In 2018, EHF hosted the first In Common gathering. We welcomed more than 100 participants from congregations across the diocese to Houston to learn and join in fellowship. In 2019, EHF regionalized the In Common gatherings and more than 180 participants attended to build community ministry skills.
Our goal was to provide congregational leaders the opportunity to gain skills and learn more about the resources and support EHF can offer congregations. We have had a great response with these gatherings, and we’ve seen many of the participants take what they learned and move their involvement in their community to a new level.
This year, In Common will be organized into two regional convening events hosted in Austin and Houston. Each event will include a keynote speaker on Friday evening and a full-day of topic-specific workshops on Saturday. Speakers and topics will vary for each convening, so you may choose to attend the event closest to you or the one offering the topics of most interest.
Highlights include speakers Dain and Constance Perry of Traces of the Trade, Jeremy Everett of The Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, as well as many committed and engaging workshop leaders.
In Common is not a conference. It’s an opportunity to dream big and create a vision with like-minded individuals and congregations with an interest in building healthier communities.
Participants at the gatherings will have the chance to share their stories, be inspired by others, and gain new skills. Through keynote speakers and community partner organizations, attendees will learn about new resources and approaches to help better understand their communities, identify their communities’ needs and assets, and take action for positive transformation.
To get the most out of this conference, we encourage you to bring a team from your congregation and explore multiple tracks. If you are unsure about who should come or what is the best fit for your congregation, contact us!
Click here to read more about last year’s In Common gathering!
Regional In Common Dates
Each regional event will feature a keynote speaker on Friday evening, followed by a full-day of workshops on Saturday. Registration options includes one-day and two-day attendance.
February 28-29 | Austin
Host: St. David’s Episcopal Church, Austin
Keynote: Dain and Constance Perry, Traces of the Trade documentary film and dialogue on racial reconciliation
Workshops:
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- Racial Reconciliation
- Mental Health
- Faithful Citizenship
March 27-28 | Houston
Host: St. James Episcopal Church, Houston
Keynote: Jeremy Everett, Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty
Panel Discussion Saturday morning: Intercultural Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas
Workshops:
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- Language Justice
- Community Facilitation
- Food Security
Meals will be provided for all attendees. Childcare and Spanish interpretation are also available. In addition, hotel accommodations will be provided for those who need financial assistance, upon request. Please be sure to make these requests when you register for your preferred regional event.
All workshop descriptions and more information can be found on the
Join our EHF Churches Facebook Group to get updates on the upcoming In Common events and connect with other participants.
If you have questions regarding any of the regional events, please email Melodee Toles or call 832-658-2662.
