The Unity-Works Project is being funded in part by Valparaiso University through the Practicing our Faith grants program (www.practicingourfaith.org). The project has three goals:

1) Sharing the stories of hospitality that resulted in the birth of Embrace Richmond

2) Expanding the practice of hospitality toward the poor in our community by building collaborative partnerships between the faith community and the non-profit sector

3) Equipping future leaders for urban ministry through education and experiential learning opportunities   

These three objectives will be met through two activities:

1) The writing of a book by Embrace founder Wendy McCaig which Chronicles how the practice of hospitality has shaped Embrace Richmond and those we serve. For more information about this aspect of the project visit www.wendymccaig.wordpress.com.

2) An eight week training program that will allow participants to experience hospitality from both sides of the table, as both giver and recipient.  The goal of these workshops is to help congregations learn how they can expand the practice of hospitality toward the poor in their own congregational setting.

This website was created to promote the project and as a resource for congregations and leaders who are interested in participating in the Unity-Works training program. Below you will find an overview of the project.

History

Over the past three years, Embrace Richmond has partnered with dozens of congregations through our Welcome Home Project and Youth and Family Missions Day events. Congregations have repeatedly requested opportunities to go deeper by engaging in relational urban missions that are transformational to both the church and the community.  In response to those requests and to the growing community need for relational ministry, Embrace Richmond developed the Unity-Works project.

Mission

Unity-Works is an experiential learning project offering opportunities for congregational teams to learn about the issues facing impoverished individuals in Richmond and helping congregations discern how they can minister to those in need through partnerships with other faith-based organizations. The Unity-Works project is being funded in part by Valparaiso University’s “Practicing our Faith” program. 

Activities 

Phase 1 – Unity Building Workshops:  Through these six workshops congregations will learn about the challenges faced by Richmond’s homeless and at-risk individuals.  Through these workshops participants will be taught by individuals who have personally experienced homelessness (our guides) and by faith-based urban leaders who are working to alleviate some of the challenges.  Throughout the process congregations will examine how their own congregation is responding to the needs and will develop a greater appreciation for the assets of their local congregation. 

Phase 2 – Strategic Planning Workshops:  In these two final workshops congregations will develop their own “Vision for Mission” that takes into consideration ministries already in operation in their congregation along with new opportunities to engage in urban ministry through partnership with other organizations.

Phase 3 – Sharing the Vision:  Teams will present their plan to their fellow participants and ultimately to their congregation using story and media .  These “Visions for Mission” will be posted on the Unity-Works website to help guide future program participants. 

Phase 4 – Living the Vision:  Teams will be commissioned to bring their visions alive in their local congregations.  Embrace Richmond will track implementation of these projects along with the outcomes and will update the unity-works website on a quarterly basis.