[141] Community, comedy and church renovation

We’re exploring the innovative ways churches in Northern Virginia are blending spirituality and community outreach–from improv church to affordable housing.

In this episode of Compass, we’re visiting four unique and innovative expressions of church in Northern Virginia and Maryland.

See how Central United Methodist Church in the Ballston neighborhood renovated their old church building in order to meet the changing needs of their neighborhood and give life to new ministries. Visit a pop-up cafe with Provision Church, helping provide a community of care and support for those who are often overlooked. Spend a night at Improv Church, laughing a path to community connection. And dig into good work and a hearty bowl of soup with Coop’s Soups.

Find more on these unique ministries:

Central UMC: cumcballston.org
Provision Church: provisionchurchnova.org
Improv Church: thevineva.org
Coop’s Soups: coopssoups.com

In this episode:
(00:00) Church: community expressions beyond traditional worship settings.
(05:21) Central UMC modernized facilities for community benefit.
(08:38) Pastor Alyssa leads Provision Church, aiding homeless.
(12:31) Free meals foster community and mutual support.
(15:19) What happens at Improv Church
(16:51) Sermon-inspired skits with impactful dual-role pastor.
(21:28) Improv church attracts reluctant family and friends.
(26:02) Ministry practiced through connections at farmer’s market.
(28:25) Coop Soups and Improv Church embrace innovation.
(30:17) Learn more about ministries at umc.org.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications with new episodes every other Wednesday. Learn more at umc.org/compass