|
Churches across the city are kicking off a new school year! We've been so encouraged by the many churches already serving or that want to serve their local schools. Right now, we know of 200+ schools in Greater Houston that have at least one church partner, and 50 church leaders have gone through our Equipping Sessions to learn how to start new partnerships. God is doing some great things here in Houston, and we're grateful to be a part of it! Please pray that we'll continue to be faithful in the work He's called us to in helping churches serve their local schools. The stories below give a glimpse into how churches are serving. Check out these awesome back-to-school events for ideas about how you can serve your local school! |
| |
Raising Highly Capable Kids Training
|
One of our favorite events was the Raising Highly Capable Kids training on August 22. Twenty-five church leaders from across Greater Houston came together to learn how to equip local parents to help their children succeed. We love that this model empowers parents to contribute to their own children's success. Thanks to Pastor Bryant of Higher Expectations Church for hosting this event and to Rezilient Kidz for the excellent training! ( Contact us if you're interested in equipping parents in your local school. See more on this asset-based philosophy in the Inspiration section to the right.) |
| |
Kids playing at HEC's Back to School Backpack Drive
|
"Higher Expectation Church's Back To School Backpack Drive was a huge success!!! We teamed up with Woodridge Church who donated supplies and had a team of 16 serve with the 20 volunteers from Higher Expectations Church. Houston Northwest Church also donated backpacks. We had an incredible turnout and gave away over 300 backpacks, prayed for over 90 families, provided haircuts for over 40 students, and helped over 35 families with our Food Pack Ministry aids. Together, we made this a success for the kingdom. On Sunday we had a couple of families attend service with us with one young lady giving her life to Christ." - Pastor Bryant Lee, Higher Expectations Church
|
| |
Forge for Families Back to School Bash 2015 video
|
"The FORGE for Families Back to School Bash served over 600 members of the community this year and gave away over 350 backpacks. What a fantastic way to kick-off another fun-filled year! We love coming together to help our families reach their God-given potential. This event wouldn't be possible without our amazing partners: ABC Dental, City of Refuge Church, Elevate Church, and Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Thank you for your incredible partnership!" - Forge for Families|
| |
Hairgrove Principal Darynda Klein & Calvary Pastor Jeff McGee at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet
|
"The Volunteer Appreciation Banquet to celebrate the collaborative work of Calvary Community Church and Copperfield Church with Hairgrove Elementary was an awesome event. Approximately 50 people attended, including Principal Darynda Klein. Ms. Klein pointed out Hairgrove's remarkable standing academically - in the top 4 in Texas on scholastic achievement and gap closure! - and attributed the rating to Tutoring, Mentoring, and Friday night camps - all three championed by Calvary & Copperfield. To corroborate the positive impact of mentoring, 3 mentors shared their powerful stories. Through the stories and statistics shared, it was evident that education can break the cycle of poverty, but that education must be coupled with the consistent presence of a caring adult and a supportive community. What a perfect event to kick off the year!"
- Modified from Michael Kraxberger, Loving Houston
--- What we love most about these examples is that the churches and organizations are committed to these schools, not just parachuting in for one-time projects but building long-term relationships with their neighbors in the schools. These relationships provide a healthy context for churches to offer a hand-UP versus a hand-out. One-time projects are a great way to introduce volunteers to service; then churches can use those projects to springboard into longer-term partnerships. Why are long-term partnerships so important? See the Inspiration section to the right.
Check us out on Facebook and Twitter for more #PartnershipIdeas.
|
|
Get Involved!
Our vision is that every school in Greater Houston would have at least one church partner. If this vision is realized, every student (and teacher and principal) in Houston will have the chance to experience God's love in a tangible way. Will you engage in the Great Commandment and Great Commission with us? Here's how: 1. Tell us if you want to serve your local school.We want to help! Email Michael for information on our Equipping Sessions, and check out our website for tips on how to get started (see the Resources section to the right for tips on using our website). 2. Tell us how you're serving your local school.We know you don't want to reinvent the wheel, and we know you want to maximize your positive impact. This is why Loving Houston collects and celebrates learnings from church-school partnership leaders across the city. By sharing your story with us, you'll be adding to an ever-expanding repository of information that will be used to equip and inspire churches throughout Greater Houston to serve in ways that will have maximum positive impact on their communities. Let's transform Houston for good TOGETHER! Email Marilyn to share your story.
|
Events
Inspiration
Our Staff
