November 17, 2012
Dear Solid Rock Sunset Community,
This
fall I took a class entitled Understanding Communities and was presented with
the assignment to examine a community that I am a part of. Immediately I
thought of us. This is the most important community in my life, outside of my
family, which may or may not actually qualify as a community, I’ve learned.
Despite its youth, I have already benefited from this community immensely. It
has provided a place to interact with those who share my beliefs and many of my
goals. Here I have also learned, even more, the value to intergenerational
relationships. Working in kid’s ministry means I get to relate to a lot of
families and learn from the stage they are at in life. Most importantly, here I
have formed friendships with people who desire to create positive change in the
Hillsboro area and beyond.
Through
this assignment I learned that we are not a community that relies heavily on
place. Our community exists wherever we are because we are a community that
lives life together. However, we are tied to the Hillsboro and Beaverton
area. As we grow and develop into a
greater part of these communities, it will become harder and harder for us to
change locations. The prospect of this is extremely exciting. I believe the
tradeoff of being tied down is well worth being needed by those in our city.
This is something we can really grow in and I see missional communities taking
steps toward yet it seems like we have a ways to go in truly meeting then needs
of those in poverty or hardship in the area. There are so many people who live
in our neighborhoods who have material and emotional needs that go unmet.
My
hope is that we will partner with area churches and organizations to reach out
to the greater Hillsboro area, that we will know our neighbors, teammates,
co-workers and their needs and that will we grow closer in doing this. Right
now, we are not very representative of the community that surrounds us. I hope
that we find our place within the Intel, Nike and small business communities
here and that we are able to relate well to all of our neighbors. I love that
we are spending time in schools through Jesus Pizza gatherings at the high
schools. May this lead to partnerships where we can serve the schools in
greater ways. Ultimately, may we build a reputation of being a safe place in
Hillsboro where all are welcome; the people are generous and genuine.
Through
this class I’ve learned that communities thrive around a common goal or
mission. I’ve seen how this has brought Solid Rock Sunset together in a matter
of months. People who didn’t know each other six months or a year ago are now
brothers and sisters. We are joined together by our desire to see Hillsboro
come alive, for needs to be met here and for hurts to be healed. Though we are
only 10 months into this journey I have high hopes. There are strong bonds here
and a passion for change. I hope to bring this to each and every community I am
a part of from now on.
With all my heart,
Thank you,
Amanda Haskell
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