Did you join our ‘Church Forsaken’ book club over the winter? Even if you didn’t, you are invited to learn and hear from its author, Pastor Jonathan Brooks, as he shares how loving neighbor also means loving neighborhoods.

PRACTICING PRESENCE IN FORSAKEN PLACES 

Cleveland Welcomes Rev. Jonathan Brooks!

October 7-8, 2022

Pastor, author, educator and recording artist Jonathan Brooks (“Pastah J”) comes to Cleveland for a time such as this: to challenge God’s people to love our neighbors by loving our neighborhoods. Brooks has a witness to share about how the consistent presence of Christians and churches laboring for the common good can transform communities from places of neglect to powerhouses of creativity, hope and purpose. 

Friday, October 7
City Pastors’ Appreciation Luncheon 
11am – 1:30pm
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church
7510 Woodland Avenue, Cleveland 44104

This lunchtime presentation by Brooks is for city pastors and ministers. If you’re a pastor from across our region whose congregation has an ongoing partnership with a city congregation or ministry, you’re invited, too!

Saturday, October 8
How Do We Practice Presence in Forsaken Places?
3 - 5 pm
Elizabeth Baptist Church
6114 Francis Ave., Cleveland 44127

This event is open to who feel called to take part in the transformation of our city and neighborhoods. Come meet Brooks and hear him unpack his story of trying to move as far away from the neglected neighborhoods where he was raised, only to have God bring him back to it as a pastor and community leader.

This event will also include recommendations from Dr. Vatreisha Nyemba, BHITC’s Director of Leader and Community Development, based on her doctoral research into effective tools for community engagement by congregations.