Covenant Cafe
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About Covenant CafeCovenant Cafe takes place on occasional Sundays throughout the year. It is an opportunity for our church to come together for reflection and dialogue over issues that affect our community and our world. We hope that Covenant Cafe enables people to share stories, ideas, and conversations that can lead to transformation both now and in the future.
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February 11: Supporting our Students, Teachers, and Local Schools
Join us in the next Covenant Cafe to learn more about ways to care for and support our local public schools, teachers, and students.
Bronwyn Harris is an author, speaker, and ex-OUSD teacher. Her book, Literally Unbelievable, Stories from an East Oakland Classroom tells the story of Bronwyn’s experience teaching in an Oakland public school and the challenges her students faced on a daily basis.
John Stangl is the principal at Laurel Elementary School. He will talk about the challenges that he faces as an educator.
Bronwyn Harris is an author, speaker, and ex-OUSD teacher. Her book, Literally Unbelievable, Stories from an East Oakland Classroom tells the story of Bronwyn’s experience teaching in an Oakland public school and the challenges her students faced on a daily basis.
John Stangl is the principal at Laurel Elementary School. He will talk about the challenges that he faces as an educator.
How you can help:
1. Support a school and the teachers at one of the school and non-profit sites
Volunteers will be helping the staff with classroom organization, book leveling, general maintenance, gardening, IKEA bookshelf assembling, setting up sun sails for shade, and cleaning projects. Coordinated by Project Peace of the East Bay.
- Learn more about Day of Service here.
2. Tutor a struggling student in reading
1 on 1 time with struggling students 2 hours a week will help a child reach their potential.
- During school, at various school sites: https://www.faith-network.com/volunteer-sign-up/
- After school (3-5pm), at Harbor House Ministries: sharonj@hhministries.org
3. Tutor a struggling student in math
Just 1 or 2 hours per week, during school, can help a struggling student learn critical math concepts. This Faith Network program makes it simple for you to help a child develop their basic skills through interactive activities and homework assistance.
- During school, at various school sites: https://www.faith-network.com/volunteer-sign-up/
4. Mentor a high school student
Just 1 hour per week in spring and summer can help a young adult prepare for their crucial final years of high school. Be a positive role model for youth by listening to them, helping them make positive choices, and providing them with a glimpse at what a great career looks like. We provide the training. You provide the wisdom.
- CareerBridge Mentoring Program: https://www.faith-network.com/volunteer-sign-up/
- Be paired with one of Harbor House high school interns as a mentor in their holistic development. sharonj@hhministries.org
5. Help out in an after-school program
Inspire and equip students with new skills by leading a weekly 45-minute club for 5-15 students in a subject of your choice – cooking, science, basketball, writing, and more.
- Contact sharonj@hhministries.org
6. Save Laurel's Critical Programs via Donation
The budget crisis at Oakland Unified School District is forcing Laurel to cut $64,000 from this year's school budget -- roughly $121 per student. Click here to view ways you can help.
1. Support a school and the teachers at one of the school and non-profit sites
Volunteers will be helping the staff with classroom organization, book leveling, general maintenance, gardening, IKEA bookshelf assembling, setting up sun sails for shade, and cleaning projects. Coordinated by Project Peace of the East Bay.
- Learn more about Day of Service here.
2. Tutor a struggling student in reading
1 on 1 time with struggling students 2 hours a week will help a child reach their potential.
- During school, at various school sites: https://www.faith-network.com/volunteer-sign-up/
- After school (3-5pm), at Harbor House Ministries: sharonj@hhministries.org
3. Tutor a struggling student in math
Just 1 or 2 hours per week, during school, can help a struggling student learn critical math concepts. This Faith Network program makes it simple for you to help a child develop their basic skills through interactive activities and homework assistance.
- During school, at various school sites: https://www.faith-network.com/volunteer-sign-up/
4. Mentor a high school student
Just 1 hour per week in spring and summer can help a young adult prepare for their crucial final years of high school. Be a positive role model for youth by listening to them, helping them make positive choices, and providing them with a glimpse at what a great career looks like. We provide the training. You provide the wisdom.
- CareerBridge Mentoring Program: https://www.faith-network.com/volunteer-sign-up/
- Be paired with one of Harbor House high school interns as a mentor in their holistic development. sharonj@hhministries.org
5. Help out in an after-school program
Inspire and equip students with new skills by leading a weekly 45-minute club for 5-15 students in a subject of your choice – cooking, science, basketball, writing, and more.
- Contact sharonj@hhministries.org
6. Save Laurel's Critical Programs via Donation
The budget crisis at Oakland Unified School District is forcing Laurel to cut $64,000 from this year's school budget -- roughly $121 per student. Click here to view ways you can help.
Earlier in 2018
January 14: Restorative Justice
Over 100 people gathered for dialogue on Restorative Justice. Dominique Gilliard, Director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Evangelical Covenant Church, was our guest speaker and gave a presentation about his recently published book, Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice that Restores.
2017 Covenant Cafe Topics
August 27: Our Stories of Immigration
We want to raise the awareness of the challenges and opportunities that immigrants face in our country. Come hear and respond to the voices of some in our church who are 1st generation immigrants and discuss ways we can be more inclusive of our immigrant neighbors in our community.
Resources:
Daniel Carrol, Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church, and the Bible (Baker Academic, 2008)
Philip Jenkins, The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity (Oxford University Press, 2011)
Charles Taylor, Multiculturalism: Examining the Politics of Recognition (Princeton University Press, 1994)
May 21: A Christian Response to Mass Incarceration
Our Covenant Denominational leaders have encouraged our churches to listen and respond to the situation of our growing prison population and its connection to racial disparity in America. Come listen to some insights that we have found helpful on this topic and engage in dialogue with others from FCC for understanding, prayer, and considering how all Christians can faithfully keep following Jesus in his love for those in prison.
Click here to access more Covenant and Community Resources on this topic: