Members of the UA-facilitated Micah Group that has been meeting monthly since 2017.
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Coming to the Table
for Unity and Impact
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Racism, income inequality, struggling public education systems and violence are among the many justice issues that impact our communities.
Yet, one group of local leaders have been tackling these complexities head on, through transparent dialogue and a commitment to generate action in their congregations and neighborhoods.
Since September 2017, Urban Alliance has facilitated a monthly meeting of a diverse group of 20 pastors from churches in the
Urban Alliance network
, with the goal of fostering opportunities for the group to develop deeper relationships across racial, cultural, geographic and denominational lines so that their churches can more effectively serve the community together. Urban Alliance has partnered with the Ogilvie Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary to utilize their Micah Group model as a tool for facilitating dialogue on pressing justice issues.
With opportunities to share and learn from each other’s very different perspectives and life experiences, trust quickly began to build among group members.
“During one of the meetings at the very beginning we prayed together, which created a sense of unity that ushered us to trusting relationships,” explained Pastor Esther Mwangi from
International Gospel Fellowship Church
in Windsor. “It was as if a window was open to see each other’s hearts.”
“It got me to enter into difficult discussions with other people who don’t look like me,” shared Pastor Frank Termine from
Calvary Church of West Hartford
. “I had the opportunity to get to know a cross-section of diverse pastors and begin discussions on social issues that plague and divide America. It taught me that many, if not all, of our social issues are complex and interrelated. The group showed me the need for the whole truth, not half-truths and opinions.”
The group’s growing unity was anchored in sharing stories and celebrating its diversity.
“It became a judgement-free zone where, in my view, the members spoke without
...
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"I had the opportunity to get to know a
cross-section of diverse pastors and begin discussions on social issues that plague and divide America. It taught me that many, if not all,
of our social issues are complex and interrelated.
The group showed me the need for the whole truth,
not half-truths and opinions."
- Pastor Frank Termine, Calvary Church of West Hartford
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Let's #UNite2019!
Together we make a greater impact.
Join us as we celebrate this exciting truth by connecting with one another, receiving nourishment from great food and inspiring words, and unifying for an optional time of prayer and worship.
Registration is required.
Date:
Friday, April 26, 2019
Time:
6:00-8:00pm
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Urban Alliance Welcomes New Team Member
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Joanne is responsible for all accounting, business management and related administrative functions of Urban Alliance. She holds a Bachelors of Accounting from Bentley. She has over 25 years of experience in accounting within public, government, manufacturing and non-profit sectors...
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Learning Community Recaps
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Last month, 34 people from 26 churches and organizations gathered
at Urban Alliance for the
Beyond the Basics
learning community to discuss volunteer recruitment and management. Topics included
defining roles and responsibilities for volunteers,
how to attract, retain and motivate volunteers, support available through
UAServe
and more.
At the
Charis
learning community, 29 people from 23 churches and organizations learned about different types of grief and loss and how to support people who are grieving, including children and teens.
Printed resources were provided
.
If your church or organization operates a children and youth program and is interested in participating in the
Next Generation
learning community (topic: collaboration and networking) at Urban Alliance on February 28, contact
Rosaicela Rodriguez.
Registration is required.
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Featured Program
Development Opportunities
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Your church or organization can develop stronger community programs
with Urban Alliance support through these opportunities:
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2018: A Year of Great Impact
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We can't accomplish our mission without you.
In 2018, your gifts helped 134 community programs operated by churches and organizations in the
Urban Alliance network
—who served 130,710 people—
grow stronger and impact the people they serve in deeper ways
. Here's a sneak peek at the impact made last year:
- $243,700 in UA grant funding was awarded to 25 programs
- 462 UAServe volunteers were matched to 35 programs and gave 4,566 hours of service
- 352 program leaders were equipped at 37 UA trainings
Stay tuned for a more in-depth annual report in next month's UA Current. In the meantime, click the button below to read more about how your gifts are changing lives.
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Thank You Farmington Bank!
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Thank you, Farmington Bank, for your generous donation of $500 in grocery store gift cards
that will help food pantries supported by Urban Alliance through our Beyond the Basics initiative stock their shelves.
Beyond the Basics
is an Urban Alliance initiative to help churches and parachurch organizations reach and serve people who are lacking food, clothing or housing so they meet their basic needs and gain greater stability in their lives.
100% of all gifts made to UA will go towards helping people experience hope, get the help they seek and achieve positive transformation in their lives. We don't take any administrative fees or percentages for our overhead—every penny is reinvested into our community.
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Volunteers Honored
at Appreciation Event
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Your contributions as a UAServe volunteer are priceless.
Your gift of time and talent helps strengthen the impact of basic needs, health and children and youth programs who are providing help and hope for thousands of people in Greater Hartford.
On February 2, 2019,
UAServe
volunteers were honored for their service, which to date has totaled 17,766 hours—and is valued at $438,643.
Thank you for generously giving your time and energy to make a difference in our local community!
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Featured UAServe
Volunteer Opportunities
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Known for your camera skills?
Consider helping a local pregnancy center share about the support they offer for men and women facing a pregnancy decision or a local parenting program share about the services they offer by capturing photos and videos of their programs in action.
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