"How long have you lived in this neighborhood? What is it about this place that you like the most? What are you concerned about? How have things changed since the time you first moved here?" These are some of the questions this summer that some of our congregants, young and old, practiced asking folks in the neighborhood that our church has resided in for over two decades. It has been important for us to recognize that it's possible to exist in place without really being present, especially in a neighborhood that has been undergoing as much dramatic transformation as San Francisco's Mission District. There are many new neighbors to meet, but also those who have been here for a long time and are most affected by the changing demographics, for better or worse. Being intentional to take time and create space for conversation with our neighbors, we seek renewal in our calling as Christ's presence here.
Taking Time to Listen
