Urban Ministries

The Message translates John 1:14 like this: “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” Having a flesh and blood presence as Christ’s representatives in our urban neighborhoods is what Urban Ministry is all about. The Chapel is dedicated to extending a hand of generosity to those who have significant physical needs (clothing, food, etc) but also a hand that shares the Good News of Christ, the source of knowing God. We call it G2 (if you know Gatorade’s latest marketing moniker!), being all about Good Deeds and Good News.

Urban Ministry touches …

 

A letter for Urban Ministry from a Leggett 4th Grader:

You inspired me to do good things in my life and you’ve brung me closer to God. Thank you for teaching me right from wrong. You have been nice to me since I came and now I have more fun learning about God than when I am learning about anything else. Now I know more than I use to. Sometimes I’m jealous of what other people have that I don’t, but I know not to do that anymore. I put God first. I don’t worship things. I treat my mom good. I try to be nice to others but I’m hardly doing a good job at it. So thank you for everything you have done to make me a better person.

Leggett School

In 1999, The Chapel met with urban ministry specialists to seek answers on how to minister to the nearby urban community. The specialists were clear that meaningful ministry does not begin with programs but with relationships. And the best way to build relationships is through the local school. Today, The Chapel enjoys both a wonderful relationship and ministry with Leggett Elementary School.
You can be a part of what’s happening at Leggett:

  • Backpacks, school supplies and uniforms (this is the Christmas in July emphasis)
  • Coats for Kids (a coat drive in late September)
  • Backpacks of Love (every Friday, bags are backed with food that will help kids get through
    the weekend)
  • SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere, weaving in Peacemaker principles)
  • Report card pick-up dinners for 350 people
  • Holiday class parties
  • Tutoring
  • Good News Club (students invited to attend a club where they learn about Jesus Christ)

Briarwood Community (near Green Campus)

In 2009 Briarwood Community in Green invited The Chapel to help its students with school as well as various physical needs. This has also provided an opportunity to invite kids to learn about the Good News.
You can be a part of what’s happening at Briarwood:

  • Backpacks and school supplies (this is the Christmas in July emphasis)
  • Tutoring
  • Good News Club (students invited to attend a club where they learn about Jesus Christ)
  • Coat for Kids (a coat drive in late September)

Jail Ministry

The Chapel, in cooperation with Prison Fellowship International, provides Christmas gifts to children of incarcerated moms and dads in Summit and Stark counties and then sponsors a “Jesus Birthday Party” with food, singing and a Bible message. Also, The Chapel’s Jail Ministry is partly tied to two ongoing community jail ministries, Broken Chains and The Way Out.

Reach Akron

This midweek ministry is comprised of about forty college students who teach the Bible and provide mentoring to Leggett and Mason Park kids.

Vacation Bible School Summertime Outreach

Inner-city Vacation Bible Schools are led by our Urban Ministry director and many volunteers. Assisting are Chapel middle school students who gain ministry skills and a heart for the city through this unique urban setting.

Local Church/Local School adoption training

Local churches may contact Lisa Marshall at 330.315.5520 for information on receiving training in how to adopt or build a relationship with a local school.

 

Contact Lisa Marshall at 330.315.5520 to be a neighbor, Jesus-style. Visit our Urban Ministry website.