The Micah Initiative
The Micah Initiative is a special fund to be used as seed money for Justice and Mission work initiated by members of our congregation, especially work involving two or more members working in community with each other.
The anonymous donors of this fund did not say where or how the money should be used but that they’d be “particularly pleased to see the money used as seed money for Justice and Mission work initiated by members of our congregation, especially work involving two or more members working in community with each other.”
The Spirit has always been alive and at work here, triggering ideas and inspiring action:
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In the Fall of 1970, the Spirit called us to do something about housing in Cleveland Heights and the Home Repair Resource Center was born.
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In 2009, the Spirit called us to do something about hunger in Cleveland Heights and Abundance Acres was born.
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In 2011 the Spirit called us to do something about racial reconciliation and Courageous Conversations on Race were born.
Following the inspiration of these and other projects, the Micah Initiative seeks to empower small groups to listen to the Spirit’s calling and do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)
How does this work?
Members and friends who need funds to fuel a dream may apply through the Micah Initiative. You can either identify a group, then choose a project – or choose a project, then identify a group.
A group can be as few as two people, as many as 10 or 12 – friends, couples, families, social groups, ministries, Pathways classes, the youth group, or anyone who’s interested.
You can apply for as small or big a grant as needed, provided your proposal shows the following:
- A small group (2 or more people) working together in community.
- The project idea (and funding) must benefit people outside of the church, particularly those experiencing poverty, violence, injustice, or any kind of pain.
- How you will be “doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.” Include a plan to support the projects and small groups spiritually – will you pray together, study scripture, read a spiritual book, reflect together on how this is challenging your faith? This is a final essential part of the process, as we seek to ground ourselves to walk humbly with God.
You don’t need a big, brand new idea – small, simple actions working together have always brought glimpses of the Kingdom. On the other hand, if you do have a big idea, now might be the time to give it a try. So dream big, dream small, but dream – and let the words of Micah and the example of Jesus lead us ever further into justice and joy, love and compassion as we help create the kingdom in this time and place.
If you have an idea, but feel overwhelmed or confused by the process, come talk to us. We want to support and empower these ideas and have resources to share and connections to make.
Micah Initiative Funding Application
Applications should include the following and may then be placed in the offering plate at church, or given to any member of the Ministry.
- Briefly describe your project and funding request.
- Identify the small group that will be planning and carrying out the project.
- Describe how your project will live out the words of Micah 6:8 to “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
- How does your project benefit people outside of Forest Hill Church? Is there particular attention given to people experiencing poverty, injustice, violence, or pain? If so, how?
- How will you support this project with spiritual practices (i.e., prayer, scripture reading, journaling, etc.)?
- If you anticipate your project will be long term, how will you continue to obtain funds for it beyond the first Micah Initiative grant?
If you need help with the application, please see any member of the Justice & Mission Ministry.
A flyer describing the details of the Initiative can be read here.
