It is the poorest city in America. In 2007, it was the 5th most dangerous city in the country (it was the most dangerous in 2004 and 2005). It is home to less than 80,000 people. It has 3 college campuses downtown and a bevy of developing local attractions. It is ethnically and culturally diverse. It is growing. It has unimaginable needs. It has untapped resources. It is passed by and passed through on a regular basis by people with no consciousness of the needs or the potential. It is made up of and surrounded by an ever growing population of people who simply need hope. Some of them have already entered our circle. They are in our cells, they frequent our public meetings. You probably know them.
One of our friends called it, “just like Philly without any of the good stuff.”
We are the good stuff, Circle of Hope. We have good stuff to offer. Let’s bring the good stuff. Because people need Jesus. Our God is saving the world and there are thousands of people who might partner with him to embrace hope and bring hope if they were just asked the simple question…“do you want to help God save the world with Jesus?”
We are a circle of hope in Jesus Christ called to be a safe place to explore and express God’s love. We build the church for the next generation by the power of the Holy Spirit, multiplying cells that are authentic expressions of life in Christ, forming congregations as diverse as the kingdom of God, and constructing a reconciling network to bring hope to the challenges of 21st century urban life.
Wow!
That’s who we are and what we do. Are you ready to be who we are and do what we do in Camden? It’s a good mission to have. Camden is a good place to have that mission.
Perhaps you’ll pray with us…perhaps you’ll plant with us…we’re doing it together. I can’t wait to see where God takes us!
I’m with you, Nate. Good journey!
Let’s do it. I’m inspired. Let’s see what God is going to do next.
im stoked about this. lets keep praying for direction.
Even after the whole discernment process we went through as a network, Nate, your post gives me new insight into “why” Camden. I realize I’ve been one of those people “passing through,” and I’m excited to make new connections across the bridge.
I think planting in Camden is wonderful. I’m glad that we can reach out to people outside of Philadelphia, especially in a place of great need.
Nate,
Im with you and the crew you are building. Its been great to see you step up amidst all the unknowns, even all the whispers that happen in the church when God wants to do the next big thing. Go out there and plant, garden, harvest….reap….listen, learn, and extend into the places most have forgotten about. Bring life. It shouldnt be hard to find Jesus there. Im pretty excited about what God is doing through us across the river. Thanks for all the hard work Nate.
hello, I have visited circle on several occasions, and I admire your diversity and open love. Anyway, I think this is a great idea. Have you guys thought of, networking with existing churches there? I just can’t help but think of my Mission Year friend’s church there. It’s tiny, but with a big heart. I was just overwhelmed with love for it, when she (my friend) told me about it. The pastor is hard at work all the time, and the church as been there for a while too. The church is called, east Camden Community Fellowship (39th and Westfield aves).
Just thought I’d share.