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our dreams
“The place that God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the
world’s deep hunger meet.” Frederick Buechner.In a hopeless and dark
land, a dried up well flows from a deeper source – a fountain of light. From
the depths of God flows the healing of hearts and homes, a hopeful promise
for the spiritually hungry and the poor -the Light of Jesus Christ pouring
out for those who can’t see Him.
SPIRITUALLY HUNGRY
Conversations Cultivating Friendship
What is your approach to spirituality? What do you believe will
ultimately satisfy you? What is spiritual hunger? Will this
hunger be found on earth or in heaven? These are questions we ask
ourselves.
Our communities are full of people who are spiritually hungry for an
experience with God. Yet for whatever reason in their minds or from past
encounters, the church incites disinterest or skepticism. We are aware of
many of these inhibitions, and yet we want to live in a fresh spirituality
that will encourage conversations with those who desire something deeper.
In our small group gatherings (LIFE Groups), we want to use the beauty
and purity of the arts, honest conversation, and the cultural relevance of
the Bible to reveal God's heart. We hope to tell God’s story and relate it
to our own, stories of brokenness and of restoration.
FAMILY
Healing Hearts, Healing Homes
What is “family” to you? Where do you feel “at home”? Our deep need of
security is rooted in these two questions. God created us for family –
trust, safety, love, loyalty, intimacy, peace… Jesus said in John 14, “I
will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you….My Father will love you,
and we will come to you and make our home with you.” Unfortunately, this
world of “fatherlessness” has affected us either profoundly or subtly so
that our “family” experiences did not give us a strong foundation for
living. (Malachi 4:6)
Our dream is to strengthen our immediate families in such a way as to
include others in family fellowship. It is our dream that our relationships
together will resemble a family- intergenerational, long lasting, trusting,
encouraging, and fun. In this context of spiritual family, the healing of
wounded hearts and the re-shaping of fractured lives can begin.
THE POOR
Building a Bridge Between Suburbia and the Inner City
The Apostle Paul was instructed by the original leaders of the first century
church, "..continue to remember the poor." Paul responded, "...the very
thing I was eager to do" Galatians 2:10. The Philadelphia inner city is full
of poverty - people poor in economics, poor in family relationships, poor in
education, poor in stability and poor in so many other areas. It is
overwhelming and a seemingly impossible prison to escape or penetrate. But
don’t you want to do something about it? Doesn’t your heart hurt for the
prisoners inside? Doesn’t your heart want to help in some way? Surely our
God is greater than the worst of human bondage. (Isaiah 61)
From the launching of this new church, we will be partnering with an
existing ministry that has already been "in the trenches" of the inner city
(Koinonia Connection Ministries, founded by Hubie and Cheryl Harmon). We do
not wish to ease our consciences by participating in "token" outreaches.
Rather we dream of building relationships. This can be done by tutoring,
mentoring, recreational activities, etc. The important ingredient is a
consistent presence and the courage to follow through especially when it
gets tough. We dream of a “bridge” between American "suburbia" and the "down
and out" inner city with one-on-one connection. There is a wealth of
blessing to be found as we get to know and help one another. (Psalm 41:1)
Welcome to The Fountain - a very different kind of church.
Do you want to talk more? Or would you like to view a list of basic
Biblical teachings and doctrines we hold dear. Contact Stephen Riley at
stephenr@thefountainatphiladelphia.org or
Vivian Cox at vivianbcox@yahoo.com
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