Welcome to advent conspiracy 2019
A few years back, the Lodi Police Department approached Christian leaders in our community with a dire need. There were neighborhoods in our city that were struggling with high rates of poverty, gang activity, and crime. Their question for us was simple: Can the church help?
At the center of our faith is the Advent story. It’s the true story of how in Jesus, God did the most unexpected thing: He put on flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood (Jn 1:14, MSG)
Jesus came into our world, walked on our streets, and ate in our homes. He did this among people whom society had rejected, and he did it so he could demonstrate God’s salvation, restoration, and hope to a hurting world.
As followers of this Jesus, we also need to be willing to do the unexpected. This means that when there’s a neighborhood in our city that is struggling, we need to look for ways to move into the neighborhood.
At the center of our faith is the Advent story. It’s the true story of how in Jesus, God did the most unexpected thing: He put on flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood (Jn 1:14, MSG)
Jesus came into our world, walked on our streets, and ate in our homes. He did this among people whom society had rejected, and he did it so he could demonstrate God’s salvation, restoration, and hope to a hurting world.
As followers of this Jesus, we also need to be willing to do the unexpected. This means that when there’s a neighborhood in our city that is struggling, we need to look for ways to move into the neighborhood.
What is Advent Conspiracy?
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What is Advent Conspiracy?
Advent conspiracy is an opportunity for the local church to redeem the consumer-driven mentality that is the Christmas season. We’re asking members of the local church to match the amount they would normally spend on one gift for one family member, and invest it as a gift for their own city. These funds will support the following three initiatives: The launch of “One-Eighty Community,” a program of Community Development based around housing and intentional neighboring on Lodi’s East Side. Sending four new individuals into the target neighborhood as “intentional neighbors” who will live and serve there. Creating tangible opportunities for the people of the local Church to participate in local mission, both on the East side and in their own Neighborhoods. |
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How Can I Get Involved?
First of all, donate to the Advent Conspiracy! We need every single member of the local church to set aside at least the amount you would normally spend on one Christmas gift for a family member, and make a gift to One-Eighty Youth Programs. Remember, your contribution goes directly into the establishment of homes for intentional neighbors on the east side! Participate in the Neighborhood Light Tour! From December 1st through Jan 5th, take your family on an audio tour of the heritage district (east side). Starting at the One-Eighty Teen Center, you will tour the various ministry sites of One-Eighty Community and see some great lights! Plus, every Wednesday from 6PM-7PM during the month of December, the tour will be begin with hot chocolate at One-Eighty! Join a Kingdom Community Group! Each of our “intentional neighbor” homes will need a community group that meets there. We want people who will surround, support, and join them as they work to love and minister to the people in their neighborhood. If you are interested in joining one of our groups, call Jake McGregor at (209) 625-5386. |
The home we plan to purchase.
Neighborhood Light Tour
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Intentional Neighbors
David & Alissa Watson
You may know David as one of our very talented worship leaders on Sunday mornings. Like Hanset, Alissa teaches at JECHS. Both David and Alissa were discipled through the Spokane Masters Commission, a training program heavily focused on urban mission. They have been on the team dedicated to this project since its begining. |
Hanset & Amanda Aragon
Amanda has been on staff with One-Eighty/Care Lodi for about a year now, and has already built an enormous amount of capital with children and families there. Hanset is on staff at Jim Elliot Christian High School, speaks Spanish, and is prepared for whatever God might bring his way. |
Katie & Carole
Katie has lived in the neighborhood for 2 years, working at Heritage Elementary and piloting an after school program in the neighborhood. Carole recently joined her and is excited to get started. |
Leadership
Liz Stevhan
Liz has lived in the neighborhood for over 6 years serving hale park and families in the heritage district by running after school and Summer programs, and providing spiritual, emotional, and physical support to local families. |
Jake & Aly McGregor
Jake & Aly have been serving “the least of these” in our community for almost 18 years. They will be raising funds, equipping the church, and providing vision & direction for the One-Eighty Community movement. |