In our few short years, LydiaPlace has been invited into a number of exciting and significant community collaborations. ln many ways, these partnerships have shaped Lydia far beyond our wildest imaginations.
Key community collaborations include:
Seal Hi-Rise Public Housing Worshipping Community. Since May 2014, LydiaPlace has led worship every Sunday afternoon in the Hi-Rise’s community room. Over that time, we’ve all come to realize that our connection to Seal Hi-Rise is not an outside ministry or outreach of our ministry, but rather, an essential part of who LydiaPlace is. The people who gather every Sunday afternoon at Seal to sing, pray, engage the Word, and share the Holy Supper, are Lydians through and through. In addition, the Lydians at Seal also host a Wednesday Mid-Week Prayer at 1 pm for local residents the public.
Saint Anthony Park Community Council. Since October 2015, Pastor Scott Simmons has sat on the Saint Anthony Park Community Council, a local non-profit advocacy group which works directly with the Saint Paul City Council to advocate for the Saint Anthony Park community at the city government level. In addition to representing local businesses, non-profits and organizations, Scott serves also as the chair of the Council’s new equity committee, which is dedicated to raising awareness and equitable practice throughout the community.
Sunday Table Food Program. Over the summer and fall of 2016, LydiaPlace collaborated with the Community Council, the Saint Anthony Park Community Garden, and Seal Hi-Rise to pilot a free food program for the residents of Seal. During that time, we were able to provide over 1500 lbs. of free freshly picked organic vegetables grown in the community garden. The success of this pilot program is helping drive a neighborhood effort to bring a badly needed food bank or other food program to South Saint Anthony Park.