From the beginning of the Micah Ministry, we approached our Woodville partners with the questions, “How can we help you? What are your greatest needs?” and proceeded from there, rather than setting our own agenda. We have humbly sought to follow our partner’s lead, providing volunteers first, resources second—and then only when funding supports volunteer efforts.
Prayer has been the cornerstone of the Micah Ministry at St. Paul’s. Our name comes from Micah 6:8,
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God?”
We have tried to follow these directives, asking ourselves, “How is God changing Woodville? How is God changing St. Paul’s?” We have sought to involve the parish in creative and varied ways of contributing time, resources and spiritual support to Woodville. Our annual “I Have a Dream” service—where school and church communities come together as one to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and our remarkable relationship—is a touchstone for all. We continue to ask, “What are we learning about God and ourselves through Micah?” Prayer and spiritual discernment crucial to our Ministry set us apart from other social service efforts.
Here is our story.
Chapter 1: Our Beginnings (1998-1999)
Chapter 2: How Can I Help You? (Sept 1999 - Aug 2000)
Chapter 3: Building Relationships (Sept 2000 - Aug 2001)
Chapter 4: From 5% to 100% (Sept 2001 - Aug 2002)
Chapter 5: A Turning Point (Sept 2002 - Aug 2003)
Chapter 6: A Model Emerges, Citywide Movement Expands (Sept 2003 - Aug 2004)
Chapter 7: Summer Camps Expand (Sept 2004 - Aug 2005)
Chapter 8: Remaining Grounded in Relationships as Ministry Grows (Sept 2005 - Aug 2006)
Chapter 9: Questions and Challenges (Sept 2006 - Aug 2007)
Chapter 10: Sustained Commitment to Enrichment and Cultural Events (Sept 2007 - Aug 2008)
Chapter 11: Partnership Going Strong, New Rector Dives In (Sept 2008 - Aug 2009)
The following updates will be posted at a later date as they are completed.
A Look Back: The Micah Story in Photos
Who's Who in the Micah History
Report written by Liz Whitehurst, Micah Volunteer (July 2010)
Published: September 2011