Boston Partnership E-Update
January 2006 (already?!)
Dear Friends,
Saturday was one of those days when I (Mike) woke and wondered, “What are we doing here?” I rolled out of bed late and hurried our truck to the shop for a scheduled oil change. Sitting in the waiting area over the next hour, I overheard several public conversations.
A woman's daughter was in a "halo" support device after a car accident and her father had recently passed away. A man's 24 year- old daughter would not risk traveling through the airports because there is a warrant out for her. A mother and her daughter were arguing about something related to their cell phones. There was conversation about the Patriots game and it quickly became clear that sports are way more than just a casual pastime here. Then came talk of the Celtics. Larry Bird was mentioned and there was pause, as if a moment of reverence was needed. A mechanic declared "Larry Bird, now there's the man."
I was reminded why we're in Boston. We are a culture of hurting people in need of a place of healing. A place that brings hope by placing trust in something greater than Super Bowl rings and NBA All-Stars (don't get me wrong, I love Larry Bird). Less than 5% of the people around us will be in church this weekend, but who knows how many will be glued to the TV to watch Tom Brady try to orchestrate another playoff win (sorry Pats fans). We all need a community to rejoice or mourn with, where we are supported, encouraged and uplifted. A place that encourages others to join them on a journey of learning about this Jesus guy. Trying to figure out who He is and what He has to do with the way we relate to our families and those around us.
We believe that God wants a church in Boston that tells and shows people God's grace, truth, love and hope...that's why we're here. Thanks God, for oil changes.
For the Kingdom,
Hank, Mike, John and the Boston Partnership Team
Facilities Update...
495 Commonwealth Ave.
Our team was told a couple of months ago that as we looked for office and/or service locations that we should not rule out properties for sale. We were made aware of an investment group in New England that wants to help churches by purchasing properties that could be used for ministry. In the last month, we stumbled across 495 Commonwealth Ave. in Kenmore Square. It rests at an important intersection right near Fenway Park, Boston University, and the Back Bay and downtown areas. It has tons of potential ministry uses for our church and a collegiate ministry partner including offices and service space in one building! We're operating on a pretty tight schedule as any bids for this property need to be in by January 24th. We say this whole thing feels like a long shot, but nothing is impossible with God. We're confident with or without the building, but this would be a huge resource for establishing a presence and ministry in the downtown area. We're already praying that God would guide us in this process. We'd love for you to join us. We'll let you know as soon as we know something. Thanks.
The Movement
Introducing Phil McArdle
Each new person or organization to join the Partnership brings unique gifts and passions. We want to introduce you to Phil McArdle, a member of the Partnership Team here in Boston. If you meet Phil, you will certainly enjoy your time together and laugh...a lot!
Where are you from and what will your role be with the Boston Partnership?
I'm from the small town of Lexington, IL. I will be the Advocate for Generosity in our Church. In Genesis 12:2 God says to Abraham, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing..." I can't translate Hebrew yet, but my old Professor Walt Zorn could. He said that the last part should read, "I will make your name great, SO BE A BLESSING!" I get to make sure that we are a generous church, to each other, to the community around us, and to world we live in. I can't think of a better role to have!
Why did you move to Boston to be part of a church plant ?
Well it started with God saying, "Go to Boston and be part of a church plant." There was some arguing about me being scared (mostly because of my age and lack of experience), about being away from my love Jen, and about what in the world God could use a crazy kid like me for. Then it ended with God saying, "Go to Boston and be part of a church plant!" It's kinda funny how God can convince you without really answering your questions in a timely fashion.
How has Christ's story impacted the trajectory of your life?
Last year I was in Portland, Maine working with a church plant. Halfway through the internship someone asked me what I had learned about Jesus. I thought for a couple minutes before responding, "I have learned about how and with who Jesus would probably spend a majority of his time. Would he spend the majority of his time in the church, with church people, patting each other on the back, and talking about how they were going to gracefully reach out someday and bring those other lucky people in? Or would he spend the majority of his time healing those that are broken, patting those on the back that most people wouldn't even want to touch, and talking about grace to those that know in their heart they need it." Christ's story continues to challenge me to talk to and live my life alongside people who take me out of my comfort zone.
What excites you most about Boston and its people?
I'm a big fan of people. I find amazing ones that I love everywhere I go. New England people have a special place in my heart mostly for their realness. They only love you once they get to know you. And once they love, you know that you're loved. I also am excited about working in the city. God has really been giving me a heart for people that often times are left on the outside. Although every place has these people, the city seems to attract them more than most others.
Prayer...
We may want some extra prayer for Tischer!
Prayer continues to be the foundation for our ministry here. We are grateful and humbled that you would support us in this way. Please pray...
- -that God would open doors and give us wisdom concerning the 495 Comm. Ave. property.
- -for the new relationships we are forming weekly, especially with those who are not Christ Followers.
- -for the initial small groups that we will launch this month.
- -for the neighborhoods of Fenway, the South End, and Malden where we live.
- -for our collegiate ministry partner, Sojourn (more to come on this).
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. .-John 15:17
