The Place We Call Home

It’s crazy to think that we have officially been in Chicago for one year. As we retrace our journey of how we landed in Rogers Park, it’s easy to see how the Lord goes before us. We didn’t choose Rogers Park. In fact, this was not even a place we looked at when we came to “scout out the land” as some of our church family lovingly called it. We only found the two-flat that we have because of a few “coincidences.” Little did we know that where God planted us was going to be the best place for us.

In May, John sent us a “Know Your Community Report” from Church Answers. When reviewing the demographics and psychographics of the neighborhood, we were left in wonder. We fit some of the major demographics of this community (25-44 year-olds make up the majority of the population, average household size is 2.2, 55% have a college education, 46% is politically independent/middle of the road). This served as confirmation that we landed right where God intended us.

After being here a year, we have gotten to the point where we have mostly settled into our new neighborhood. We have learned a lot, like where to get the best used tires or a really good breakfast, and still have a lot to learn. The honeymoon phase is over and we can see the challenges that are ahead for us and our community.

The community where God planted us has the nickname of “Little Chicago” because it’s just as culturally and ethnically diverse as the whole of Chicago, but packed into 1.84 square miles. There are over 55,000 people (26,000 households) that speak more than 60 languages who call the most northern part of Chicago their home. Along with Loyola University and Little India, Rogers Park also has 2.43 acres of Lake Michigan beach front (we live a 1 mile walk from the beach!).

Like Chicago, or any other city for that matter, Rogers Park has it’s challenges. Homelessness, drug use, and crime are present and in your face. The majority of people in Rogers Park (62%) rarely attend religious services or occasionally attend. When you live closer to your neighbors (remember 55,000 people crammed into 1.84 square miles), it’s hard to turn a blind eye to the brokenness.

Where does that leave us? As part of my job, we regularly evaluate how we are doing and I find myself taking stock about what we need to keep, improve, stop, and start as we go into our second year in Chicago. Phil and I have a continual conversation about weather or not the way that we are living enables us to do what we know God has called us to. Our thoughts have changed over this year and will continue to change. However, the one thing that we both know is that God brought us to Chicago to plant His church. With this in mind Phil has begun to think differently about his job. He will be writing about this upcoming transition soon.

When taking a walk around our community, I found this sign that reminded me to do what I can, with what I have been given. I find myself evaluating if my belief and practice align. Am I intentionally pursuing Jesus and being obedient to what I know what He has said? We are blessed to be a blessing. Am I being a blessing to those around me and those I come in contact with? Am I being a good representation of Christ on my daily commute to work? Am I joyful about serving and practicing the “one another’s” with neighbors?

As we prepare for the next transition, pray alongside us for the Lord’s perfect timing and leading. May we continue to be obedient to what He is continually calling us to do. May our relationship with Jesus be our focus.

What things do you need to keep, improve, stop, and start to better align your faith and practice and embody what you say you believe?