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Friday, April 06, 2007
Thousands Leave the Largest Church in Illinois to Take Their Ministry to the Streets
In what will be the most ambitious, largest community outreach initiative, Rev. Senator James T. Meeks of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago and members from his 25,000 congregation will head to key neighborhoods across the city for 26 weeks to share and discover the true meaning of servanthood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2007
NEWS RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
Tasha Harris, tharris@sbcoc.org
Communications Director
o: 773.371.2338, c:773-701-2732
CHICAGO (April 5, 2007) - Driven by the need to shake up the comfortable, yet unfulfilling routine of “church” and its uninspiring impact on congregations, Reverend Senator James T. Meeks will close the doors of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, the largest African American church in the state of Illinois, on April 7 so he and members from his 25,000 congregation can head to the streets of Chicago to provide help in areas of greatest need.
Salem will kickoff Vision 2007, a 26-week community outreach initiative on Saturday, April 7 at 9:00 a.m. from the House of Hope, 752 E. 114th Street, Chicago. In what may very will be the most ambitious, largest community outreach initiative organized by a single organization, Vision 2007 will send church members to key communities and institution across the city to engage in 14 various projects that are all designed to build relationships with total strangers, demonstrate compassion and learn the values of giving without expecting anything in return. From April 7 through the end of September, members will designate Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon as their day of service. Instead of weekly Sunday school, members will engage in Service School where church members will apply their knowledge of the Bible’s command to help, give and serve. Instead of just hearing the Word of God, members will be empowered to “do” the Word.
“Church has become a football game that's never played. Imagine the frustration fans would feel if their favorite football team suits up for the game, goes into the huddle, gives the pre-game interview but never steps on the field to actually play,” said Reverend Senator James T. Meeks, who in addition to being a pastor, is a state senator. "Well that's the current routine of today's church. Members pack the pews, sing worship songs but never go into the streets to help the people God called on us to take care of such as the homeless, the sick, the hungry and the lonely. We're using Vision 2007 as an opportunity to close the church doors so we can go out and meet people right where they are. The people of Chicago can expect us on their block, in the streets, in the hospitals and the shelters. "
Key projects include Adopt-A-Block, which entails groups of six team members who will clean and tend to the needs of residents who reside on the 100 identified blocks in the 60628 zip code (surrounding area of the church). Whether it’s painting, raking leaves, assisting with household chores or providing essential food supplies, the Salem team will be there to accommodate.
Most projects will take place at ten targeted locations in the 60628 zip code, and will rotate over the 26 weeks. Other projects include:
Feed the Hungry: the goal is to distribute food for 5,000 families.
Clothing Drive: will distribute new and gently worn clothing to community residents
Health & Legal Services: this mobile unit will provide health screenings (HIV, diabetes, Blood pressure & cholesterol). Attorneys will also be on hand to provide legal assistance.
Mobile Sunday School: Fun and excitement, mixed with Biblical truths is in store for children when Salem’s ice cream truck hits targeted communities.
Prison Ministry: will conduct worship services and discussion groups at prisons throughout the state.
Shelter Visits: will help with repairs (plumbing, painting) as well as essential supplies
Nursing Home Visits: will conduct Sunday School classes at targeted facilities in place of holding them at church.
Senior Citizen Visits: will conduct Sunday School classes at targeted facilities in place of holding them at church, as well as provide essential supplies.
Sunday Shelter Visits: will conduct Sunday School classes at targeted facilities in place of holding them at church, as well as provide essential toiletries.
Youth Street Projects: Salem’s youth will reach out to community youth in a way they best know how – through shared activities and experiences with their peers
Mentoring Projects: will tutor and provide transitional assistance for 8th graders as they head to high school.
Hospital Visits – in partnership with hospitals across the city, will volunteer their time to help families deal with their medical crisis.
Housing Project- Salem men will build five new homes for first-time homebuyers.
Corner Prayer- individuals will saturate all corners in the 60628 zip code and pray for residents’ needs every Wednesday in the month of June.
For more information or to get involved with Vision 2007, please call 773-371-2300 ext. 400 or send an email to Vision2007@sbcoc.org.
About Salem Baptist Church
Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, under the leadership of the dynamic Reverend Senator James T. Meeks, is the largest African American church in Illinois with over 25,000 members and has been recognized as one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. The church serves as a beacon of peace and hope for countless thousands in Chicago’s Roseland community. With sincere compassion, genuine care and concern for people from all walks and backgrounds, Salem’s faith propels its congregants into action. Salem’s primary’s focus is to provide a spiritual, social and community outreach to serve and help others. For more information about Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, please visit www.sbcoc.org or call 773-371-2300.
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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2007
NEWS RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
Tasha Harris, tharris@sbcoc.org
Communications Director
o: 773.371.2338, c:773-701-2732
CHICAGO (April 5, 2007) - Driven by the need to shake up the comfortable, yet unfulfilling routine of “church” and its uninspiring impact on congregations, Reverend Senator James T. Meeks will close the doors of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, the largest African American church in the state of Illinois, on April 7 so he and members from his 25,000 congregation can head to the streets of Chicago to provide help in areas of greatest need.
Salem will kickoff Vision 2007, a 26-week community outreach initiative on Saturday, April 7 at 9:00 a.m. from the House of Hope, 752 E. 114th Street, Chicago. In what may very will be the most ambitious, largest community outreach initiative organized by a single organization, Vision 2007 will send church members to key communities and institution across the city to engage in 14 various projects that are all designed to build relationships with total strangers, demonstrate compassion and learn the values of giving without expecting anything in return. From April 7 through the end of September, members will designate Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon as their day of service. Instead of weekly Sunday school, members will engage in Service School where church members will apply their knowledge of the Bible’s command to help, give and serve. Instead of just hearing the Word of God, members will be empowered to “do” the Word.
“Church has become a football game that's never played. Imagine the frustration fans would feel if their favorite football team suits up for the game, goes into the huddle, gives the pre-game interview but never steps on the field to actually play,” said Reverend Senator James T. Meeks, who in addition to being a pastor, is a state senator. "Well that's the current routine of today's church. Members pack the pews, sing worship songs but never go into the streets to help the people God called on us to take care of such as the homeless, the sick, the hungry and the lonely. We're using Vision 2007 as an opportunity to close the church doors so we can go out and meet people right where they are. The people of Chicago can expect us on their block, in the streets, in the hospitals and the shelters. "
Key projects include Adopt-A-Block, which entails groups of six team members who will clean and tend to the needs of residents who reside on the 100 identified blocks in the 60628 zip code (surrounding area of the church). Whether it’s painting, raking leaves, assisting with household chores or providing essential food supplies, the Salem team will be there to accommodate.
Most projects will take place at ten targeted locations in the 60628 zip code, and will rotate over the 26 weeks. Other projects include:
Feed the Hungry: the goal is to distribute food for 5,000 families.
Clothing Drive: will distribute new and gently worn clothing to community residents
Health & Legal Services: this mobile unit will provide health screenings (HIV, diabetes, Blood pressure & cholesterol). Attorneys will also be on hand to provide legal assistance.
Mobile Sunday School: Fun and excitement, mixed with Biblical truths is in store for children when Salem’s ice cream truck hits targeted communities.
Prison Ministry: will conduct worship services and discussion groups at prisons throughout the state.
Shelter Visits: will help with repairs (plumbing, painting) as well as essential supplies
Nursing Home Visits: will conduct Sunday School classes at targeted facilities in place of holding them at church.
Senior Citizen Visits: will conduct Sunday School classes at targeted facilities in place of holding them at church, as well as provide essential supplies.
Sunday Shelter Visits: will conduct Sunday School classes at targeted facilities in place of holding them at church, as well as provide essential toiletries.
Youth Street Projects: Salem’s youth will reach out to community youth in a way they best know how – through shared activities and experiences with their peers
Mentoring Projects: will tutor and provide transitional assistance for 8th graders as they head to high school.
Hospital Visits – in partnership with hospitals across the city, will volunteer their time to help families deal with their medical crisis.
Housing Project- Salem men will build five new homes for first-time homebuyers.
Corner Prayer- individuals will saturate all corners in the 60628 zip code and pray for residents’ needs every Wednesday in the month of June.
For more information or to get involved with Vision 2007, please call 773-371-2300 ext. 400 or send an email to Vision2007@sbcoc.org.
About Salem Baptist Church
Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, under the leadership of the dynamic Reverend Senator James T. Meeks, is the largest African American church in Illinois with over 25,000 members and has been recognized as one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. The church serves as a beacon of peace and hope for countless thousands in Chicago’s Roseland community. With sincere compassion, genuine care and concern for people from all walks and backgrounds, Salem’s faith propels its congregants into action. Salem’s primary’s focus is to provide a spiritual, social and community outreach to serve and help others. For more information about Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, please visit www.sbcoc.org or call 773-371-2300.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
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About Religion Press Release ServicesReligion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others. The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
