Faith-based partnerships with Philadelphia School District

The Philadelphia School District Office of Family, Community & Faith Initiatives invites all Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware County United Methodist Churches to become partners with local public schools by attending The Faith Based and Schools Training on Saturday, September 25, 2010.  The training will take place from 10am to 12pm in the 2^ndFloor Auditorium at 440 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Parking is available.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.

This is a unique opportunity for our local churches to be engaged in a formal partnering relationship with their local Philadelphia public schools.  Once completing this two-hour orientation, local churches will become certified faith-based partners with the School District.  Some advantages to such a partnership are as follows:

• The Office of Family, Community & Faith Initiatives will facilitate a meeting between your church leadership and the principal of your local school.  Even if you have a solid relationship with your local public school, this will enhance it, particularly if there is a staff change at our local school
• You may host at your church Parents University, a free education series for parents provided by the School District
• Your church will learn first-hand from the local school what needs the children and families in their school might have that the church can help to address
• Your church will gain access to children and families you may not have otherwise had access to
• Your church and the families you serve will have access to School District resources such as their Welcoming Center for immigrant children and families.

Although this partnership does not permit proselytizing, when we demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ, we open the door to making future disciples of Jesus Christ.  Please come out and take advantage of the School District’s recognition of the value of serving our children and families in partnership with the faith community.  Please RSVP September 22, 2010 to Mr. Steve Robinson at srobinson@philasd.orgor call 215-400-6626.  If you have any additional questions, you may also feel free to contact Rev. Yvette Davis at 215-200-4213 or ydavis@epaumc.org.