Chicago occupies nearly thirty miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Much of it is parkland, so you can walk, ride bikes, swim the beaches, hear live music, visit museums, go sailing, and more. There’s even a Ferris Wheel. 

In direct contrast, the shoreline also features a highway. Lake Shore Drive, a commuting artery, borders the park for nearly its entire length. You don’t always notice it since the park is nicely treed, but it’s there. 

For years, our tradition was to walk a four-mile loop through the park each evening. It was a great way to unwind, catch up, stay healthy, and experience small-town community. Despite its urban setting, the park featured picnics, volleyball and soccer matches, kite flying, skilled musicians, chess games, sailboats to watch, and more.

One summer evening we were nearly back to our apartment when we heard screeching, screaming, a loud crash, and the scraping noise of a car fender sliding across the path ahead of us. We both ran to see what had happened and found a midsized sedan crumpled against an oak tree, air bags deployed, and nearly twenty people converging on the scene. Some ran toward the vehicle to check on its driver. Others noticed a twisted bicycle aside the path and rushed to where its rider was lying. She was in pain but wanted to know if the driver was okay. A woman kneeled at her side, and they recited Psalm 23 together. 

Someone called 911, another ran to direct the emergency vehicles, and when it was discovered that the driver spoke Russian, a man began shouting for anyone who knew Russian, which someone did. 

By the time the injured were off to the hospital and the flatbed had hauled the wreckage away, nearly forty Good Samaritans had demonstrated just how neighborly Chicagoans really are. 

They also revealed how church is designed to work. Every member possessing some skill or asset the others need to thrive, heal, and grow. All it takes is for every member to share whatever gifts they bring.