In early September, four newly-selected organizations came together for the Fall 2019 Holy Currencies Orientation weekend at the Retreat at Artesian Lakes in Cleveland, Texas.
The program is a partnership between EHF and Kaleidoscope Institute, which uses Eric Law’s Holy Currencies framework to build a comprehensive and sustainable new ministry initiative.
EHF reviewed applications from congregations across the diocese that are interested in developing new ministry ideas through the proven Holy Currencies process. Each team was asked to propose an initiative, identify community partners they will work with, and identify who the program will serve. Once accepted, the program consists of a series of webinars, regular team meetings, and coaching sessions over a six-month period with EHF and Kaleidoscope Institute staff.
The in-person orientation and cohort launch provided teams the opportunity to connect with congregations from different cities and communities and learn from one another.
Holy Currencies Fall 2019 Participants
Find out more about participating teams and their ministry incubation proposals:
- 21/7 Neighborhood Association and Christ Episcopal Church, Nacogdoches
Partnering with the 21/7 Neighborhood Association, Christ Church will work to amplify the voices of neighborhood residents to revitalize the community that is losing their neighborhood school. The 21/7 Association was borne out of the work of Community Conversation Café’s, Hope food pantry, and neighborhood residents working on the Community Improvement Plan (CIP). Together they will build relationships with the community, listen to the interests of community members, and develop a community plan supported by the Church, Civic, and non-profit organizations that make up the 21/7 Association.
- Un-included Club and Christ Episcopal Church, Temple
This ministry has a goal of making middle and high school student “Un-included” in obesity, illiteracy, and giving up! Christ Temple is a key partner in this community ministry that gets kids reading, working an Urban Farm through the Sprouts to Success program, and youth leadership development. Using the ‘village’ model, Un-Included Kids has gained support and participation from numerous organizations that are working with it to enhance the futures of Temple’s youth.
- Trinity Episcopal Church, Longview – This ‘Veterans Reaching Veterans’ initiative seeks to do outreach and ministry to veterans in the Longview area. The idea is to move from the recognition of veterans on major holidays to connecting with them through special activities and the creation of life-giving friendships. They also plan to host a Mental Health First Aid training for the community to supplement the current work of healthcare professionals in the parish.
- Grace Episcopal Church, Houston – The consensus favorite for best ministry name goes to Grace2Go, an outreach that provides coffee, snacks and prayer twice a week at nearby street corner. It’s a well-traveled area where middle school students and parents walk to school and others head to work using the Metro bus stop. The ministry will soon expand to nearby apartments and other parts of the surrounding community. They also want to create opportunities to connect through the church’s outdoor spaces like a makeshift soccer field, a front porch with Wi-Fi, and a building that can be used as a bus stop shelter during storms.
For more information about the Holy Currencies process or to tell us about a new ministry idea, please contact us.
