Loving Our Neighbors

There are so many ways you can show your support to our primary outreach partners.

by Carolyn Wright, Rev. Derek Starr Redwine on May 10, 2023

Outreach Day

On Sunday, May 7, we celebrated our 21-year partnership with Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School, as we kicked off the recruitment season for our four primary outreach partners. The highlight of the celebration was the announcement of a $20,000 gift from the church that enabled the purchase of over 1,400 books for the school library. Judy Deichman, Instructional Specialist of Library Media Services for Richmond Public Schools, shared that the gift of $20,000 was equal to four years worth of the library’s annual budget! This is a wonderful example of what is possible when a faith community forms deep relationships with a few partners. Check out the video below to hear from Judy about the impact of the library gift!

"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
~ Jeremiah 29:7

Get Involved

In support of our church’s outreach vision, empowering children and families in the East End, every active member is invited to support one of our primary partners. Commitments can range from working weekly or monthly with the children and families of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School or Henry Marsh Elementary School, advocating through the justice ministry of RISC on behalf of those whose voices are too often silenced, or serving as a mentor to high school students in the Armstrong Leadership Program. You can also volunteer to serve on a leadership team of one of our partners, participate in work days at the church, give directly our partners, or pray!

Over the summer the church will be recruiting volunteers for all our mission partners. Imagine the impact our faith community could make if every child and family of the East End was connected to at least one member of the church. Imagine how Richmond would be transformed if our lives reflected — in big ways and small — the gospel truth that relationships grounded in love and trust can change the world! Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of all who call RVA their home.

Stay in Touch

To learn how you can get involved with the outreach partner of your choice, fill out the form below.

Fill out my online form.

Volunteer Training Sessions

We have two volunteer training sessions scheduled for late summer and fall! Even if you're not sure where or how you want to volunteer, we encourage you to attend the trainings and become better equipped to serve our partners. 

Trauma and Resilience Training

August 22, 7:00pm
One out of four children in the USA will experience trauma by the age of four, and trauma changes our biology, behavior, and even our genetics. A trauma-informed lens allows us to effectively help the children in our care to reach their full potential. The training is 90 minutes and is facilitated by Childsavers, a non-profit in Richmond that provides children's mental health services and child care resources. Dinner will be provided. 

Communities in Schools Training

September 6, 6:30pm
To serve as a volunteer at our primary partners Henry Marsh Elementary School and Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, volunteers must complete the Communities in Schools volunteer training. This training provides both the context and skills needed to support the children and teachers of these amazing schools. The training will happen at the church, with dinner provided. 

Register for one or both trainings below!

Register for Training

Tags: volunteer, outreach, serve, outreach partners, primary partners

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