Summer Work Program - It's a Wrap!

The following reflection comes from Markeyta Boone, New Community Outreach’s Executive Director.

New Community Outreach’s first Summer Work Program was a success! We were able to employ 10 students for six weeks while continuing to engage them in restorative justice activities. It was amazing to walk with these teens and watch them grow, learn, work, laugh, and interact with each other and others.

During their time in the program, these students taught art classes, cared for the Community Garden and helped teachers at Jackie Robinson, as well as helped with set-up and sound for our Sunday morning service. They also experienced an Art Design Workshop at the Museum of Contemporary Art, life lessons from members of the original Black Panther Party at the Westside Justice Center, and fun times at the movies & bowling. The youth also had guest facilitators throughout the summer. They took part in cooking demonstrations presented by Cathy Nieng, a resume workshop facilitated by Krystle Kim, a conversation about the history of the struggle for Black equality as it resembles the struggle today led by Mama Regina Thompson, a phenomenal history lesson about Ida B. Wells taught by Pastor David and also got yoga instruction from a certified instructor. Of course, there was always food. Our teens love to eat! Thank you to those in our church who so graciously provided meals. It helped tremendously!

The greatest testimony of all was to hear a consensus from the youth that not only were they excited to have the opportunity to work for money over the summer but they were thankful for somewhere to spend their summer that kept them safe from the Chicago streets. We prayed for the funds to continue to have a positive impact on youth beyond the school year and God answered that prayer in a miraculous way. The love the youth received from our church was life-changing for them. Thank you, New Community! Thank you, God! You did it for NCO once again! We can’t wait to do this again next year!

NCO Back-to-School Fun Fair

The New Community Outreach Fun Fair is coming up in a little over ONE WEEK! This is one of the primary ways that we love and serve our neighbors in and around this school. Please plan to be there! If you haven't yet signed up to volunteer, sign up here.

Community Prayer Requests

1) Back-to-School Fun Fair: Please pray that last minute preparations go smoothly and for good weather for the event in this last week. Continue praying for our fair leaders, for many volunteers, and - most of all - that the community and school would be well-served by our efforts.

2) Principal Search at Dyett High School: Pray for Dyett High School as they search for a new Principal. Pray that the person who takes this role would be able to provide good leadership and stability for staff, students and families as they go through this transition. Pray also that the new Principal is open to continued partnership with NCO so that we can continue our work there through the KEY Program.

3) Gun Violence: As we've seen mass shootings around the country, let us also continue to pray for the gun violence and related trauma that continues to impact our city every day, particularly in warm weather months.

Your generosity helps our ministry flourish. Please see this fact sheet to learn more about how to give or visit our website to give online. Thank you!

Calendar & Opportunities

New Community Outreach Back-To-School Fun Fair | Saturday, August 24
The annual NCO Fun Fair at Jackie Robinson Elementary School is just 8 days away! If you haven’t already, sign up to volunteer at the hospitality table or email the Fun Fair Team.

Newcomer’s Lunch | August 25, 12:30PM
If you are new (or have never been to a newcomer’s lunch), please join us for a meal after service on August 25. Email Krystle to sign up.

Women’s Gathering | August 31, 7:00PM
All women are invited to join us for an evening of fellowship and a time to get to know each other! Email Pastor Michelle with any questions and for directions.

Membership Classes | Saturdays, September 7 & 14; 3:30PM-5:30PM
Please email Krystle Kim to register for the upcoming membership classes. There are only a few spots left! Both classes are required for those interested in membership.

Ice Cream Social at Eco House | September 8; 4:00 PM
Come and enjoy an evening of homemade ice cream at Chicago Eco House (6439 S Peoria St)! This will be an opportunity to "come taste and see" what imago dei (God, self, neighbors, and creation) Christianity can look like in practice. Please email Hannah to RSVP by September 2.

Men’s Gathering | September 15
There will be a Men’s Gathering on September 15 at the Dodsons’ home. Email Karlos with any questions and for directions.

Open AA Meeting | Thursdays; 7:00-8:00 PM
Sponsored by The Chicago Area Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous, the meeting is open to all who desire to stop drinking and is held in Room 425 of Mercy Hospital (2525 South Michigan Avenue; 312-567-2000).

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