Park is Seattle’s oldest park. Once a cemetery, in 1883, the land was converted into a park. The Friends of Denny Park has played a key role in restoring the park to an accessible park for the community.