Blog:FOREST LAKE TALKS

You know how sometimes small things are the most important things in life? It is the small things we miss most when we lose someone we love. It is the miracle of a seed sprouting, the sight of a butterfly, or the kindness of a stranger that can make our day. And I am convinced that God also works in that way. Often it is a small start that can change the future. This Friday, at 9:30am, some of us will be at the official opening and Ribbon Cutting for Greg’s Place – the headquarters for Serve and Connect and the center of The Decker Collective Initiative.

In the summer of 2022, the Session of FLPC entered a partnership with Serve and Connect (www.serveandconnect.org) to address the divisions that exist in our own community. We know that communities are stronger when we know and care for each other, and Serve and Connect’s specialty (bringing police and communities together) gave us a plan for organizing the communities on both sides of Decker Blvd for good news purposes! When the Petersen Presbyterian Church closed in 2021, FLPC led the way to allow Serve and Connect to purchase the buildings and property. S&C’s presence makes it possible to bring resources and build relationships between the neighborhoods all around that property! This partnership – now called The Decker Collective: Bridging the Boulevard – is establishing relationships that strengthen our whole community. If you have not yet heard about The Decker Collective (TDC for short), don’t be left out! Come and see!

Come to the Official Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Greg’s Place (named for Kassy Alia Ray’s late husband – FAPD officer Greg Alia) on Friday, October 3rd at 9:30 AM [8131 Brookfield Rd. Columbia 29223]. There you will hear more about the work of Serve and Connect and about the partnerships and resources that are being made available through that space!

Come to the Public Forum on Richland County’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan for the Decker Corridor and surrounding area. Thursday, October 9th at 6pm at Greg’s Place (8131 Brookfield Rd.]. Come advocate for renewal and investment in our community.

AND – mark your calendars now for TDC Unity Walk on Sunday, November 9th from 2pm to 4pm. The community (from both sides of Decker Blvd) will begin at Forest Lake Elementary School and walk to Richland Northeast High School. There will be speakers, snacks, fun, and more! And you get to be a part of a solution instead of just worrying about the problems! Come and show up for all our neighbors! Small things are often where God is at work.

Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.
Isaiah 43:19