There & Back Again
By Micah Chrisman
Dorothy Day once said, “We must talk about poverty, because people insulated by their own comfort lose sight of it.” One thing is clear in the U.S., poverty, racism, militarism, ecological devastation and other critical issues are plaguing our communities whether we choose to see them or not. And since society is constantly telling us to climb the capitalistic ladder at any cost—even at the expense of the poor and disenfranchised—it’s no wonder many in our society choose to forget those who suffer and insulate themselves from the community pain on their way “up”.My name is Micah Chrisman and I first came to Cherith Brook four years ago as a summer intern. During my time away, I worked for Communities Creating Opportunity doing antiracism and community development work, then the KCMO Health Department as their Digital Communications Coordinator. I felt God’s calling to downsize my life and resources, to live in solidarity with those on the margins and use my communication and organizing skills for advocacy, which is why I returned to Cherith Brook.
What drew me to Cherith Brook then and now is our servant leadership approaches to justice work. Rather than serve the house-less and impoverished with top down, bureaucratic strategies, we come alongside those who are suffering and find community driven pathways to build people power. For example, in June we sent nine community members directly impacted by racism and poverty as Missouri Delegates for the national Poor People’s Campaign Moral Congress summit in Washington, D.C. There, we held a 2020 presidential forum where candidates like Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris had to answer direct questions from disenfranchised people across the country. They also attended workshops such as, “Organizing the Poor and Homeless”, “Disability Rights”, “Ecological devastation”, and more.
On the last day, some of the delegation were invited to a congressional hearing on Capital Hill before the Budget Committee. Our very own Lois Swimmer stood with other advocates who testified before legislators about the social inequities affecting millions across the country. They spoke of the 144 million people in the U.S. who are in poverty or are low-income. They spoke of access to untainted water, clean air, and safe, livable communities. Those closest to the issues shared their stories about racism in the workplace, low wages, voter suppression policies, lack of affordable housing and poor living conditions, as well as healthcare access and so much more. Despite living and struggling through these real life issues, they had the audacity to rally for love and justice, to use these experiences and say “No more!” With this knowledge, we plan to continue the work in leadership development and community organizing to address issues in Kansas City.
At Cherith Brook, we believe in empowering the voices of those affected by systems of oppression. When paired with the rest of our intentional community life rhythms—like breaking bread together, offering showers to those on the streets, sharing our garden harvests with our neighbors, and praying for and listening to those who suffer from trauma—we all experience reconciliation and wholeness. Rather than insulate myself from my neighbors and their issues, Cherith Brook has shown me how to live out the Gospel of Christ by practicing exactly what He preached: radical self-transformation that produces love through community. You and I are part of that community, whether we realize it or not. This self-transformation is a lifelong journey for those of us who come from economic means, but it is the journey Christ has called us to take.
Cherith Brook at Poor People's Campaign, D.C. Moral Congress event. From left to right: Marty, Micah, Christopher, Quianya, Chris S., Tammy, Dr. Rev. Liz Theoharis, Lois, Angie, and Charlotte.
House Notes
by Eric Garbison
Summertime at Cherith Brook is increasingly enchanting—junior roosters finding their voice, honey bees and soldier flies in chorus, goldfinches dining on sunflowers, native insectaries exploding with celandine poppy, bee balm, coneflowers, culver’s root, duck’s romp in the water buckets, berries that pucker your lips and pecks of plump blackberries, gentle breezes carrying fragrances of lavender, anise hyssop and white sage, garlic braids hanging in the cafe, the pungent smell of compost - all awaken one’s awareness of the Divine Presence. All is grace.
Personalism is a rich concept we often use in the Catholic Worker way and it's alive and well here. While individualism or libertarian philosophies also focus on “freedom,” personalism better mirrors the gospel claim that freedom comes in community; so we take personal responsibility for the needs of those in our sphere of life - neighbors and strangers, outsiders and enemies. And freedom in Christ does not isolate or idolize self-reliance; it weaves together the fabric of our lives.
In the Spirit of personalism many come putting their faith in action - mending old fences, unscrambling the pantry, scrambling eggs, cleaning windows, tending beehives, organizing for activism, facilitating learning, pruning pears, listening to the lonely, welcoming a stranger, cleaning fridges, sharing jokes. Perhaps this is what Pentecost means—God’s impartial love organizing us into a new social fabric. Included in this season’s good work is a major remodel of the house kitchen, replacing an aged furnace and installing two 1500 gallon water tanks for rain collection. In gratitude we continue to receive this abundance shared trust.
There is a surging new leadership among our neighbors and guests. The monthly Poor People’s Campaign meetings grow month by month, now averaging 25. And the level of commitment has matched it - “The meeting is this week, right?” “I’ll be here early to set up.” Can I get another copy of that article to reread?” “I’ve invited my friend.” Pray that we contribute to the growth of Jesus’ Freedom Church of the Poor, that “new and unsettling force” for social change. And pray that we stay the course by “deepening the leadership of those most affected by poverty, homelessess and systemic racism.” Gentrification is already bullying our community in the Northeast. Homeless in camps, out of the way and inconspicuous, are constantly harassed We already know that the city lacks significant number of units for affordable housing and that shelters are at capacity and as described by guests as chaotic, violent and degrading way to live. Why do we continue to blame the poor instead of address the causes?
Corporate developers seem to have their hands in the pot of limited resources. Just imagine what our neighborhood could do with the 17 million dollar welfare parking lot of the “Two Light” lofts, supposedly “affordable” at $1200 a pop in the entertainment district. Jesus said, when you enjoy your prime parking spot and entertain yourselves to death, “you’ve already received your comfort”. The kin-dom of Abba is for the poor, the hungry, the suffering. (Luke 6:20-26) This fight is bringing together many disparate groups in deeper solidarity.
We’ve added a Bible Study using a participatory, liberative model. It reminds us that where we read—both in our personal experiences and social context—enrich and enliven the sacred text. This fall we will explore James’ letter that claims the “high status of the poor” as “God’s chosen” in this kingdom on earth. It challenges the “low status” of the rich naming their oppressive practices. And it and speaks to us from the angles of hope and praxis.
Micah Chrisman and Kate Schulte recently moved. Micah has introduced himself above. Kate comes
Diana is home for the summer and teaching at a Freedom School in Kansas City Kansas. One more month before she heads back to college. Henri always seems to wake with a smile for work, and has found a tribe among coworkers at the warehouse.
Jodi taught both ESL and GED this past spring and finds deep fulfillment. I have served on the Missouri’s Committee for the Poor People’s Campaign and nurturing leadership in the Elder’s Circle. We enjoyed a staycation knowing the summers together are becoming rarer for the Garbisons.
Love and gratitude from all of us to all of you.
