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MOVING LOVE INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Because we are commanded by Jesus to LOVE our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), we are called to put His Word into action right here where we live, work, and play. Love217 is a movement of people who are passionate about making an impact and loving the Decatur Community, Macon County, and Central Illinois. Begun in Spring 2022 by leaders who value the community and the people and local businesses within it, Love217 is driven by the words of James 2:17 NLT, “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” We are charged with more than just reading about Jesus, or knowing who He is or what He says – we are called to His LOVE in action, moving it into our neighborhoods and making a difference throughout the community in which we live.
Love217 has charged the people of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Decatur, IL) to continually love our community through both organized Love217 serve days and events, and also organic opportunities, encouraging and empowering individuals to identify needs in their neighborhoods and to meet them on their own as they see them. (These don’t require everyone’s participation, just a small pocket of people willing to make waves of difference.) We aim to partner with other community organizations, churches, neighborhoods, and local businesses to amplify the impact on our community and its people and invite you and your group to get involved.
LET’S LOVE217 TOGETHER!
TEN DAYS OF PRAYER for Our School
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
UNITING TO BLESS OUR COMMUNITY
Together we’re the hands and feet of Jesus. Helping Decatur and surrounding community, the people, and the local businesses continue to serve and be the heartbeat of our community. At Love217, we are united to make a difference and bring love into our neighborhoods through community partnerships – with teams, organizations, churches, and local businesses. We want to join forces to elevate our shared humanity.
If you’re a team, organization, or church ready to partner to make an impact, join the movement!
PARTNER WITH LOVE217
ELEVATING OUR COMMUNITY, PEOPLE, AND BUSINESS
A couple years into the pandemic, with changing guidelines and closures, the challenges that ensued can make any small business give up. These local businesses and the families who lead them are part of the fabric of our neighborhoods and our community. We care deeply about our city, its people, and our local businesses. We know you do too. Join Love217 in our effort to Love Local.
If you’re a local business – join the movement and become part of Love217! Stay tuned for a listing of fellow Love217 local businesses and partnerships.
WANT TO BE A LOVE217 LOCAL BUSINESS PARTNER?
HOW CAN I LOVE217 RIGHT NOW?
What makes Love217 succeed? YOU!
You are an important part of building up and lifting up this community in love. By engaging in simple ways, the Love217 movement can continue to gain momentum.
Here are a few ways to make an impact right now:
HELP MOVE LOVE INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
We invite you to join the movement and make an impact in our community by both identifying needs and meeting needs – connect with neighbors and businesses in your area, show your support and be an encouragement. Join us for a neighborhood event or partner with us for a Love217 Serve Day. You can also find ways to serve others right in the places you live, work, and play. (Do you see a need? Does your organization have a need? Click below and complete the form to share your need with Love217.)
LOVE LOCAL
Love217 encourages you to support local businesses – owned and operated by many of the hard working families in our midst, they are part of the fabric of our community and what sets us apart. Whether it’s a coffee shop or catering service, a landscape company or boutique, a hair salon or restaurant, your patronage matters.
How else can you increase the blessing? When meeting a need or giving a gift to others, purchase a gift card directly from a local business. It’s a win-win, both for the recipient and the business – a need is met on both fronts. As you advance the success for each business, and as you invest in people, you help improve the quality of life in our community.
You can also give a local business a great review. Whether it’s Google or Yelp, a great review can mean the difference between someone checking out a local business or deciding to pass. Love217 by sharing your positive experiences on social media too.
SHARE THE LOVE
Help us let others know about Love217! We encourage you to take a moment and share about the Love217 movement with others – share about Love217.org on your social media. You can also place a Love217 cling on your car window or entry to your office or business (connect with us to learn how to receive one at info@spldecatur.org).
Share A Need with LOVE217