City of Phoenix Hearing Update - October 23, 2009

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. last night, Prodigal's Home was able to present our case to the City of Phoenix Planning & Zoning Commission with regard to the question of having a worship service and breakfast meal with our partners, CrossRoads UMC, and the objection by neighbors in our doing so. Speaking in support of us was Bishop Minerva Carcaño of the Desert Southwest Conference UMC, Pastor Dottie Escobedo-Frank of CrossRoads UMC, Mary Jo West (neighbor and former news achor), Smoky Brazelton, Rev. Jan Olav Flatten (Executive Director, Arizona Ecumenical Council), and myself. There were over 250 people in attendance at the hearing, including pastors and representatives from dozens of local churches. Representatives from CrossRoads UMC and Prodigal's Home presented their position first, followed by representatives from a neighborhood group. Afterward approximately 30 people were allowed to give one minute comments. The one thing both groups agreed on was this case will have wide-reaching (state and possibly national) implications. It is also likely the group receiving the unfavorable side of the ruling will appeal. We hope to receive the written ruling soon but were not given a date from the former Arizona Supreme Court Justice acting as the hearing officer. We will continue to serve in the name of Jesus Christ. We can do no other. Continue to pray for us. And our neighbors. I will update you as soon as I receive word from the City of Phoenix. Grace & Peace, Mike

Pray for this Thursday... October 22nd...

It has certainly been an active several months for us at Prodigal's Home. The BIG thing going on this week is a "formal interpretation hearing" with the City of Phoenix... more on that in a minute.

The more incredible thing to me is to see how God is moving through so many people and churches in developing pathways of transformation for both the rich and poor.

Last Saturday during our breakfast and worship service we had over 20 CHURCHES represented at our gathering. I was overwhelmed with the love and support from so many in our community of faith. Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics, Baptists, Nazarenes, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Non-Denominational Christian, United Church in Christ, and more... all coming together to BE the hands and feet of Christ together in a time of worship and a meal.

It was the first time in a long time I was speechless (yes...it could happen ;)

City of Phoenix Hearing

We have been working for several months with city representatives and neighbors regarding the cease and desist order we received in July 2009. After much dialogue it appears the issue will be decided in an upcoming hearing this Thursday (October 22) at the Burton Barr Main Library Auditorium beginning at 6:00 p.m.

We need for you to pray for those speaking on our behalf, for those we work with, for the neighbors, and for CrossRoads UMC, and the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church who have worked diligently on providing a voice for us.

We are grateful for their sacrifice on our behalf.

This is a major issue with serious repercussions for all churches in Phoenix. There are MANY watching the outcome of this specific case.

We need your support and we hope you will join us this Thursday at 6pm at the Burton Barr Main Library (1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 85004).

We now have a gathering of nearly 200 people each Saturday. Your support helps to bring a meal and a pathway of transformation for all who join us.

I am grateful for you.

Grace & Peace,

Mike Ricker, Prodigal's Home