Goodness Weekly 08.12.2024
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
–Maya Angelou
What’s Good
This past Second Saturday in Charis Park was a dream come true! NYX Wellness hosted yoga, there were a bunch of new families at Storytime, and the park was teeming with excitement and connections between neighbors. We are beyond thrilled to see this space come to life and look forward to the Grand Opening event in October–stay tuned!
Our Fences Are Down
Mae Czarnecki, Communications Coordinator, Sunset Ridge Collective
The fence at Charis Park did, in fact, come down last week.
As the person who takes responsibility for the messaging at Sunset Ridge Collective, the announcement of this event made me squirm week after week. I have carefully repeated to myself, congregation members, and neighbors: “When the fence comes down, all are welcome to enjoy it. Please celebrate with us at our grand opening in October.” Never committing to a date, while still sharing excitement for the future.
Choosing my words carefully has been an artform I’ve practiced my whole life. Surely, I’ve been careless with my speech more times than I would like to admit, but word selection has been a vital tool for me.
Sharing that the park’s construction fence is down has been invigorating for most to hear. But there has definitely been some trepidation. Last summer, Noëlle and I walked together down the streets of Terrell Heights, passing out flyers that announced our ground breaking ceremony. We talked to anyone who was available, answering as many questions as we could. We were, and are, very excited to offer something everyone can enjoy. A question we got asked more than once was, how were we planning to keep people out?
That protective barrier people are drawn to, is perfectly understandable to me. I find myself wanting to shelter what I’ve curated in my messaging often. I want what I say to be perfectly, clearly understood, without misinterpretation. I don’t want outside forces to alter its meaning. I want exactly what I’ve envisioned to be communicated and consumed.
But I can tell you, as I’m sure you’ve experienced as well, this is not how the creative process works. My daughter, Lily, said when she was very little that, “Art is getting an idea out of your head.” Charis Park is the idea of many, the love more, and the work of countless, birthed into the world as art under our feet and in our lungs. Now that it is here, we’ve done all we can to anticipate how it will be received and used. This summer will serve as a learning opportunity both for our neighbors and the Collective to see how this piece of art exists on its own.
As we prepare for the grand opening in October, we’d love to hear how you experience Charis Park. The fence is down, and our hands are open. This offering we bring to you is a vulnerable gift, and our hope is that it moves you to care for and protect her alongside us as we continue to work for the flourishing of one another and our neighborhood.
This Week
Wednesdays Mission Compost Pick Up
Saturday, August 24th
Urban Tree Company’s Intro to Block Prints Workshop
Betty’s Co. Pop Up
Coming Up
Lunchtime Yoga Flow with NYX Wellness, Mon-Fri at 12pm, upstairs in Room 200
Sign up for your class here.
For weekly hours of One Another Coffee, Scott’s Pizza, and NYX Yoga, please feel free to check our calendar and follow us on Instagram for any updates.
Inhale:
May I keep my heart open
Exhale:
with earnest vulnerability