The Chicago Blessing

Dear Greenhouse Family,

Nearly ten years ago, on a Sunday afternoon, the Spirit prompted me to walk from Cornerstone Anglican Church to the elementary school across the street. I had no idea why, but when I approached the building, a man emerged. “Are you looking for the church?” he asked, and I answered, “I guess I am.” He invited me in, and that was the day I first met Pastor Michael Wright.

Since that day, the Lord has brought about much fruit between our two very different congregations–one Black, one predominately White. We have built lasting, meaningful relationships; we have begun a movement of partnering other White and Black churches to worship together; our Walk Across the Street Gospel Choir has been invited to sing at a number of special events, including the Illinois gubernatorial inauguration; and Pastor Wright and his congregation have joined with Christ Tabernacle, one of Chicago’s historic African American churches in the Austin neighborhood. Even as I write this, Greenhouse and diocesan pastors are on the ground in Chicago’s Westside with Pastor Michael and other local pastors for a multiple-day street revival.

When I walked across the street nearly ten years ago, I had no idea what the Spirit had in store for us, and I am so grateful today to be sending you a video that is evidence of the multiplication of that one walk of faith and act of hospitality.

I’m linking this letter from Archbishop Foley Beach sharing the video. As you view it, I invite you to pray with us for the city of Chicago. You, too, will be walking across the street and joining in the hospitality of our God, in whom we all are one family.

William