Community Craft Collaborative in March 2024
In the heart of every vibrant community lies the essence of cultivation—where the soil is tilled, nurtured, and enriched to foster growth. But what does it truly mean to cultivate, and how does a community thrive?
At the core of the Community Craft Collaborative, these questions find their answers. Founded on the belief that thriving communities emerge from intentional cultivation, the Collaborative embarks on a mission to empower congregations to become catalysts for positive change within their neighborhoods. Our team ended March and began April by closing and starting Community Craft Collaborative cohorts, and, we ended April witnessing fruits from the seeds of our inaugural 2022 Durham/Chapel Hill cohort.
Maple Springs UMC: "Grace Space”: A Sanctuary for Families in Need of Emergency Shelter
Located in Winston-Salem, Maple Springs UMC is deeply rooted in its mission to share, grow, and bear fruit for Christ. However, amidst the challenges faced by the unhoused and unsheltered in the community, the church has seen an opportunity to extend its arms of love and compassion through a transformative project conceived as they journeyed alongside the Ormond Center: "Grace Space."
Maple Springs UMC wants to address the growing number of families experiencing homelessness in the Winston-Salem community by addressing the lack of affordable housing and the limited number of emergency shelters there, especially for families. Through "Grace Space," the church proposes to repurpose an unused portion of its building into an emergency family shelter, providing physical, spiritual, and emotional support to families as they transition to permanent housing. Grace Space aims not only to meet immediate needs, but to also cultivate a sense of belonging and community for those families who are experiencing homelessness.
Whosoever Will COGIC: Suiting Up for a Promising Future
Whosoever Will COGIC in Edenton, N.C., stands as a beacon of hope for its community–– particularly its growing population of single mothers facing economic challenges and lack of support. Recognizing this need, with the help of Community Craft Collaborative, the church presented a bold vision for its building's transformation through the "Suit-Up" program.
"Suit-Up" aims to equip single mothers with the tools and resources needed for success in every aspect of their lives. From job training and mentorship to parenting classes and bonding circles, the program addresses key areas such as social support, education, and life skill development. Through partnerships with existing agencies and organizations, the program strives to maximize its impact and create lasting change, not just for mothers, but their children as well. "Suit-Up" offers a lifeline of support and encouragement to single mothers, helping them thrive spiritually, mentally, and financially.
Love UMC: Embracing Tradition, Propelling Innovation
From their annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting to hosting generations of Girl Scouts, Love UMC has long been a cornerstone of the Walkerton community since its founding in 1791. Every corner of Love United Methodist Church holds a piece of our shared past.
In recent years, however, the church is challenged with an aging congregation, financial constraints, and shifting demographics. Recognizing the need for change, Love UMC is embracing opportunities for growth and revitalization. In working with the Ormond Center, the church has come up with a few initiatives that might help the church and their community.
Through conversations with town leadership and community organizations and members, the church has begun working on an idea that considers adopting first-year teachers in the community, offering them and their students support through initiatives such as a back-to-school luncheon and opening the church for teachers and students to utilize their facility for fellowship. The church also plans to continue to serve its aging population through events such as Senior Activity Day. With a vision for a future that blends tradition and innovation, Love United Methodist Church aims to remain a welcoming place for all, where the spirit of service and community thrives.
Wilkesboro UMC: A Vision for Community Transformation
In the heart of rural Wilkes County stands Wilkesboro United Methodist Church, dedicated to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and embracing God's love. However, amidst economic challenges and population loss, the church faces its own hurdles, including an underutilized church space and a need for affordable daycare support in the community.
To address these issues, Wilkesboro UMC presents a bold vision for its building's revival. Through the strategic planning offered in Community Craft Collaborative, the church has been able to envision a daycare facility and community kitchen, with the aim of transforming its space into a hub of support and service for the community. By offering after-school care and affordable daycare options, Wilkesboro UMC seeks to narrow the childcare gap, providing a vital resource for working families and bolstering the local workforce. Additionally, by supporting existing childcare providers and encouraging new ones, the church aims to foster collaboration and innovation in meeting the needs of young families.