God with Us

November 30, 2023

The Roseland neighborhood—on Chicago’s South side—holds a special place in my heart. As a student in high school, I served with classmates to help distribute food on Thanksgiving weekends. On several occasions, I had the opportunity to hear stories from leaders and members of the community. Years later, while living nearby, my family worshiped with Roseland’s church members, and we enjoyed deep fellowship and delicious food together.

During the month of December, you are invited to enter the Roseland community—to meet some of the people there, listen to their stories, and witness where God’s Spirit is at work in one corner of creation.

Our hope is that in doing so you may have an entry point to pause, slow down, and reflect on how the love of God in Christ Jesus is being lived out in the neighborhoods and communities that you are a part of.

This month’s author, Joe Huizenga, serves as pastor and executive director of Roseland Christian Ministries in Chicago, Illinois. He and his wife, Cate, have four children.

P.S. Joe recently recorded a special video to introduce you to December’s theme and the Roseland neighborhood. Check it out here.

Begin with day one of God with Us here or download the full PDF.

About the author — Jeff Bulthuis

Jeff has a B.A. in Psychology from Covenant College and an M.Div. from Calvin Theological Seminary. Jeff and his wife, Lisa, have five young children. They enjoy camping, spending time outdoors, and cheering on Chicago sports teams.