BRIDGE: New name for community transformation

     Last fall (2011) we began an initiative that we initially referred to as “community transformation.”  We have involved staff, leaders in our congregation, community leaders (Thelma Garza, John Ingram, Steve Ahlenius, etc., etc.), a consultant from the Baptist General Convention of Texas (Gerald Davis) and a consultant from the national Christian Community Development Association (Noel Castellanos).  We have selected a team that has brainstormed and been instrumental in the development of the vision.  All of us have worked much on developing the vision, identifying needs and launching ministries that support this vision.

     As we move forward with plans, we think it is important that we have a name for this initiative that easily identifies what we are doing.  We have decided on a name, a concept and a logo.  These have been custom prepared for Calvary.  So below is the concept of this community transformation initiative.  This is the new name and the new logo by which we will be referring to it from now on.

     As Calvary people we answer the call to be a bridge that embraces our neighbors.  That means we want to BE and BUILD…

1.  An Individual Bridge:  Each of us as individuals finds ways to be good neighbors to those who live around us because we are called to love our neighbors.  (It’s more about being than about doing.  Nevertheless, it is understood that when we are good neighbors, it will result in actions that give evidence of our love for God and our love for people).

2.  A Bridge over Obstacles:  Identify and help remove the obstacles that prevent us and our neighbors from flourishing in a holistic way.

3.  A Development Bridge:  Offer opportunities and resources that help us and our neighbors develop educationally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually.

4.  A Partnership Bridge:  Participate in the flourishing of our community by partnering and collaborating with other organizations and entities.

5.  A Bridge of Hope:  We expect a better future for everyone in our community who desires it.  We hope for a better tomorrow for our neighbors, our children and youth.  We expect community well-being.

We take our cue from Jesus’ agenda in Luke 4:18-19 where He identifies with the expectation announced by Isaiah of good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, release for the oppressed and the arrival of the year of the Lord’s favor.  We become agents with Jesus of holistic ministry, caring for the needy economically, socially, physically and spiritually.  We join God in bringing his “shalom” (comprehensive well-being, flourishing and peace) to our neighborhood, community and city.

     This requires individual hearts that are transformed by God’s love, a congregation with a “BRIDGE” paradigm, a “BRIDGE” team that facilitates our being intentional, creative and strategic in our efforts, and a church-wide mobilization to implement the vision.
     During the next few weeks you will see information about BRIDGE in the weekly bulletin and in other brochures.  We ask that as you read this information, you pray for these initiatives, you find ways to be supportive, and you follow God's leadership as to where you should participate.
     Please also pray for the members of our BRIDGE team (formerly "community transformation" team):

1. Ana Curtis
2. Cindy Shartle
3. Deanna Price
4. Denise Love
5. Jacob Morales
6. Jeanette Ahlenius
7. Ken Munn
8. Laura Heflin
9. Mario Cesar Samaniego
10. Nicolas Pereyra
11. Richard Vaughn
12. Ron Corbett
13. Ruby Martinez
14. Sharon Rueda
15. Sijham Pereyra
16. Tom Boone
17. Tom Centrella

  Also the staff that relates directly to this team is Kathy Herzberg as Missions Ministry Assistant, Elizabeth Zamora as Community Ministries Associate, and Rolando Aguirre as Pastor for Local Missions (and SLM).  Nevertheless, BRIDGE is an initiative in which we expect all staff and the whole church to be engaged.