Join Bethesda Covenant Church for a weekend of learning and reflecting on faith and community--both globall and locally. On Saturday, October 21 from 10am-4pm we are holding a "Faith and Community Development" Workshop, with guest leader and facilitar Velda Love. During the day, we will explore the biblical roots of community involvement as part of social witness and also seek to gain skills in actual involvement in community organizing and community change. We will look at case studies, the role of scripture, the techniques involved and also allow time to deal with concrete issues that participants may have from their area. We want to answer the questions: why should people of faith be involved in their community? How can they be involved? What skills are needed? This workshop is for pastors and laity—anyone interested in starting or strengthening community development and outreach ministries in their church. It is for anyone who wants to gain a better idea of the biblical foundations of community organizing, a better idea of their own church’s situation, and a better idea of what next steps to take.
Our leader, Velda Love, currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Multicultural Development and the Assistant Director of the Center for Justice Ministries at North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary. She also works closely with the Admissions office as the Director of Chicago Church Relations.
Velda is currently employed by North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary as the Assistant Dean of Multicultural Development and the Assistant Director at The Center for Justice Ministries. Velda has recently completed a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies with an emphasis on Justice Ministries and Ethics May 2006 at North Park Theological Seminary.
Prior to employment with North Park University, Velda worked for the Chicago Area Project for 8 years. Chicago Area Project (CAP) is a nonprofit social service agency specializing in working with 0ver 40 community based organizations in Chicago and throughout the State of Illinois. Velda held various positions with CAP as a program developer, the director of development, and as a government affairs and legislative educator of youth development and community empowerment in Springfield, IL Other valuable work experience includes: The Chicago Foundation for Women as a major grants development officer.
Velda is an ordained deacon, adult bible study teacher, and an active member for 20 years at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, IL Bible courses taught at Trinity includes:
• Space for God
• Bible Basics
• God’s Word and My Salvation
• Africans in the Bible
• “For Women Only” courses
• And several specialty courses as needed
Velda has preached in various churches throughout the country and team teaches justice courses at North Park Theological Seminary in the Center for Justice Ministries Sankofa course.
This workship will be held at New York Covenant Church, 500 Main Street ~ New Rochelle, NY 10901. The church is located off I-95, exit 15 (US-1 N). After taking the exit, go east onto Main Street/US 1-North; New York Covenant Church is on the right, after you pass Church St. click here for directions. Call the church office at 212.684.2062 for more information or to register for the workshop.
Sunday, October 22 is UNITED NATIONS SUNDAY. Ms. Love will be our guest speaker on that date as we join churches around the world to pray for and learn about the work of the UN. Her topic will be the "The Millennium Development Goals in a Christian and Local Context: How can they be applied in your neighborhood?” Worship begins at 11:00am at the Turtle Bay Music School (244 E. 52nd, between 2nd and 3rd). Refreshments and fellowship follow the worship. Please join us!
