United they stand

COEUR d'ALENE - Look up the word "syndicate" in the dictionary, and one of the definitions will say something about "a self-organized group dedicated to a specific cause."

Exactly what "The Syndicate" members say it is and plan to do.

The Christian, nonprofit organization formed earlier this year with a basic goal of promoting unity between different churches and denominations, "and to build goodwill between the Christian and non-Christian elements of the local community."

"It's not about the kingdom of this church or that church, or this town or that town," said Chris Rushford, Syndicate board member. "It's the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven. That's what we hope to do, promote the kingdom of heaven. I've been feeling very strongly that that's something I need to make a priority."

Another board member, Kyle Rutley, shared a similar vision.

"I really see a cause and a vision in the unification of the body of Christ," he said.

The Syndicate is not tied to any one church, but its leaders do attend church. Rather than have its own soup kitchen or fundraisers or even its own church, it hopes to support ones already in place.

Key to the Syndicate's plans are "Discussion, Prayer and Worship" public gatherings the first Saturday of each month. Each will feature different musical groups and worship leaders, and promote charitable causes. The next will be 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Calypsos. The Syndicate recently raised $1,600 for the Kevin Kram family.

Rutley, 21, and Rushford, 24, said ultimately, their goal is to be an organization that lives out the love of Jesus Christ.

"We want to work toward making the kingdom of heaven something that's tangible in Kootenai County," Rushford said.