The subtitle of the book is an actual quote from one of our City Council members. I was asked to make a presentation to the City Council one evening on all the projects we as a church, had partnered with the city on to provide social services to our community. One of the reasons for the report was to introduce the newest partnership, in which we as a church would become the citys official graffiti abatement team. After everyone on the City Council took an opportunity to thank our church for the services we were providing to the community, one of them said, Because of all that The Fathers House is doing in our community, the city is a better place to live in. This is how a church in the community became the communitys church.

What if the church in your city becomes known for its love? God is on the move and doing a new thing around the globe. Citywide movements and global urban mission are two merging trends turning the church inside-out. In cities worldwide, the church is becoming known for its love, like Jesus said. How can you start such a movement in your city, town, or community? Most urban mission textbooks are written from and for a Western context, but this book is different! Jacob Bloemberg shares the story of Love Hanoi, a campaign-turned-movement that has been enjoying success since 2012 in the capital city of Vietnam. In this book, he provides the theological foundation of building the city and explains how urban mission concepts can be adapted for citywide movements in any cultural context. Love [Your City] also features practical tools and helpful tips for students, practitioners, and mission leaders so that they, too, can start transforming their cities and making the church known for its love!

Jesus told us to "Love our neighbor as we love ourselves." (Larger print at top)We love the idea of it, but many of us are so busy it can be hard to live out. The past few years our culture has become more polarized with division and disrespect. As tragedies and social issues fill the headlines, the church seems to be nearly absent in the conversation. Love Our City presents our problem, how we can overcome it, and solid ways to fulfill our God-given mission. This isn't a theory book. It's a book filled with practical solutions and real life stories how an army of people have risen up and pushed past their discomfort and learned how to love their city as a lifestyle. This book and this movement will change your heart, your church and your city forever.

"Eighteen poems that guide the reader on an international tour"--Jacket front flap.

Contents I. Furious Versionis II. The Interrogation This Hour And What Is Dead Arise, Go Down My Father, In Heaven, Is Reading Out Loud For A New Citizen Of These United States With Ruins III. This Room And Everything In It The City In Which I Love You IV. The Waiting A Story Goodnight You Must Sing Here I Am A Final Thing V. The Cleaving

Stretched across city walls and along rooftops, Stephen Powers's colorful large-scale murals sneak up on you. "Open your eyes / I see the sunrise," "If you were here I'd be home," "Forever begins when you say yes." What at first looks like nothing as much as an advertisement suddenly becomes something grander and more mysterious—a hand-painted love letter at billboard size. Combining community activism and public art, Powers and his team of sign mechanics collaborate with a neighborhood's residents to create visual jingles— sincere and often poignant affirmations and confessions that reflect the collective hopes and dreams of the host community. A Love Letter to the City gathers the artist's powerful public art project for the first time, including murals on the walls and rooftops of Brooklyn and Syracuse, New York; Philadelphia; Dublin and Belfast, Ireland; São Paolo, Brazil, and Johannesburg, South Africa.

A kaleidoscopic tribute to San Francisco by a life-long Bay Area resident and co-founder of Salon explores specific city sites including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Land's End sea cliffs while tying his visits to key historical events. By the author of Shadow Knights. 30,000 first printing.