Blessed
Rev. Steve Jerbi
Dear Friends,
The past few days have beautifully captured what it means to be engaged deeply with the community of All Peoples Church and why we are thankful. The most obvious moment was our annual Praise Dinner where members, neighbors, guests from the pantry, community partners and partner congregations come together in celebration. Like the old Cab Calloway song says, “Everybody eats when they come to my house!” This year we served over 300 in the brand new Harambee Kitchen.
And speaking of the new kitchen, St. Vincent de Paul will begin meal services starting December 1st. The legacy of serving soul food continues as we welcome 200-500 folks into our site 5 nights a week.
I’ve had other less visible but just as powerful moments. While gathering with the Milwaukee Food Council, we celebrated that All Peoples is up for a Groundworks Strong Roots award for largest harvest. Just this past week we harvested 13 5-gallon buckets of greens and at Sundays dinner there were buckets of peppers, tomatoes and tomatillos. We now have a 9-10 month growing season!
On Saturday, we had 9 youth attend an empowerment and organizing training held by MICAH. That still left 20 young people working KWTS. With more and more opportunities, we continue to put kids first.
We’ve also had some hard, but important conversations about my support of the Coalition for Justice’s action at the city/county tree lighting ceremony. And while some disagree with the tactic, the Coalition had a goal of bringing discomfort for leaders and the region. For years, residents and some elected officials have been asking for a federal investigation of patterns and practices by the Milwaukee Police that violate civil rights. Marches, rallies and packing hearing rooms have brought no movement on this issue. Because racism and prejudices still cripples our nation, this work continues.
I have talked with too many mothers that say, “This could be my boy. That could happen to my little girl.” If you’ve never had that conversation with a parent, that is the place where this movement comes sharply into focus. And tragically, I’ve spent too much time with parents that have experienced the deadly outcome of racism and it goes from could be to was. We see it in Milwaukee, in Minneapolis, in Chicago. As I spoke this week with my internship supervisor he spoke of the beautiful way that North Minneapolis has come together, how strong the community is both before and after the shooting. I see those same moments of hope in Milwaukee. It won’t be easy or pretty, but we move forward.
Work continues on the Havenwoods campus as well. The new bathroom construction is complete, some floor finishing is happening this week and new art is coming soon. We’re also thrilled to announce that beginning in December the SEEDS worship will include musical leadership from DJ LEE!
We are into the interview stage of our associate pastor to help develop the new site and support the ongoing work at the Harambee campus. We hope to have some news to share in the next couple weeks.
In short, I just want to say that Thanksgiving does not begin to capture the energy, excitement and tremendous blessing I feel. I hope that your connection with our faith community fills you with the same joy.
Peace,
Pastor Steve
Remember us in your year-end giving: http://clo.do/h92e/
Help fund the work of the Harambee Kitchen: http://clo.do/2oal/