A few years ago, a Community Development Team was formed to consider how God is calling us as a congregation forward in community development – walking with individuals, families, and our community and offering a hand with dignity and justice, more than a handout, toward greater wholeness and health. Our first partner in this work is the Peace Community Center. The team reviewed current outreach ministries according to our mission, vision and values, and through the lens of community development principles. In mid-2014, as the congregation was engaging in prayer and discernment around future directions in affordable housing, two houses went up for sale across the street from the church. A new team, the Affordable Housing Team, was formed to guide us in the purchase of the homes and forward in affordable housing. Through a Missional Sustainability project, we began the ongoing work of engaging Hilltop neighbors, our congregation, and community partners in a listening process to discern assets and needs. A Community Resources Ministry was born to extend Community Meals to a dinner every Friday evening with representatives of local social service agencies present to help individuals access community resources. In 2019, a new ministry began in the form of the Community Resources Ministry, offering a free community meal every Friday evening throughout the year. This Friday meal is paired with community resources made available through social service providers present and available to speak with any that stop by. This ministry supports individuals in need toward a more sustainable livelihood. The goal is to walk alongside and equip individuals struggling with economic poverty to take positive steps toward greater economic sustainability.