Community
Changing the Story, One Community at a Time
Rooted in the significance of Luke 4:16-21, the Chapter 4 Institute is an immersive, cohort-based leadership experience that creates passion for spiritual and social renewal. It challenges leaders to reimagine how the church might earn its place as an essential ally – alongside local government, community-based organizations, businesses, and others – to change the story in their communities. Children playing in the childcare program hosted at Hope Community Church.
CLARKSBURG YARD
Beth Wolff, Cohort 2 • Clarksburg, Maryland
The Clarksburg Yard was developed in response to the lack of community gathering spaces available in our community. We envisioned it as an outdoor venue and cafe for the 43,000 (current and future) residents and neighbors of Clarksburg to come together for social interaction and to promote community identity.
Cohort 3 15 LEADERS
6 CONGREGATIONS
6 WOMEN
1 NONNACOG
9 MEN
5 NACOG
It would consist of an outdoor space, approx 3/4 of an acre along the 355 bike path, and a café located in the lower level of the retrofitted building already on the property that offered refreshments, indoor space, and a bathroom. The concept was launched with overwhelming support from the community and we were awarded a landscaping/ place-making design grant from an organization called Nature Sacred. We were also awarded Maryland State
Bond Bill Funding in the amount of $150,000 toward the project, with the expectation that Montgomery County will match the additional $150,000. We broke ground in July with a hopeful completion date of late 2023. The idea has caught fire with the community, and several businesses and organizations have already requested to make use of the pre-developed space. Additionally, it has given birth to some other advocacy projects including a Toy Library, a Student Gaming Club, and Local County Library. Thank you for investing in Chapter 4. Without your guidance in developing a dream into a concept, The Clarksburg Yard might not have become a reality.
Good Church volunteers ready to put love in action.
5 STATES
TOV CAFE CELEBRATES 1 YEAR! Matthew Stone, Cohort 2 • Greenville, Michigan
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See how a local church is bringing the community together, one cup of kindness at a time.
MAKE A FLORIDA • MISSOURI • NEBRASKA • NORTH CAROLINA • KANSAS 4
Basketball program at Monroe City First Church of God.
TODAY
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