Habitat for Humanity Build Day

As part of practicing and putting into practice our #HolyResistance, we will be participating in a Habitat for Humanity Build Day here in Hartford on Saturday, November 8th, This is for people 18 years and older and we only have 10 spots, so please sign up quickly.

Registration is a 2-step process --- first on our website, and then on the Habitat for Humanity website. All skill levels (and no skill levels but a willingness to work hard) are needed and welcomed!

Here is the link to sign up: RFC Habitat for Humanity Build Day - Riverfront Family Church

If you have any questions, please let me know.

In the #resistance with you -

Pastor Ben

RESIST.

Learning from the Way of Jesus

A new series at Riverfront Family Church — starting in October

What does it look like to follow Jesus in a season of rising fear, polarization, and Christian nationalism? This October, Riverfront Family Church is launching Resist. Learning from the Way of Jesus—a journey through Luke–Acts that invites us to practice courageous, nonviolent love in public.

Why “Resist”?

In Scripture, resistance isn’t rage; it’s faithful love that refuses to dehumanize. Jesus announces good news to the poor, release for captives, sight for the blind, and a year of Jubilee (Luke 4). The first Christians turn the world “upside down” with mercy, truth, and table fellowship (Acts). We’ll ask: What does that look like here and now?

What to expect (Sundays in October)

• Clear, hope-filled teaching from Luke–Acts (9th-grade reading level; accessible to friends of all faiths or none).

• Real stories of resistance—Sojourner Truth and Ida B. Wells, Fannie Lou Hamer and Bayard Rustin, Dolores Huerta and César Chávez, Bryan Stevenson and more.

• Practice the Way each week—simple actions you can try at home, at work, and in the neighborhood.

Home Gatherings, Small Groups & Book Clubs

Alongside Sundays, there will be material for use within our Home Gatherings, for small groups, and for book clubs.

The heartbeat: Hospitality · Peace · Healing

• Hospitality: Belonging at the table—stories, meals, and welcome across difference.

• Peace: Nonviolent action, truth-telling, and public good news.

• Healing: Prayer, healthy boundaries, and care that restores.

A taste of the series

• Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1): Singing hope before the evidence.

• Nazareth Manifesto (Luke 4): Good news that touches budgets, laws, and lives.

• Good Samaritan (Luke 10): Neighbor love that crosses lines.

• Mars Hill (Acts 17): Reasoning with calm courage in a noisy world.

• Ephesus (Acts 19): When good news “upsets” unjust economics—without dehumanizing anyone.

Who is this for?

Skeptics, seekers, long-time believers, the curious and the cautious. If you’ve been hurt by church, if you’re longing for a faith that heals and does good, or if you want practical ways to love your neighbors in hard times—this is for you.

How to jump in

• Join us Sunday, October 5th  (series launches).

• Start a Group or Book Club email ben@riverfront.church

• Invite a friend who’s looking for hope with a backbone.

Series tagline: Resist is not against people; it’s against the powers that harm people—and it looks like Jesus.

Questions or want to RSVP? Reply to this post and we’ll get you the details for dates, group options, and the weekly “Practice the Way” guide.

Addressing the Housing Crisis in Hartford's North End: Advocating for Justice

In the heart of Hartford, a growing crisis has been silently plaguing our community, particularly in the North End. Families, individuals, and children are struggling to find affordable and stable housing, and one street that embodies this crisis is Edgewood Street. As Riverfront Family Church, we believe it is our moral duty to address this issue and advocate for justice, guided by biblical principles that call us to care for those without a voice.

In the Bible, the call to seek justice for the marginalized is resounding. Proverbs 31:8-9 tells us to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Similarly, Isaiah 1:17 encourages us to "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

Edgewood Street in the North End of Hartford has become a microcosm of the housing crisis that plagues our city. Families here are faced with skyrocketing rent prices, substandard living conditions, and the constant threat of eviction. The lack of affordable housing options leaves many trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable to escape their circumstances

The Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA) has been at the forefront of addressing this crisis. They have been working tirelessly to bring attention to the housing issues faced by our community, advocating for policy changes, and pushing for affordable housing initiatives. GHIAA's commitment to justice aligns perfectly with our mission to make a positive impact on our city.

Action Steps for the City of Hartford:

1. Affordable Housing Initiatives: The city must prioritize and invest in affordable housing projects that cater to the needs of the North End community.

2. Tenant Protections: Implement stronger tenant protection laws to prevent unjust evictions and ensure safe living conditions.

3. Community Engagement: Foster meaningful community engagement to gather input from residents when developing housing policies.

4. Create Opportunities for Home Ownership: Home ownership creates economic stability, healthier neighborhoods, and the opportunity to create generational wealth. Creating opportunities that encourages and resources home ownership in our neighborhoods is critical to the future of our city.

Action Steps for Individuals:

1. Education: Educate yourself and others about the housing crisis in Hartford. Understand its root causes and implications.

2. Advocacy: Join organizations like GHIAA in advocating for housing justice. Attend community meetings, rallies, and town halls to voice your concerns.

3. Support: Donate to or volunteer with local organizations working towards affordable housing solutions.

4. Allyship: Be an ally to those affected by the crisis. Listen to their stories, offer support, and amplify their voices.

As followers of Christ, we are called to seek justice for the oppressed, including those struggling with housing instability. The crisis on Edgewood Street is a stark reminder that our work is far from over. By following the guidance of scripture and working hand in hand with organizations like GHIAA, we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in the North End and bring about much-needed change in our city. Let us unite in prayer, advocacy, and action to address the housing crisis in Hartford and work towards a more just and equitable future for all.