Urban Commission
Chairperson: David Eckert, Myra Maxwell
Report submitted by: David Eckert
Email: pastor.messiahchurch@verizon.net
Phone: (215) 900-3463
Date submitted: 03/28/2019
Recent Events & Activities
The Urban Commission ended 2018 by awarding $37,500 in grants to five Urban Initiatives at local churches and nine Urban Alliances bringing together multiple churches and community partners. (Spreadsheet attached).
A new request for proposals will go out in the spring and fall to award up to $40,000 in grants to new Initiatives and Alliances (spring), and/or to support ongoing work of Initiatives and Alliances (fall).
Upcoming Events & Activities
We will be holding a retreat for old and new commission members at Camp Innabah March 29 – 30. Going forward we will require all Alliances to be represented on the Commission. This retreat is an introduction to new members, and an opportunity for the Alliances to build relationships, support, and learn from one another as we do urban ministry across the conference.
Additional Information
We are planning for an Urban Summit to be held in the fall – similar to past events it will feature presenters, vendors, community resources and the invitation will be open to all clergy and lay people of urban congregations and the whole conference.
Collaborations
We are working with John Coleman to increase publicity for the grants and the success of our Alliances in NEWSpirit.