April 24, 2025
In the heart of Harrisburg, a bold new chapter is unfolding. Two long-standing institutions in the city, The Journey Church and The Neighborhood Center, are embarking on an unprecedented strategic partnership that promises to revitalize the 1801 N. 3rd Street property, reinvigorate community life, and build a future of hope and belonging for all.
The Neighborhood Center has served the Harrisburg community since its inception in 1910, originally as the Methodist Mission. For more than a century, it has been at the forefront of addressing the pressing needs of the city’s most vulnerable populations. From offering one of the first kindergarten programs for African-American children to pioneering support services for young mothers and children with disabilities, the Center has long been a cornerstone of community empowerment and care. The opening of the Lenore Haas Alexander Playground in 1990 further solidified the Center’s legacy as a place of safety, joy, and belonging for families in the neighborhood.
“The Neighborhood Center has always been committed to building better lives, a better community, and ultimately, a better Harrisburg,” says Susan Forney, President of the Board of Directors of The Neighborhood Center. “Our partnership with The Journey will bring new vitality to this historic space, ensuring that our mission continues for generations to come.”
Similarly, The Journey Church, a growing, inclusive, and multi-ethnic congregation in the city, has been a beacon of justice, love, and spiritual formation. For 6 years, The Journey has sought to create a community where everyone feels welcome, regardless of background, and where the transformative love of Jesus can be experienced through action and advocacy for social justice.
“We believe in the power of belonging and transformation,” says Rev. Kris Sledge, Lead Pastor of The Journey Church. “This partnership allows us to expand our vision for human flourishing, where justice, love, and liberation are at the forefront. It’s not just about the church and its people – it’s about the broader community. Together, we can build something even more impactful with the people of Harrisburg.”
This shared commitment to justice and community empowerment is at the heart of their new collaboration. After months of relationship-building, discernment, and planning, the partnership is set to breathe new life into the 1801 N. 3rd Street facility. The Neighborhood Center will be relaunched with a renewed focus on expanding its programs for children, families, and the entire community, reclaiming its legacy as a vibrant neighborhood hub. Additionally, The Journey Church plans to relocate to the property, making it the central space for both congregational worship and community services. The church will also spearhead renovations and additions to make the space accessible and welcoming for all.
The partnership will be guided by a new Executive Director of The Neighborhood Center, who will help steer the vision for this exciting new partnership of these two organizations. Together, leaders and members of both organizations are crafting a shared programmatic vision, one that embodies inclusivity, hope, and empowerment.
For The Journey Church, this move represents more than just a physical relocation. It marks the fulfillment of their mission to serve the broader community – bringing people together from diverse backgrounds to experience God’s love in a radical way.
The renewed vision for The Neighborhood Center and The Journey Church also reflects a growing emphasis on the collective power of community. At its core, this partnership aims to foster deep belonging, a sense of shared responsibility, and a commitment to healing and transformation.
“What we’re doing here is centered on a vision for a renewed presence for the United Methodist Church in Harrisburg,” Rev. Sledge says. “Through this partnership, we are making space for a community where everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, can find a home.”
As the city of Harrisburg stands on the precipice of this new chapter, the partnership between The Journey Church and The Neighborhood Center offers a glimpse into a hopeful and inclusive future, where justice, love, and community empowerment reign. May this collaboration bring lasting transformation and be a course of hope for the community.
Our prayers are with The Journey Church and The Neighborhood Center as they embark on this important journey together, trusting that God’s guidance will lead them to success and flourishing in their shared mission.