That is a question (paraphrased) that Tim Keller asked in Gospel Christianity. It has changed my perspective on seeing transformation in our city! If the Kingdom of God were truly present in my City - today - it seems that transformation would be tangible... we could see it, hear it, touch it. Well, the Kingdom of God IS present in our city, if we are present in our city. If this is true, then through us there should be tangible changes in our city... like reduced crime, cleaner streets, new life and less decay, healthier people, thriving businesses, and a more beautiful city - to name a few.
This is why New City Church operates the 567 Cafe, volunteers at events like Bragg Jam, sponsors and works hard at City Watch Macon, and is now calling for volunteers to sign up for the Facade Squad's renovation of the Thorpe Building on Cherry Street. I am thrilled that one of our MC leaders (Shae Hinson) is also one of the founders and leaders of the Facade Squad.
Founded in 2008, Facade Squad’s mission is to
dramatically improve the aesthetic appearance of the downtown region of Macon, GA. The organization covers 100% of the expenses and completes work by enlisting the help of volunteer workers when possible. Direct benefits include increased property value, improved city image, and a more enjoyable downtown. In addition, there are many indirect benefits, including increased commercial activity, reduced crime and increased interest from real-estate investors. Downtown Macon, GA, has faced significant economic and social challenges for decades. There are myriad causes, including relative lack of industry, growth in the north Macon, loss of important corporations, crime, negative public image, etc. In addition, the decayed appearance of much of downtown is a significant factor. Studies have shown that improving the physical appearance of an area has a profound impact on the vitality of that area, both economically and socially. Therefore, Facade Squad strongly believes that by improving appearances, it can help improve economical and social vitality of the downtown region of Macon, GA.
For more information about Facade Squad, please visit ttp://www.FacadeSquad.org. Contact Information:
Stephen Windsor, Executive Director
876 Mulberry St., Ste. 4A Macon,
GA 31201 Mobile phone: 478-952-2418
Email: swindsor@FacadeSquad.org
Volunteer to help bring about tangible transformation for the good of our city!
When:
Friday June 5, 2009 6:30-10 p.m.and
Saturday June 6, 2009 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where:
588 Cherry St. Macon, GA 31201
Saturday breakfast and lunch will be catered. Facade Squad t-shirts will be provided to all volunteers.For more information on this project and the Facade Squad, click here. To sign up, email the Facade Squad here, or call 478-952-2418.
"This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 'Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper'" (Jeremiah 29:4-7).
