Concealed Carry Policy

The signs of the times...

My wife and I have raised our kids in the domestic mission field while Lisa carried them in her womb. They grew up cross-culturally sharing Jesus’ message of love and redemption in projects, on the streets, in trailer parks, and the suburbs. 

I have been in countries with road pirates and radical Muslim terrorists. My friends have been jailed and tortured for spreading the Gospel. Some have had churches burned down, wives assaulted, guns to their heads... yet they never sought retaliation. I went to seminary with may students who lived in the lands you pray for along with Voices of The Martyrs. They came from Rwanda, South Sudan, Kenya, The Middle East and many other hostile and closed nations.  They taught and formed me on how to live as “peculiar people”

They were witness to the Gospel, as are we. The Greek word for “witness” is μάρτυρας (mártyras). Christians are called to live the life of Jesus so that the world will see our oounter-cultral life. 

To that end, as churches more and more turn to armed church members fearing attacks, we follow the historical evidence of the Christian Church and God’s Word that tells us to turn cheeks and not live by the sword, to not fear those who can kill only the body but fear only him who can kill the soul. 

As an “ancient Church”, our Holy Space is declared a gun-free zone. We honor and respect your right to carry, but not hear. You are welcome to join us, but please do not bring your side arm. Please respect our applied ethic of Scriptures command to not live by the sword. We understand and respect those who legally have carry permits. You are welcome to join us, but leave your weapon at home. God’s house is no place for a side arm. We are, and have been a safe-haven on the street for almost 10 years. As a friend taught me, we are the “redeemed community”, a “pocket of Peace” in the midst of a hurting and broken world.

 Pray for our nation. Never in my life would I have imagined that we would have to issue notices on weapons in church. God is our strength and our strong tower. The righteous run into him and we are safe. 

Thank you, 
Bryan, and the Street Church Board of Directors. 

One of the best parts of Street Church

Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”

He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 

Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 

For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my

brother and sister and mother.”

                                                                                                     Matthew 12:47-50

Last Week’s Update…stay connected!

Hi fam,

We had a great day at church today. The Holy Spirit fell in a profound way! More below.

Logistics

  • Served: ~80

  • Last week's leaders: Kenny, Bryan, Geoff

  • Next week's leaders: Ruth Chichi, Jody

Gifts

  • Last week's: Socks

  • Next week's: Holy Spirit and love

Looking Ahead

Service

The day started with Bryan, Josh and I at U-Haul loading up. Bryan had organized the unit earlier the week, the lunches were packed from last week, so it made for a quick and easy load. I got to know our new friend Josh a bit more. He just graduated from UConn and is continuing for one more year getting his Master's in Accounting. He found out about Street Church through Vox a few months ago and has been coming almost every Saturday. It's awesome to see him catch the vision.

On the way down to Street Church, Bryan and I got to talk about things weighing on our hearts, both collectively and individually. It's nice to have a brother who shares a similar vision for many things in life but also isn't afraid to speak truth in areas my heart might've gone astray. Those truck rides down to City Hall are holy rides for sure.

Downtown, we had a great crew waiting for us. It was the fourth Saturday of the month, which meant many from Vox showed up. We're so thankful for their enduring partnership, especially those who frequently come and have become part of the family of Street Church. I got to talk with Chris, who formerly cleaned toilets on the Peter Pan buses, but is now looking for work and striving for sobriety. Thankfully, we have two people - Brother Benson and Cheryl - who are active in the social work community of Hartford and they helped him with his next steps. 

The readings were beautiful: Evelyn, Max, Kalia

(Howard and Iyanna's oldest daughter), and David read.

Today reminded me why the readings are among my favorite parts of

Street Church.

Most Sunday churches reserve public readings for those who are the most confident, eloquent, and presentable. But at Street Church, we believe the word of God is for everyone to be read by anyone, from kids to those who can't speak well or have difficulty reading.

It's a wonderful experience.

I was privileged to give the message and have Howard pray over me beforehand. I spoke about the importance of persistence in prayer, a common theme found in today's readings. Often, I've found the "best" sermons are when the messengers preach to themselves, and I was certainly doing that today. God gave me the words to speak as I went along, and I felt assured in the Spirit. 

We had a time of prayer with new prayer cards. Everyone was so engaged in it, and I'm excited to continue in this format. Then the Holy Spirit fell in a profound way. Bryan called up anyone who wanted to give their life to Christ or renew parts of themselves. We had so many people come up and get re-dedicated. Carmen, our Puerto Rican grandma who comes every week in the snow and heat despite health issues, was there with her grandkids from Puerto Rico, and she couldn't look happier. She came up to get prayer for her health issues and the Holy Spirit radiated through Bryan, her and Benson. After finishing, Eric prayed with her and was also almost knocked over from the overflow! It was powerful.

We had a great time of communion where David handed it out. He's another guy who's only come twice but seems to be a guy who'll stick around for a long time. We also prayed for Max, who has been with us since last summer but is going home to Massachusetts next week before embarking on his final year of school. He's been such a light to our family, and we hope to see him again soon.

Overall, it was a blessed day to be downtown as always.

With love,

-Kenny

From the Community Churches

“In Acts 2:42, Luke gives his readers a description of some of the practices of the early church. He says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship (koinonia), to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Most commentators note that the “apostles’ teaching” is something like Bible study or listening to a sermon. The commentators also agree that the “breaking of bread” is most likely shorthand for the Lord’s Supper. But what does Luke mean by “fellowship?”

Fellowship cannot be reduced to, as one writer suggests, “idle chitchat over steaming coffee before or after a worship service.” Fellowship, on the contrary, is gathering around what we believe and then living out that belief for the world to see. We believe the apostles’ teaching about Jesus’ death and resurrection; we come together around one table, breaking one loaf of bread to proclaim Christ’s death as a community; and we pray for our world, our city and our church. Koinonia for Luke, then, is the common Christian life recognized in belief and practice.”

The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield

The Farmington Station Community Church

The River Ridge Community Church

The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church

GIVE HERE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY

SIGN UP HERE TO HELP SERVE.

SIGN UP HERE, TO PROVIDE FOOD DONATIONS  

Help Us Load Up @ 10am 164 South Street in West Hartford

visit our website thestreetchurch.org to learn more

or feel free to contact us at

admin@thestreetchurch.org

Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org

The Father's Voice

ὅσοι γὰρ πνεύματι θεοῦ ἄγονται οὗτοι εἰσιν υἱοὶ θεοῦ

                                                                Ρωμαίους 8:14

“Good morning Pastor Bryan! Do you have anyone to help today?!”

Before I could answer, my friend looked around and announced, “Grandma, see! I told you, I knew it! Pastor Bryan, yesterday God told me you had no help today so I called my grandma and told her we needed to come help today”

Who is your daddy?

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Romans 8:14

Last Week’s Update…stay connected!

Hey family!

The weather last week was perfect! What a gift!

Logistics

  • Served: 100

  • Last week's leaders:  Bryan, Malaree, Will, Ruth (in the AM)

  • Next week's leaders: Kenny and ??? I can help 

  • Next week's preacher: Kenny

Gifts

  • Last week's: assorted tee shirts we had in storage, new washcloths, and snack bags made up by River of Life Church 

  • Next week's: socks

Miscellaneous

  • MY FAMILY AND I ARE HEADED TO THE CAPE AGUST 1-3 FOR HANNAH'S SWEET 16 CAMPING TRIP! THE LEADERS NEED SOME HELP

Service

I got to storage very early, having had s slow go of it last week, and just as I finished packing up the van, Nathan and his grandmother showed up. Nathan said he heard in prayer I would need help this week. For those of you who don't know him. he is a fine young man in his early 20's with an insatiable love for Jesus and serving. They both got on the lunch packing just in time as Ruth showed up with the food from VOX for next week!

Ruth made the ChikfilA stop (for the first time)and I headed downtown arriving at 11:15. That was ELEVEN FIFTEEN. Jaws dropped and we waited around for the remainder of the RIVER of LIfe Church team showed up, 18 in all! We know we are late at times, but often we have to load the van solo. We would love some help at Haul storage at 10a,

The home team was there and Willie the Goat Herder read! Along with Franklin, Veronica from River of Live Church, and Eric. We have not seen Curtis in a while. 

Lisa and my girls were there and they and Malaree were on the coffee table. A couple of folks from 180 Lifechurch joined us and were blessed handing out "you matter" cards to all the Comicon folks walking past. Raymond whom I met mid week with the Hartford project came back. I had sent him an electric copy of our help sheet. 

I picked up a new larger and sturdier Connect Four game for last week and it is amazing how many follks love to play that game. Just sheer fun. Will was playing with a new guy who later said to him "It feels good to feel normal again. Brookline, a newer young woman came back still battling her demons and Angel was off and asked me to "put water on his head" for Jesus. When he would not repent he did it himself and wondering off into the street telling me he loved me. 

I preached on staying focused and calm in turbulent times using a second handout I made with verses on rest, returning, peace and prayer. The flip side walked folks through the "prayer hand", and tool the Navigators use. 

After the sermon I made the call for Jesus and healing and a man came forward, then another, then another. I was moved by the Spriit to call everyone in around them and for people to place thier hands on eachother's shoulders. Then I walked them through the prayer hand, pausing and inviting them to lift up prayers for Adoration of God, thanksgivings, confession/repentance, prayers for themselves, prayers for others. It was so powerful being enveloped in a mass of coperate prayer. 

As we finished I called them to stay and went strait into communion. A new friend, David, asked if her could distribute communion. He was one of the three seeking prayer. 

We handed out the tee shirts, snack bags, and washcloths and a woman approached Malaree about what we were doing and she sent her to me. Her name i Cerra Williams and she works for the City in public health. She is a believer and we exchanged numbers as she wants to get donations and grants to us. Google her, she is the real deal. 

And then another woman walked up with her daughter asking if we took donations and if she and her daughter could come next week to help out... and would it be ok if she wore her sash and crown... as she is Miss Teen Connecticut. So I said sure, as long it was honest and not just a photo op. 

And we had Waldo and Sonic pass through to Comicon... and others from the odd asian youtube cartoons, and a big pack of adults still stuck on thier Pokemon days. 

        From the Community Churches

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

                                                                                          Galatians 6:10

I had a lovely, packed service at Farmington Station this past week and Rehab this past week but I would like to share a quick update on some ongoing outpouring of heroic love in Ukraine by a friend of mine.

The van was not damaged by drone hits, but broke down after countless trips from “safe” cities inside Ukr*ine to front lines to deliver humanitarian relief and transport civilians to safety. My wife and I helped with the final cost to fix the van and I say this not to boast, but to encourage you all to do the same. But first, you need to ask; “do I have personal friends in dangerous places working for the Kingdom of God?” We are supposed to “feel” our giving to the Greater Church. It should alter our lifestyle, just like it did for the early church. Whom we associate with should make people talk about us, not because they are A-list in the kingdom of Man’s Empire, but are the First in the Kingdom of Heave. People should gossip about the company we keep and cause us to be outcast ourselves.

Jesus  will not be impressed by our career moves, church attendance numbers, your vehicle, your vacation home. He will look at what you did with what He gave you. Did you steward well?

But Jesus, look at our carpet! Listen to our sound system!

Look, I like nice carpets and I have heard awful homemade electric guitars running off truck  batteries in remote villages… but church, choose this day whom you will serve.

God never promised us safety in body (Matthew 8:28) , security in finances (James 4:13), or happy life (John 16:33). The vast majority of follower of Jesus across the globe know this.

At the bank yesterday, I had to repeat multiple times to the agent helping me why I was wiring money and I kept saying “to fix a van bringing humanitarian relief to civilians caught in the Ukr*ini*n War” He told me as he had to, that once the funds were wired they could not be reclaimed…. which I knew from countless wires over the years… I told him that is fine, I have been praying that the addresses are still standing and am trusting God.

Thank you all for helping us do good… now, go and do likewise.

b

The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield

The Farmington Station Community Church

The River Ridge Community Church

The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church

GIVE HERE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY

SIGN UP HERE TO HELP SERVE.

SIGN UP HERE, TO PROVIDE FOOD DONATIONS  

Help Us Load Up @ 10am 164 South Street in West Hartford

visit our website thestreetchurch.org to learn more

or feel free to contact us at

admin@thestreetchurch.org

Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org

Feed My Sheep

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 

John 21:15-18 NIV Translation

Last Week’s Update…stay connected!

Hi fam (from Crystal),

Nice weather on Saturday. Clouds kept the hot weather at bay. Lots of people lingering after church :)

Logistics

  • Served: ~90

  • Last week's leaders: Kenny, Crystal

  • Next week's leaders: Kenny

  • Next week's preacher: Kenny

Gifts

  • Last week's: Snacks

  • Next week's: Hygiene

Service

Saturday was beautiful! Kenny, Ruth, Bryan and myself (Crystal), all arrived at the storage unit at different times to help either unload items from cars or load up the van. We arrived at City Hall to see a large amount of people in the downtown area whom we believe were Pokemon Go players. Looked fun! It was Vox weekend so several people from the church were out as well as the usuals: Benson, Jeff, Ed, and others from various churches. That's what I love about Street Church, the diversity of the people who come out from various churches and all walks of life. Some familiar faces and some new ones.

Kenny opened us up with great enthusiasm and then Franklin, Nicole and Isis read Scripture to us. Ruth preached a beautiful, heartfelt message. She shared briefly how her day had not started off well due to some news she received the night before but that did not dampen her message. It was clear and powerful. She taught us about finding our identity in Christ. How often do we need that reminder? That our identity cannot be found in our careers, relationships, success, appearance. It can only be found in Christ and Christ alone.

Early on I ran into a woman I met over Easter weekend at 180 Life Church. Her name is Elora and we both recognized each other. I had an opportunity to pray with her and encourage her and she introduced me excitedly to her friend, and as the day wrapped she gave me a hug and we said goodbye. Many people were praying with each other. What a sight to behold if you were walking or driving by and you see groups of people in prayer! I led us in communion and then we broke for lunch.

Bryan made the yummiest, baked ziti with meatballs and had a container that kept it warm. He was originally going to take the day off but couldn't help himself and came. We were happy to have his presence there. What we all noticed is that people lingered. After they ate, they lingered and they talked and they fellowshipped with one another. No one was in a hurry to get away. This is what happens when the presence of God is evident and people are loving upon one another. People want to stay.

I also took the time to alert people of my absence from Street Church as God is calling me to Texas. That is where I was born and raised and moved from 12 years ago. I don't exactly know what is in store for me next, but I can trust that with God leading it will be good. Goodbyes are always sad, but I will be around Street Church for a few more weeks and will likely be back up in October for fall and would love to see you!

Blessings,

Crystal

From the Community Churches

It’s been a long time, but with summer upon us I was a team of one this past week. It was a good reminder of how much Rushika, Anna, Mary, Eileen, Andrea, Karen and the boys add to these lovely churches.

The service was lovely as always when the beloved of God gather, but the Holy Spirit waited until I was packing to heal a friend who has been suffering in silence.

…and they have found community and love here, many years removed from any church community like so many others who simply seem to get lost once they get older and can’t get to church….

So we cried Holy Tears together, and like Jesus was washed by the tears of a woman I was washed by the tears of my friend.

Remember the widow and orphans we serve.

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield

The Farmington Station Community Church

The River Ridge Community Church

The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church

GIVE HERE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY

SIGN UP HERE TO HELP SERVE.

SIGN UP HERE, TO PROVIDE FOOD DONATIONS  

Help Us Load Up @ 10am 164 South Street in West Hartford

visit our website thestreetchurch.org to learn more

or feel free to contact us at

admin@thestreetchurch.org

Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org

The power of an invite

“Then he turned to the host. “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be—and experience—a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned—oh, how it will be returned!—at the resurrection of God’s people.”

Luke 14:13-14 Message Translation

Last Week’s Update…stay connected!

Hey Family, 

Weather was beautiful and we had no rain!

Logistics

  • Served: ~90. 

  • Last week's leaders: Geoff-Jeff, Bryan 

  • Next week's leaders: VOX Church

Gifts

  • Last week's: socks

  • Next week's: Hygiene

Looking Ahead

  • We are still serving hot side dishes. Backed beans with hotdog, Mac-n-cheese, pasta, all is welcome if you would like to cook something!

Miscellaneous

  • This past weekend was “parent’s weekend” as Kenny’s mom and dad joined us as well as Crystal’s mom! It is such a gift seeing the faith passed down through generations.

Service

Geoff and I loaded up at UHaul. Thanks to Crystal and her mom for packing the lunches earlier this week. Julie, a friend of Louise, stayed and helped pack lunches for next week

We loaded both blue coolers, one with gatorade and the other water. We also brought down an extra case of water and gatorade and both went. It is getting hot!

We handed out “what to do if stopped by ICE” cards. I made it clear that we (Street Church) do not condone breaking the law but that everyone, even law-breakers, has rights and dignity. This is a time where we, as a church, can model the life of Jesus loving across more and more walls.

I preached on covering shame and it seemed like the groups had good times of prayer. Please continue to use the papers so we can teach prayer. Written prayers may not be your tradition but we have heard from many it is helpful for them. There is time for open prayers at the end of each section. Some groups go longer than others. It may feel "canned" but in a large group setting we need to be aware. If you are in a group and notice your group is going long, help them close and tell them you can continue to pray during lunch and find them and do so.

Isis jumped right in to help with communion and the line was long, reminding us our friends come here for Jesus first, food second. Kenny and his dad worked the socks, and Isis and Eric served the mac-n-cheese the Jacobs brought.

We had two folks exchange loud words, but loud is just loud and Eric mediated the conflict well along with Brother Benson. It was while I was preaching and, as a pastor, I cannot say how much I appreciate God giving us this ministry of reconciliation on the streets.

While we were wrapping up in our closing circle one of the family shared a story from a woman whom he was talking to. She speaks very little English, but he is fluent is Spanish. She told him

“I live right up the street and have an apartment and walk by this gathering every week. I thought it was private church and you had to be invited but today this man (Will) offered me water and invited me in. He was so welcoming and I was so thankful to be part of the church today!”

I had given Will the assignment of offering everyone person who walked past us a water or gatorade. Will is one of the must humble and hard working guys I know! It’s hard to think that two months ago he was estranged from God and homeless. So many are finding their way to Street Church through this grateful and unassuming man. He is such a gift.

Love to you all,

Bryan

From the Community Churches

Worship without words, advancing the Kingdom without degrees, and Holy Gossip…

If you happen to be driving by the Chrysalis Center in Hartford, look up and you will see our very own Malaree on the billboard working hard! Malaree is the consummate encourager wherever she is; on the bus, at the center, or with her “coffee club” at Dunkin’ every morning at 6 am. She is a force to be reckoned with!

I had the absolute pleasure of spending time with Crystal’s mom this past weekend. As most know, our beloved Crystal is headed back to Texas to finish seminary, help her dad battle cancer, and wait on The Lord, so her mom came to help her in the transition. She joined us for leader dinner and shared stories and I marveled at such a dedicated, Godly woman with a high school diploma who raised an amazing family with a husband she deeply loves.

I made my first “chair altar” last week when I showed up for a service and the regular staff were out. I didn’t realize how creepy it looked until I posted this picture.

… and then Tuesday… I worshipped at Farmington Station in the memory care unit with some twenty or so people. We sing a lot, and I joke even more, because this is the way were are. One lady had new shoes and swore they made her run faster when I told her they looked fast! One friend was what I call “stuck inside” today. They are fully there, but the words and thoughts are just stuck… like an emotional stutter I would say.

I do what I do with folks who are stuck…. I wait, and look them in the eyes because eyes don’t need lips to speak… and I told her it was ok, Jesus was in there with her words and he heard them loud and clear…. and that he loved her…

We sang together because music makes stuck people unstuck which is a very cool trick God thought up, but she couldn’t eat communion so I placed my hand on her back while her head was down again and sang “Yes, Jesus loves me” and she joined in and I felt her singing through her bones because my hand was on her back.

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale

The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield

The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield

The Farmington Station Community Church

The River Ridge Community Church

The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church

GIVE HERE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY

SIGN UP HERE TO HELP SERVE.

SIGN UP HERE, TO PROVIDE FOOD DONATIONS  

Help Us Load Up @ 10am 164 South Street in West Hartford

visit our website thestreetchurch.org to learn more

or feel free to contact us at

admin@thestreetchurch.org

Bryan
Street Church Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
(860) 578-2961 TEXT ONLY
bryan@thestreetchurch.org