Parish Stories
Here you’ll find stories of neighbors becoming friends, blocks becoming communities, and ordinary places becoming sacred. Each one reminds us that God’s story is already unfolding right where we are.
A Porch, a Song, and a Neighborhood: A Parish Story from Ocean Beach, CA
Can a single porch spark a neighborhood? In Ocean Beach, CA, neighbors discovered it when a simple stoop became a stage for songs, poems, and laughter on International Play Music on Porch Day. Nearly 100 locals, young and old, experienced how music bridges differences, turns ordinary spaces into shared joy, and reminds us that church can happen wherever hearts gather.
We’re Part of the Neighborhood: A Parish Story from Olympia, WA
What if a parking lot could bring a neighborhood together? In Olympia, WA, a church discovered it when frustrations over dim lights sparked trust, friendships, and shared life. Their story shows that belonging grows from presence, listening, and the courage to step into your community.
Walking with Ken in Little Village: A Parish Pilgrimage Story
What does it look like to stay faithful in a neighborhood? In Chicago’s Little Village, Ken Alvarado and his church meet God on street corners, in soccer leagues, and at migrant shelters—proving that transformation unfolds when you remain present and notice the beauty in every block.
A Parish Story from Lawndale | Chicago, IL
How can staying rooted transform a neighborhood? In Chicago’s North Lawndale, Lawndale Community Christian Church has spent decades tending housing, justice, farming, and healthcare—showing how a deep, faithful presence can help neighbors truly flourish.