In just a few weeks we will launch our third annual CityReach week in five cities in the Pittsburgh Region. (August 12-15, 2008)
Q. What is the purpose of CityReach08?
The purpose is to mobilize prayer, people, and resources to assist the outreach of each of these five churches, all of which exist in economically dep ressed communtiies.
Q. What happens during the evening Events?
The first three nights will be INVITATION services. For the kids there is a Vacation Bible School specially planned and designed with video, games, and creativity. For the adults we have special speakers, music, testimonies designed to introduce people to the gospel. After the service we have a FREE food fellowship (cookout), out on the streets where people can mix, have fun, and get connected to the church.
During the day, teams of volunteers will canvas the entire area with doorhanger invitations to attend these special events. Just about everyone who lives in these cities will receive an invite and get some information about the church in their area.
Q. What happens on Friday Night?
Every year we conclude our week of events with a BLOCK PARTY with games, food, and prizes. People come just to hang out and have a good time. Everything is free.
We also team up with the Network Of Hope to do a project called RUNNING START where we give away backpacks and school supplies to all the children who attend the Block Party.
Q. What communities and churches are involved?
North Side - Pittsburgh City Outreach
Tarentum - BridgePoint Church
Sharpsburg - Sharpsburg Family Worship Center
Ambridge - Ambridge Christian Center
West View - Ridgewood Assembly
Q. What's happening for the youth?
This year we are adding something that we have never had before. Students from all around the country will be participating in this as a local missions trip. For them it will also have a Youth Camp feel to it. They will have daily services with special speaker Daniel Elvelyck from Mission SOS in Sweden.
The youth will also serve as a major part of the work force to pass out the door hangers and assist in the evening events.
Q. What has been the result in years past?
In the past two years, we have seen several impacts from this week. The visibility of the local church increases and its reputation grows as being a church that cares about the community. People are saved and baptized during these services every year.
Ambridge Christian Center saw a huge increase in attendance in the months following CityReach last year because of the families that joined their ministry during this week.
Children recieve ministry during VBS and some needed school supplies as they start a new year.
Allison Park Church gets the benefit of joining together with the churches we have planted and helping them reach their area for Christ.
Q. How can I participate?
Pray for these areas and for these churches.
Participate in the canvasing of the communities in the afternoons on Tuesday through Friday.
Help at the Block Parties with the games, food, or Backpack give-away.
Volunteer to help with VBS or as a greeter or fellowship worker during the evening events.
Or simply attend for an evening or several just to show your support.
MOST OF ALL...we need backpacks right now. If you can purchase and donate one to the project it will make a huge difference.
