Congregational innovation

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Steven and Harriet Gaither, a retired couple who benefited from one of Eastern Star Church's programs, stand in front of their first home. Photo courtesy of Eastern Star Church

Money, Budget & financial management, Stewardship & fundraising, Innovation, Congregational innovation

Church's money management lessons lead to transformation in an impoverished neighborhood

Eastern Star Church is helping bring hope to the 46218 ZIP code in Indianapolis through housing initiatives, social services, a grocery store, financial coaching and more.

Dr. Jon Kocmond looks at photos of his family in his home office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kocmond lost his 16-year-old son, Nathan, to suicide in the fall of 2017. He has since been active in the suicide support group at Christ Episcopal Church. Photos by Wendy Yang

Health & Well-being, Emotional health, Congregations, Congregational innovation

A church invests in mental health in response to parishioners' suffering

A 6,400-member congregation in North Carolina has created a “wellness director” position after experiencing six suicides in five years.

Windsor Jones and Country pause for a moment at the Common Soles clinic hosted by Church of the Common Ground, where Jones washed Country's feet. Photos by Branden Camp

Congregations, New forms of church, Innovation, Congregational innovation

A church without walls offers unconditional acceptance to people who are homeless

Church of the Common Ground, an Episcopal congregation in Atlanta, avoids the usual attempts to “fix” people who are living on the streets. Instead, it seeks to be a living witness of love and compassion.

The Kusanya Cafe in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago was established five years ago by a partnership that included Canaan Community Church. Photo courtesy of Kusanya Cafe

Innovation, Congregational innovation, Congregations, New forms of church

Jonathan Brooks: Sometimes the church needs to follow and partner with others

The pastor of an inner-city Chicago church shares how he and his congregation have changed the way they work in their neighborhood -- and how that has changed the community itself.

With Malcolm Smith on banjo and Mac Traynham on guitar, Appalachian music is a central part of worship at Wild Goose Christian Community Church in Floyd County, Virginia. Photos by Stephanie Klein-Davis

 

Innovation, Congregational innovation, Congregations, New forms of church

PCUSA faith community takes flight, celebrating Appalachian music and culture

Tuesday services, rockers for pews, a Mason jar chalice and mountain music -- Wild Goose Christian Community is an alternative faith community that celebrates local Appalachian culture.

On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Tri-Faith Initiative hosted a multi-faith "circle of peace" to remember those who died and to look forward to a future of peace and understanding. Photo by Creatista/Scott Griessel

Innovation, Congregational innovation, Reconciliation, Interfaith

Christians, Jews and Muslims share a campus in a unique interfaith collaboration

Three Abrahamic congregations in Omaha, Nebraska, have created the Tri-Faith Initiative, building separate houses of worship and a shared community center to promote peace and understanding among communities of different faiths.

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