By John Chambless
Staff Writer

From now through Easter Sunday, 14 churches in southern Chester County are joining together to serve their communities. Despite differences often found between churches, under the banner of the Constellation Network, the congregations are uniting toward a common goal of service.

The Constellation Network website describes their vision: “We envision a constellation of enterprises for the common good, with the church as the bright star in the center.” The group, which was started recently in Chester County, promotes restoration across various categories of culture – church, family, education, business, government, arts, and social. The Constellation Network does not shy away from its beliefs, but aims to do acts of restorative good, regardless of the faith backgrounds of those they serve.

Last year, The Constellation Network piloted a project called Give/Serve/Restore (GSR) during the Lenten season, which was inspired by the “Be Rich (in Good Deeds)” campaign at Andy Stanley’s North Point Ministries. Three local churches – Willowdale Chapel, the Christian Life Center and the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square -- participated in service projects, donated food to local food banks, and donated funds to help start Family Promise, a local nonprofit helping to combat homelessness. Numerous service projects were completed, 2.5 tons of food was donated, and $38,000 was raised to launch a Family Promise branch in our area.
This year, 14 churches have signed on to partner for this initiative. In addition to the three original churches, the partnership has grown to include Brandywine Baptist, Christ Church at the Grove, Cristo Rey United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, Media Mennonite Church, Mount Vernon Christian Church, Stillwaters Presbyterian Church, The Power Place, The Barn Vineyard Church, Toughkenamon Presbyterian and West Grove United Methodist Church.

Through March 27, the churches have committed to participating in service projects, donating food, and providing monetary donations to two local organizations, Good Neighbors and Young Moms. Good Neighbors repairs homes for needy families, and Young Moms provides academic, vocational and parenting support to teenage mothers. Funds raised through the project will be split between the two organizations.

The Constellation Network’s website (www.TheConstellationNetwork.com) is linked to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Everyone is invited to post their service project photos and share their serving stories.

The Constellation Network website advises, “Don’t sit back and wait for inspiration to strike. Figure out what it is that you love about your community and the people in it. Get out there, get involved, ask questions, form relationships, and take action to add to the common good around you. You have a role in the flourishing of your community, so step into it!”

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].