Strategies To Elevate People
by Will Rowe
On May 4, 2024, some 55 participants gathered at Hughes Memorial United Methodist Church, to build relationships, bridges, and partnerships across denominational, racial, and ethnic lines to meet the critical needs of Deanwood in Ward 7 of Washington, DC. Participants included representatives from inner-city churches (Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Living Faith Baptist, Evergreen Baptist, Higher Praise, Hughes Memorial, Pilgrim Rest), faith-based and non-profit organizations (Child Evangelism Fellowship, CRU, Young Life, DC Peace Team, DC Prevention Center Ward 7&8), suburban churches (Truro Anglican, Mt. Calvary Baptist, Shepherd’s Heart Anglican), and many local community leaders. Bishop Chris Warner representing some 40 Anglican Churches in North America in the Mid-Atlantic region also attended the five-hour event, along with his wife, Catherine.
The purpose of the gathering was four-fold:
To hear from representatives of the Deanwood community to understand local family support efforts, needs, and priorities
Hear from organizations and churches on their capabilities and resources to support needs
Strengthen and renew a collective commitment to support the needs of Deanwood neighborhoods through formation of a community development committee to coordinate support efforts
Accept the call to reconciliation and unity within the church
Rev. Edwin Jones, pastor of Living Faith Baptist church, has been serving in the Deanwood (Ward 7) community for 40 years. He opened the meeting that included presentations by community leaders, churches and faith-based organizations.
Community members shared their experiences and areas of need during the event which included employment, parenting, childcare, family support, education, mentorship, substance abuse prevention, and mental health care.
Representatives of each church and organization presented their support for STEP DC and offered resources and activities that resulted in a calendar of educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities for community member participation throughout the summer months. Examples include community gatherings, health and wellness events, vacation bible studies, substance abuse programs, family events, men’s events, worship opportunities, community meals, food pantries, and more.
The no cost event included breakfast and lunch and was the result prayer and planning efforts by a team of volunteers from inner-city and suburban churches. Soon a summary report from the conference will be added to the STEP DC website which will include an updated summer calendar of events, information on how interested parties can support STEP DC, and next steps for this partnership. The Spirit of the Lord was truly present throughout the conference and has sparked collaboration, cooperation, and an attitude of thankfulness for each step forward.
Bill Rowe is a long-time parishioner active in ministry at Truro Anglican Church in Fairfax, VA.
