Adopt-A-Block
Shovels,
brooms, bags, sweat and smiles are ADOPT-A-BLOCK's tools of servanthood
evangelism. This is one of the most powerful tools at Center of Hope
in reaching our community for Christ. Adopt-a-Block is
a dynamic way for the church to reach its community. Every
Saturday members of Hope are taking Jesus’ words to love their
neighbor seriously. Every Saturday morning, volunteers from
the church hit the streets of a local neighborhood, practically ministering
families. Their tools consist of garbage bags, lawnmowers,
rakes, weed-whackers-whatever it takes to serve. As some
of the team serve by picking 
up
trash or raking leaves, other team members knock on doors introducing
themselves and asking: How can
we serve you today? We find that people open up allowing
for opportunities to pray, share Christ, and are interested in visiting
the church.
Why is Adopt-a-Block so effective?
Adopt-a-Block works because it is about building relationships. Week
in and week out, rain or shine, snow or blow, we are on the street. Adopt-a-Block
is a long-term commitment. The goal isn't to reach lots of
people superficially, but to reach some people well. As the
church grows, we will be able to adopt more blocks in your community.
Adopt-a-Block is not just another ministry of the church…it’s
the responsibility of
the church! Jesus commanded
us to love God and our neighbor (Matt. 22:37-40). He tells us
that both are equally important. When it comes to ‘loving
God,’ we’re
doing OK. Many Christians faithfully attend church, pray, and
worship. Where
we often fall short is showing love for our neighbor. Adopt-a-Block
on Saturdays is the way a church can keep the second great commandment.
When Jesus walked this earth, He had a reputation for ‘doing
good’ (Acts
10:38). What is our reputation as His church today? Adopt-a-Block
is the church—all of us who follow Jesus Christ-fulfilling
its responsibility to love its neighbor.
As we have been doing Adopt-a-Block in our community, we discover
many needs that need to be met. New ministries naturally follow,
and we are becoming like the first church who ‘gave to anyone
as he had need’ (Acts 2:45). As our Center of Hope has
become more relevant in the community, it has begun to grow and
grow! Adopt-a-Block
is revolutionary to our church!
Hope
Family Resources
Hope Family Resources is a practical ministry meeting the needs
of our church family members. We assist families in obtaining food,
clothing, household supplies, and affirmation to those going through
difficult financial times.
FREE
Community
Kids Carnivals
Hundreds of people
each summer gather
from the community to our Annual Canada Da
y
Weekend FREE Community Kids
Carnival.
With plenty
of games, prizes, music, face painting and balloon twisting
there is something for everyone. Our FREE BBQ each year delivers hundreds
of
hot dogs and refreshments to crowds of Carnival participants. Thanks
to area business contributions; new bicycles, and plenty of
toys
are
always
given away as the grand prizes throughout
the
day. As the sun shines and kids bounce their way around the bouncing
castle... everyone has a fantastic and memorable
day. We look
forward to seeing everyone again at next years Center of Hope FREE
Kids Community
Carnival. The countdown is on!