Somewhere amid a cookout, children’s games, face painting and more, a small group of Christians hope their neighbors and others see that simple kindness and actions speak even louder than words.
And those actions amid a free block party hosted by the small-but-socially-conscious Living Room church say that these believers care about others — and care to be a good neighbor.
“That’s kind of our thing,” said Rachel Eddins, spearheading the event, which is 6 p.m. Friday at the church, 1412 Sycamore St. in Columbus.
“We’re a volunteer-led community (with no paid staff) at TLR. We want to be a good presence in the downtown Lincoln-Central neighborhood area,” she added.
For a number of the early years since launching the church a decade ago, The Living Room members did extensive work among the homeless, the addicted and others who were struggling. Members also have participated heavily in outreaches such as local coat drives, mental health support and awareness, and other causes.
Eddins mentioned that this gathering is especially aimed at families with children. Eddins herself has an 11-month-old baby, a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old.
“I just asked myself, ‘As a mom myself, what would I like to see (at an event)?’” Eddins said. “And I realized there may not be a lot for young families to do on Friday nights. And this was purposely planned for right when school is out — at a time when some parents may wonder, ‘What can we do with our kids?’”
Her way of judging the gathering’s success is simple.
“We just want people to feel loved, and to have a good time,” Eddins said.
She acknowledged that can be a huge matter here in a fairly affluent community with its share of white-collar success mixed in with those having a tough time making ends meet.
“We have a lot of people (at the church) who feel like they’re sometimes pushed to the margins,” Eddins said. “And of course, we have had homeless people attend.
“ … And I want us always to be developing a sense of compassion for people who are struggling,” she added.
An organizing committee of about 15 people is helping with the block party.
The Living Room member Hailey Hennessey, who is among those helping with the event and lives in the neighborhood near the church, mentioned that she wants block party visitors to see that the church opens their arms to those around them.
“Personally, I would like for people to see that we are simply accepting and welcoming and inclusive,” Hennessey said.
Toward that goal, the church hosts free, monthly community meals for anyone interested on select Sundays.
“I think one of the main messages with the block party is that we’re a safe space (for families),” Hennessey said. “And hopefully, we can let this roll into other events that we typically end up having.”
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What: A free gathering for all with a cookout dinner, face painting, kids games, live music, cornhole, kindness rock making station and more.
When: 6 p.m. Friday.
Where: Outside in front of The Living Room church, 1412 Sycamore St. in Columbus.
Cost: Free.
Information: Facebook page for Block Party at The Living Room.
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