Council of Christian Communions

Council of Christian Communions

Of Greater Cincinnati

Fact Sheet

“Creating opportunities for ministry among the people and institutions of Greater Cincinnati”

Mission

“The Council  of Christian Communions is called to be the visible expression of Christian unity, an effective witness to the Gospel, partners in Christ’s service, and builders of bridges, working with churches and other denominational bodies and others to serve the community through organized ecumenical  programs in education and justice, ministering to youth and families.”

History

· Incorporated in 1914 to unite Christians of Greater Cincinnati together in ministry.

· Educational—Weekday Released Time Christian education program started in 1924 through Cincinnati Public Schools

· “Church by the Side of the Road” radio ministry in 1935

· “Church Today” television program in 1980

· Jail ministry began in the early 1980’s and transitioned to a regional ministry in 2007

· Man-to-Man/Woman-to-Woman (M-M/W-W)  started matching prisoners with volunteers in 1971 and joined the Council in 2003 with its prison Bus Ministry—”Linking Families Together”

Community Position

· The only formal “hands on” ecumenical Christian organization in Cincinnati

· Addresses community issues from a Christian perspective

· Provides opportunities for ministry – is not a political influence organization

· Focuses only on the needs of Greater Cincinnati – no national affiliation

· Primary faith-based organization working within the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center, Cincinnati Public Schools Community Learning Centers, YMCACincyAfterSchool and Cincinnati Youth   Collaborative

Focus On Youth Ministries

Education—

· Partnering for Youth: Call to Action – Council partners with YMCA CincyAfterSchool; Cincinnati Public Schools, Community Learning Centers; Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC) and Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center to provide opportunities for volunteers from 29 area churches to form teams that mentor, tutor and interact with youth at the partner sites.

· Serves as a catalyst to connect the faith community to show God’s love to youth in a relevant and    meaningful way, resulting in improved outcomes for the youth.

· Anger management/conflict resolution and life skills training –11 classes held at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center – Volunteers provided over 5,408 hours to over 1,000 youth in 20010