In the Garden of Portland...
If you listen to much christian music, you have probably heard the song “Garden in Manhattan” by Josiah Queen. The song uses symbolism such as being a “light in the dark”, a “river where it's dry”, and a “garden in Manhattan”. The same symbolism that Jesus uses to talk about his followers. People have often applied these same figures of speech to Love City’s position in Portland: a garden or oasis in the desert of Portland. However, I no longer think this is an accurate comparison.
Sometimes, when people have never really spent time in Portland and have just heard about it they make assumptions. When we were getting the space for the thrift shop ready and had a bunch of people from outside the neighborhood working on the building we would often hear things like “do you really feel safe down here?” and “this is the type of place you get shot”. We are used to these types of comments at this point as people have the idea that Love City is a garden in the middle of this horrible place. That is not the case though. Love City is a part of a community with good people and good families who are doing amazing things in their community. I no longer believe that Love City is a garden in Portland, but that all of Portland is a garden, you just have to have the eyes to see it.
Some people may not see the beauty in this neighborhood because it might not look exactly like they would imagine it too, maybe the streets not as well lit, the buildings as tidy, or the people as dressed up, but there is still a community that is well alive. A community that is trying to live the way that God created it in the beginning, in the garden of Eden. Neighbors trying to help each other and encourage each other. Like every other community, we also have neighbors who choose not to live in this garden, or who come in and out of the garden. This is normal, in the Bible, gardens represent beauty and creation, but they are also places where humans don’t listen to God’s voice, in Eden when Adam and Eve pulled away, and in the garden of Gethsemane when they arrest Jesus.
I don’t think everyone will be able to see the garden of Portland, but I do think there is a garden that everyone can see at some point in their life, a point where you can see the Kingdom on earth in its purest form. These gardens can be people or places, and for many, it is Love City where they can see that pureness. But to only see this at Love City would be to ignore the community in Portland that extends beyond Love City’s walls. If you’ve not made it to Portland or Love City to experience this for yourself, we hope you are able to stop by at the Thrift Shop or Fish Fry to get a glimpse of the garden of Portland.
Ethan
Merriment!!!
Merriment is open for business Thursday and Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday from 11am-4pm. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am-4pm. If you have any questions or to confirm a drop off time please call (502) 901-1105. We hope to see you soon!!
Open Enrollment!!!
Mighty Oak has opened our enrollment for the year. If you or someone you know has a student in grades K-9 you can apply now. Remember, applicants must live in the Portland. All grade levels of students will be evaluated but there will not be space for every student that applies. APPLY NOW!!!
Fish Fry OPEN!!!
Stop by the Fish Fry to grab lunch, or bring the family for dinner. Churched Up Tots or a Fried Fish Sandwich. However you do it, We’d love to see you!!!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.