New Episcopal Community Grant Recommendations
Resolution text
Resolved, That the Executive Council, meeting from October 9-12, 2020 approve and authorize the following, as recommended by the Task Force on Church Planting and Redevelopment and reviewed and recommended by the Joint Standing Committee on Mission Within The Episcopal Church. The funding request is for $365,000 going towards eleven New Episcopal Community grants.
Grant recommendations from the Task Force on Church Planting and Redevelopment:
4 Saints Food Pantry (Fort Worth) - $30,000
A Mission Enterprise Zone that is now responding to the need to offer a community of worship and discipleship in addition to its food pantry. During COVID, the number of people they engage has multiplied many times.
Abundant Life Health & Wellness (North Carolina) - $30,000
A holistic, neighborhood-centered community that offers discipleship, worship (now with appropriate social distancing), food, and the services of a community nurse. Their engagement numbers have multiplied about 4x during COVID.
Church at Crossroads (Michigan) - $35,000
An Episcopal worshiping community in an underserved area of Detroit; they serve the spiritual needs of the over 800 people who come through the Crossroads social service agency each week, and of low income families in the surrounding neighborhood.
Stepping Stones (El Camino Real) - $40,000
An Episcopal worshiping and discipling community with men in the prison system and with those reentering society. Though not allowed in the prison during COVID, they are actively working to train lay leaders on the “inside,” and to expand the number of people who are now able to worship with them by zoom, including current prisoners, members who have been deported, and community members “on the outside.”
Good Samaritan Episcopal Church (Indianapolis) - $40,000
A wonderful and successful example of a “traditional” church plant that is firm in its mission of service, and commitment and relevance to its neighborhood. Though set back somewhat by the economic crisis, this community will likely reach a traditional definition of “sustainability.” Their point leader is active in mentoring other church planters and actively shares the learning of his community.
The Way Station (Iowa)- $30,000
A community for and with disadvantaged children and youth. Their relevance has only increased with COVID and the rising number of children who are doing virtual school and have little help, love and supervision during the day. The community recently purchased property with the help of a revolving loan from the Diocese of Iowa.
Gathering on Main Street (Fort Worth)- $30,000
A New Episcopal Community that is launching out of a successfully redeveloped congregation. The Task Force recommended a Discernment grant for this ministry in February, 2020 (that was approved by Executive Council), and we are eager to continue in partnership and learning with them.
Resurrection Church, Plano (Dallas) - $30,000
A church plant that received a First Mark of Mission Grant to launch in the last triennium, and with whom the Task Force hopes to continue to partner - financially, spiritually and emotionally. Their planter is active in the Genesis Community, has participated on our assessment team for future church planters, and is facilitating training sessions and cohorts to help others succeed. We hope to continue learning with the Resurrection community as they navigate what it looks like to be a church plant in 21st century Dallas.
Christ’s Beloved Community (North Carolina)- $40,000
A missional, evangelistic and thriving community that the Genesis Movement has partnered with for the last 4 years. We would like to fulfill our relationship with CBC by offering them this final Harvest grant, setting them on the path to longer term financial sustainability. Their point leader is one of our church planter coaches, and she leads training sessions throughout the wider church on missional theology and practice.
The Gathering (Los Angeles)- $30,000
A strong, engaged community that seeks to acknowledge and nurture the spirituality, belonging and leadership of Asian American Episcopalians. As Asians are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States, the Task Force is eager to partner financially and spiritually with The Gathering in order to learn more of the practices that will help our denomination better invite them to join us in the Way of Love.
Beloved Community Outreach Center of Mobile (Central Gulf Coast) - $30,000
A powerful vision for a New Episcopal Community that is devoted to meeting the spiritual needs of unchurched people in the Mobile area. Executive Council approved a Discernment Grant for this ministry, and the Task Force is eager to partner with the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, and with this strong point leader, to launch the vision into reality.