|
In December 2014, Dave Peterson stepped down as Chairman of Loving Houston to focus on other commitments, and I was asked by the Board to take over that position. What a great honor and privilege! Helping Loving Houston to fulfill its mission of advancing community transformation by helping churches serve local schools is indeed a thrill for me because I am passionate about seeing the Church in Houston truly love the City. How wonderful would it be if Houstonians saw Houston-area Christians united by the love of Christ instead of squabbling over doctrine or telling others what they should not be doing?
Loving Houston spent much of 2014 forming relationships with churches and schools and discovering the good already happening in Houston. As we move into our second year, we are shifting to more of an active role. Our primary initiative will be to facilitate Learning Communities, whereby leaders of church-school partnerships come together to talk about (1) the needs of the school system, (2) what is working with regard to church-school partnerships, and (3) challenges and possible solutions. In addition, we plan to be a catalyst for church-school partnerships by hosting Training Sessions for churches that "want to get in the game" and by connecting churches looking for opportunities to serve with schools that need specific help. Through these initiatives, we hope to celebrate what is already happening in Houston and accelerate these good works.
In 2014, we identified more than 70 existing church-school partnerships in 12 Independent School Districts across Greater Houston. We are grateful that such good work is already in progress, and we look forward to seeing those numbers grow as we discover additional existing partnerships and help other churches accelerate this vitally important work.
If you are involved in a church-school partnership or wish to start one, please let one of our wonderful staff members know. In the meantime, we covet your prayers - for our city, our schools, our churches, and the work we are trying to do at Loving Houston. Thank you in advance!
Peter Forbes
Executive Chairman
Loving Houston
|
|
Our First Learning Community!
Twenty-five leaders from 7 school districts and 12 Houston-area churches participated in our first Learning Community on February 23. We are so grateful for their enthusiastic participation, and we look forward to building upon their insights as we continue the church-school partnership conversation at future Learning Communities throughout the year. In the meantime, check out some of the feedback we received:
"The session was a wonderful idea to discuss challenges and share ideas." -Church Leader, Humble ISD
"Great opportunity to dialogue about needs, programs, and challenges." -Principal, Klein ISD
"Hearing about what it may mean to build a strategic partnership has created a better vision." -Dean of Students, YES Prep
"It was valuable to meet others and understand that the needs are universal." -Community Leader, Houston ISD
"Looking forward to a future meeting where more ideas and best practices can be shared." -Pastor, Houston ISD
Looks like we're on the right track! If you're interested in participating in or hosting a Learning Community or Training Session, contact Michael at Michael@lovinghouston.net.
Leonel Castillo Community Center
|
Inspiration
Events
Our Staff