Project Light
Inspired by the words of Francis of Assisi, “Lord make me an instrument of your Peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon, where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy,”
Fear . . .Anger . . . Sadness . . . The Edison neighborhood in general and specifically the area around Bethany Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan has encountered challenges - physically, emotionally, economically, and spiritually – that has left the people suffering and the neighborhood blighted. Those of us with the will and capacity to do so must address these issues. Physically transforming properties; emotionally providing the stability of home ownership; economically reinvesting in lives and community; and spiritually standing as a beacon on a street, welcoming all, committing to. . . . Peace . . . Hope . . . Light.
In April 2015, Bethany Reformed Church recommitted to its vision and mission to be a “light to the world”. Although the vision is global in focus, Project Light is specific to the Edison neighborhood surrounding the church. With the development of community partners Bethany seeks to create resiliency and stabilization in a historically transient neighborhood creating, with the strength of its collaboration, an integrated robust community.
A Transformational Approach to Mission – Empowering the Community
Project Light is the result of a strategic planning process initiated by the Leadership Team in 2014 and approved by the congregation in 2015. Through Project Light, Bethany will partner with community agencies/ businesses/individuals to help stabilize and revitalize the neighborhood surrounding the church, promoting resiliency in the community and prosperity with its people. Project Light is designed to be collaborative with existing not-for-profits, local businesses, and government agencies targeted toward neighborhood revitalization.
Project Light is committed to completing at least two projects per quarter in 2016.
Quarter #1 Projects:
These projects were completed in 2016.
Our goal for 2017 is to create a safe playground for our neighbors' children with Bible story themed play equipment. Our first goal was met when the back lot behind the parking lot was cleaned to remove debris and weeds.
Project Light Committee
Project Light is governed by a leadership committee that is a part of the Missions Committee and is accountable to the Consistory of the Bethany Reformed Church. Anyone with a heart for the community around Bethany and a willingness to work is welcome to join the committee. Please watch the bulletin for announcements of project work days and meetings.
Project Light has two program components:
Program Component Descriptions
Housing Revitalization
Housing Revitalization is one component of Project Light, it advances the mission and vision set forth by Bethany Reformed Church. The Project Light committee will
Program Component Descriptions
Creating a Safer Neighborhood
Project Light plans to work with home owners and landlords, the neighborhood association, and the Kalamazoo public safety and government to secure additional street lights, being visible in the neighborhood and other security opportunities to discourage criminal activity. Project Light committee members, volunteers, and congregants of Bethany Reformed Church are encouraged to engage in community advocacy events helping to create a pride filled community.
Fear . . .Anger . . . Sadness . . . The Edison neighborhood in general and specifically the area around Bethany Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan has encountered challenges - physically, emotionally, economically, and spiritually – that has left the people suffering and the neighborhood blighted. Those of us with the will and capacity to do so must address these issues. Physically transforming properties; emotionally providing the stability of home ownership; economically reinvesting in lives and community; and spiritually standing as a beacon on a street, welcoming all, committing to. . . . Peace . . . Hope . . . Light.
In April 2015, Bethany Reformed Church recommitted to its vision and mission to be a “light to the world”. Although the vision is global in focus, Project Light is specific to the Edison neighborhood surrounding the church. With the development of community partners Bethany seeks to create resiliency and stabilization in a historically transient neighborhood creating, with the strength of its collaboration, an integrated robust community.
A Transformational Approach to Mission – Empowering the Community
Project Light is the result of a strategic planning process initiated by the Leadership Team in 2014 and approved by the congregation in 2015. Through Project Light, Bethany will partner with community agencies/ businesses/individuals to help stabilize and revitalize the neighborhood surrounding the church, promoting resiliency in the community and prosperity with its people. Project Light is designed to be collaborative with existing not-for-profits, local businesses, and government agencies targeted toward neighborhood revitalization.
Project Light is committed to completing at least two projects per quarter in 2016.
Quarter #1 Projects:
- Demolition of a blighted home – 1820 S. Burdick - to create open breathing space in the neighborhood. Possible plans for the space are being considered.
- Light Up High Street – Continuing the street light project that was begun by the Edison Neighborhood Association to include High Street.
These projects were completed in 2016.
Our goal for 2017 is to create a safe playground for our neighbors' children with Bible story themed play equipment. Our first goal was met when the back lot behind the parking lot was cleaned to remove debris and weeds.
Project Light Committee
Project Light is governed by a leadership committee that is a part of the Missions Committee and is accountable to the Consistory of the Bethany Reformed Church. Anyone with a heart for the community around Bethany and a willingness to work is welcome to join the committee. Please watch the bulletin for announcements of project work days and meetings.
Project Light has two program components:
- Housing Revitalization
- Creating a safer neighborhood
Program Component Descriptions
Housing Revitalization
Housing Revitalization is one component of Project Light, it advances the mission and vision set forth by Bethany Reformed Church. The Project Light committee will
- work with existing home owners in the pre-selected Edison neighborhood to assist with various renovation projects,
- secure the deed(s) to properties to rehabilitate homes to prepare for ownership,
- assist with landscaping and overall curb appeal improvements,
- secure street lighting and home lighting to curb crime.
Program Component Descriptions
Creating a Safer Neighborhood
Project Light plans to work with home owners and landlords, the neighborhood association, and the Kalamazoo public safety and government to secure additional street lights, being visible in the neighborhood and other security opportunities to discourage criminal activity. Project Light committee members, volunteers, and congregants of Bethany Reformed Church are encouraged to engage in community advocacy events helping to create a pride filled community.