Five Year Anniversary for Novo Ministries Proves it's Here to Stay
Novo Ministries Celebrates Five Years of Change
Oklahoma City – Novo Ministries is celebrating its five year anniversary of incorporation and charitable service to underserved, underesourced communities in Oklahoma City. Since its incorporation, Novo Ministries has reached out to hundreds of Oklahoma City’s children by connecting them with passionate, committed mentors, churches, and organizations.
“Novo” – a Latin word for change – has been the driving force of Novo Ministries for the past five years. Novo Ministries’ founder, Valerie Sherrer, has seen this change first-hand, not only within the organization, but also within the communities that Novo serves. Several of Novo’s current volunteers were once program participants, proving that the impact Novo Ministries and its volunteers has is lasting.
Currently, over 1500 children are being reached through Novo programming by more than 150 volunteers. Novo plans to continue working within its 17 current program sites and will continue expanding its impact to other locations in the greater Oklahoma City area.
Novo Ministries provides curriculum, consultation, program facilitation, and training to its partnering volunteers, churches, and organizations at no charge to them. Novo seeks to be a resource to its various partners as they reach out to their surrounding communities.
Five years later, the organization has evolved, but its mission remains the same – bringing positive change and making a positive, lasting impact on Oklahoma City’s underserved, underresourced communities.
Direct questions to 405-209-9765 or email vsherrer@novoministries.org
Novo Ministries is a non-profit organization that serves primarily inner-city, at-risk portions of Oklahoma City and its surrounding communities. Novo Ministries exists to reach, train, and mentor inner-city, underserved children and youth through important life- changing relationships. Our website can be found at www.novoministries.org
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
What's Your Story?
Stories resonate with people. We love a good story – about 3 little pigs, fairy-tale endings, Shakespearian tragedies, and ridiculous twenty-two minute sitcoms. I think stories resonate with people because, after all, we each have a story to tell. Stories are what string together the moments of our lives – the mundane, the exciting, the everyday moments that make up who we are. Some stories are nothing much (or at least we think so) and some stories are life-changing.
At Novo Ministries, we believe the greatest story of all is the story of God’s love for His creation – a love that stretches beyond heaven’s boundaries and meets us right where we are. And if you have been involved with Novo Ministries as a small group teacher, handing out snacks, attending a Novo training session, or have even just perused our website, you know this is the essence of Novo’s story. But within this greater narrative are the little stories that make up who we are. Our story wouldn’t exist without the chapters that you contribute. You are writing this story.
So if you’ve got a story about your experience with Novo, why don’t you share it with us? Maybe you’ve had the privilege of watching a child change from the inside out, believing on Jesus. Or maybe you’ve had a crazy Club experience. Maybe something happened at a training that totally changed your perspective. Or maybe you just ate one too many snacks one day at Bible Club . . .
If you have a story you want to share, we want to hear it! You are the authors of Novo’s story, so don’t be shy – email, post, or call us with your favorite Novo story! We’ll be posting some of them online and publishing them in other places as we share Novo’s story with others. Check out the details below:
3 Categories of Stories . . .
1) Humorous – tell us about the funniest memory you have.
2) Memorable – tell us about a time that you will never forget.
3) Quotable – tell us about something special that you heard someone say.
There will be a prize given for each category listed above.
Note: To protect the privacy and for the safety of the children with whom we work, please change the names of the children in any of the stories that you make public.
You’ve always got a story to tell, but this contest won’t last forever, so get writing!
Questions? Contact Valerie! (Email to: vsherrer@novoministries.org , or call at 405.209.9765)
At Novo Ministries, we believe the greatest story of all is the story of God’s love for His creation – a love that stretches beyond heaven’s boundaries and meets us right where we are. And if you have been involved with Novo Ministries as a small group teacher, handing out snacks, attending a Novo training session, or have even just perused our website, you know this is the essence of Novo’s story. But within this greater narrative are the little stories that make up who we are. Our story wouldn’t exist without the chapters that you contribute. You are writing this story.
So if you’ve got a story about your experience with Novo, why don’t you share it with us? Maybe you’ve had the privilege of watching a child change from the inside out, believing on Jesus. Or maybe you’ve had a crazy Club experience. Maybe something happened at a training that totally changed your perspective. Or maybe you just ate one too many snacks one day at Bible Club . . .
If you have a story you want to share, we want to hear it! You are the authors of Novo’s story, so don’t be shy – email, post, or call us with your favorite Novo story! We’ll be posting some of them online and publishing them in other places as we share Novo’s story with others. Check out the details below:
3 Categories of Stories . . .
1) Humorous – tell us about the funniest memory you have.
2) Memorable – tell us about a time that you will never forget.
3) Quotable – tell us about something special that you heard someone say.
There will be a prize given for each category listed above.
Note: To protect the privacy and for the safety of the children with whom we work, please change the names of the children in any of the stories that you make public.
You’ve always got a story to tell, but this contest won’t last forever, so get writing!
Questions? Contact Valerie! (Email to: vsherrer@novoministries.org , or call at 405.209.9765)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
What are you a fan of?
Are you a fan of fall? As the school year gets into full swing, fall feelings are in the air – football season will kickoff, summer vacations will be only memories, and the leaves will begin to change from their summer green to autumn’s red, orange, and golden hues.
And that’s what fall’s really all about – change: the change from one season to the next. Not quite hot, not quite cold. Change is so much bigger than just a season, though. For many facets of our lives, change is happening all the time, from clothes to jobs to the inside changes that we don’t see but are very real.
Novo Ministries is all about this inside-out change. While there are many areas where we could focus our energy and try to affect positive change in Oklahoma City, we believe that the catalyst for sparking transformation in our city begins by sharing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ with the children of our inner city. Often, they are the inheritors of life circumstances most of us couldn’t imagine and, in turn, pass this legacy on to their children. And while negative family patterns can take generations to reverse, the revolutionizing message of the Gospel – the greatest life-change of all – takes only a moment of clarity, when the overwhelming grace of God speaks to the heart of a child who is ready to listen and ready to believe. At Novo Ministries, we believe that, as Christ-followers, it’s our responsibility – our privilege – to share this message that has totally turned our lives around with these children. God’s grace is big enough to reach beyond the stained glass of a church, beyond human circumstances, beyond our limitations – God’s grace has been big enough for me. It’s big enough for them, too.
Yes, I guess you could say that at Novo Ministries, we’re fans of change. If you are involved with Novo Ministries as a volunteer, a financial supporter, have attended a training, pray for us, or have even just taken the time to read this blog, I suspect you’re a fan of change too. So if you’re a fan of the life-change that has taken place, the transformation that’s occurring right now, and potential for future heart revolution, why not show it? Become a fan of Novo Ministries on Facebook and let the world (or at least your friends list) know that you’re a fan of change!
Why you should fan us . . .
1) Did you read the above blog?!
2) We have a fun name.
3) Next week we’ll be giving away prizes to some of our Facebook fans!
Do you have questions or are you interested in learning more about Novo? Contact us at: vsherrer@novoministries.org
And that’s what fall’s really all about – change: the change from one season to the next. Not quite hot, not quite cold. Change is so much bigger than just a season, though. For many facets of our lives, change is happening all the time, from clothes to jobs to the inside changes that we don’t see but are very real.
Novo Ministries is all about this inside-out change. While there are many areas where we could focus our energy and try to affect positive change in Oklahoma City, we believe that the catalyst for sparking transformation in our city begins by sharing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ with the children of our inner city. Often, they are the inheritors of life circumstances most of us couldn’t imagine and, in turn, pass this legacy on to their children. And while negative family patterns can take generations to reverse, the revolutionizing message of the Gospel – the greatest life-change of all – takes only a moment of clarity, when the overwhelming grace of God speaks to the heart of a child who is ready to listen and ready to believe. At Novo Ministries, we believe that, as Christ-followers, it’s our responsibility – our privilege – to share this message that has totally turned our lives around with these children. God’s grace is big enough to reach beyond the stained glass of a church, beyond human circumstances, beyond our limitations – God’s grace has been big enough for me. It’s big enough for them, too.
Yes, I guess you could say that at Novo Ministries, we’re fans of change. If you are involved with Novo Ministries as a volunteer, a financial supporter, have attended a training, pray for us, or have even just taken the time to read this blog, I suspect you’re a fan of change too. So if you’re a fan of the life-change that has taken place, the transformation that’s occurring right now, and potential for future heart revolution, why not show it? Become a fan of Novo Ministries on Facebook and let the world (or at least your friends list) know that you’re a fan of change!
Why you should fan us . . .
1) Did you read the above blog?!
2) We have a fun name.
3) Next week we’ll be giving away prizes to some of our Facebook fans!
Do you have questions or are you interested in learning more about Novo? Contact us at: vsherrer@novoministries.org
Monday, August 23, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
That Special Someone
That Special Someone (Hint: It’s not who you think.)
Some of the most important people in my life didn’t have to be there. They made a choice. They decided to spend several hours every week coaching the basketball team or preparing lesson plans for Sunday School or just taking me out for coffee and conversation. They didn’t have to, but they did. Maybe you’ve had people in your life like this too. People who genuinely care and who genuinely want to pour themselves into others. Maybe you’re one of these people. Or maybe you’re not – yet.
Organizations like Novo cannot exist without volunteers and as we begin our recruiting drive for the upcoming school year, we thought we’d take a closer look at this not-so-rare breed called the volunteer and ask some questions about volunteering. Contemplate these questions and see where you fit in.
What is “volunteering”?
Did you know that the word volunteering is 400 years old? It originated in the 1600s and while the spelling may have changed, the definition hasn’t. According to Merriam-Webster, a volunteer is “a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service; . . . one who renders a service or takes part in a transaction while having no legal concern or interest.” Even Wikipedia agrees: “Volunteering is the practice of people working on behalf of other or a particular cause without payment for their time and services.” For over 400 years, people have been giving of themselves because they want to – because they see a need and have responded to that need. And the needs of today – of 2010 – are great, but not insurmountable.
Why do people volunteer their time?
After conducting some face-to-face and online research, these are the answers we’ve come up with:
• Social Motivation:
- Volunteers appreciate the sense of community provided by team volunteering.
- They feel a social expectation to serve.
- There is a sense of affecting greater change through a group setting.
• Spiritual Reasons:
- God has commands or direction related to helping the widows, fatherless, or children.
- They have a sense of the eternal and want to make an eternal impact.
- They have a desire to share their faith or truths they believe are life-changing.
• Philanthropic Desire:
- Volunteers want to give to others.
- They can’t give financially, but can offer time.
- They sense a specific need and have a desire to meet that need.
• Requirement:
- Volunteers are sometimes court-ordered.
- They may be required to volunteer through school or work programs.
- Some parents require their children to volunteer.
• Physical Needs:
- Some volunteers have a desire to exercise.
- They want a creative outlet.
- They want to “get out of the house.”
• Possess a Particular Skill or Set of Skills:
- Some volunteers have special skills that someone else needs.
- They want to develop their skill set.
- They want to learn a new skill.
• Desire for Self-Improvement:
- Volunteers want to take the opportunity to receive training.
- The experience will look on a resume.
- They want a sense of personal accomplishment.
Maybe as you read this list, you found yourself falling into one or more of the above categories. What motivates you? Think about it.
Where do people volunteer?
Nearly 27 percent of America – 63.4 million adult Americans – volunteered this last year. More than one-third of all volunteers choose to give their time to churches and faith-based organizations.* People give their time to beautifying their communities, tutoring children, assisting at schools, helping at churches, providing food or shelter to the homeless, and a multitude of other causes.
What about you? Where do you volunteer? What passion motivates you to give of your time and abilities?
Volunteerism and Novo Ministries
Novo Ministries has recruited and equipped more than 115 volunteers this past school year. We are passionate about connecting caring, loving role models and mentors with inner-city boys and girls. We facilitated 17 program sites during the 2009-2010 school year and had more than 1500 children enrolled. Volunteers are more than just a help to this program – volunteers are the heart of this program, the driving force that makes impacting each of these 1500 children a reality. Without volunteers, we have a program. Novo exists, but we could not reach these boys and girls.
You might be surprised to find out, however, that as much as you are working to affect positive change in the lives of these boys and girls, that they are actually changing you. Take a moment and think about what current Novo volunteers say about our program:
“Not only will the kids you work with be changed, but the individual as well. And the life lessons you learn while here – you can use them anywhere.” – Brianna Gomez
“[Novo programs] show kids an alternative to the lifestyle they’re in. [They] provide opportunities for discipleship and relationship building.” – Elizabeth Axt
“Novo gives students the opportunity to interact with inner-city youth, where we wouldn’t have had [this opportunity] before.” – Vodi Ferrell
“My church is a very missions-minded church. With Novo’s ministry . . . we can reach students and impact the community near us, in addition to the passion we have for international missions. It is a wonderful complement to our missions focus.” – Misty Kitchell
“[Novo is unique because it] is not confined to a denomination or church. It is just a bunch of Christians who want to love and teach children.” – Caleb Martin
“I see these programs bringing hope to these children who are in hopeless situations. They are making a difference for eternity.” – Carolyn Shepherd
The needs are great, but not insurmountable. Life-change is happening, one child at a time – one volunteer, one passionate person at a time. Are you ready to be part of the adventure?
We are currently recruiting volunteers for the 2010-2011 school year. Whether you are called to teach, lead, or support – there is a role you can fill in our weekly programs.
Training will be offered periodically between now and early September. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator – Sarah Hunnicutt – at 405.664.3964 or shunnicutt@novoministries.org for updated dates and locations!
Want to check us out first? Come visit one of our upcoming Open House this summer!
July20th – NE OKC
Trinity Missionary Baptist Church
320 Northwest 79th Street
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
August 3rd – Moore
Nottingham Square Apartments
2444 North Nottingham Way
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
August 4th – NW OKC
Metropolitan Baptist Church
7201 West Britton Road
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
August 11th – SW OKC
Oak Grove Apartments
3301 Southwest 17th Street
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
R.S.V.P. to Sarah Hunnicutt – shunnicutt@novoministries.org
Some of the most important people in my life didn’t have to be there. They made a choice. They decided to spend several hours every week coaching the basketball team or preparing lesson plans for Sunday School or just taking me out for coffee and conversation. They didn’t have to, but they did. Maybe you’ve had people in your life like this too. People who genuinely care and who genuinely want to pour themselves into others. Maybe you’re one of these people. Or maybe you’re not – yet.
Organizations like Novo cannot exist without volunteers and as we begin our recruiting drive for the upcoming school year, we thought we’d take a closer look at this not-so-rare breed called the volunteer and ask some questions about volunteering. Contemplate these questions and see where you fit in.
What is “volunteering”?
Did you know that the word volunteering is 400 years old? It originated in the 1600s and while the spelling may have changed, the definition hasn’t. According to Merriam-Webster, a volunteer is “a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service; . . . one who renders a service or takes part in a transaction while having no legal concern or interest.” Even Wikipedia agrees: “Volunteering is the practice of people working on behalf of other or a particular cause without payment for their time and services.” For over 400 years, people have been giving of themselves because they want to – because they see a need and have responded to that need. And the needs of today – of 2010 – are great, but not insurmountable.
Why do people volunteer their time?
After conducting some face-to-face and online research, these are the answers we’ve come up with:
• Social Motivation:
- Volunteers appreciate the sense of community provided by team volunteering.
- They feel a social expectation to serve.
- There is a sense of affecting greater change through a group setting.
• Spiritual Reasons:
- God has commands or direction related to helping the widows, fatherless, or children.
- They have a sense of the eternal and want to make an eternal impact.
- They have a desire to share their faith or truths they believe are life-changing.
• Philanthropic Desire:
- Volunteers want to give to others.
- They can’t give financially, but can offer time.
- They sense a specific need and have a desire to meet that need.
• Requirement:
- Volunteers are sometimes court-ordered.
- They may be required to volunteer through school or work programs.
- Some parents require their children to volunteer.
• Physical Needs:
- Some volunteers have a desire to exercise.
- They want a creative outlet.
- They want to “get out of the house.”
• Possess a Particular Skill or Set of Skills:
- Some volunteers have special skills that someone else needs.
- They want to develop their skill set.
- They want to learn a new skill.
• Desire for Self-Improvement:
- Volunteers want to take the opportunity to receive training.
- The experience will look on a resume.
- They want a sense of personal accomplishment.
Maybe as you read this list, you found yourself falling into one or more of the above categories. What motivates you? Think about it.
Where do people volunteer?
Nearly 27 percent of America – 63.4 million adult Americans – volunteered this last year. More than one-third of all volunteers choose to give their time to churches and faith-based organizations.* People give their time to beautifying their communities, tutoring children, assisting at schools, helping at churches, providing food or shelter to the homeless, and a multitude of other causes.
What about you? Where do you volunteer? What passion motivates you to give of your time and abilities?
Volunteerism and Novo Ministries
Novo Ministries has recruited and equipped more than 115 volunteers this past school year. We are passionate about connecting caring, loving role models and mentors with inner-city boys and girls. We facilitated 17 program sites during the 2009-2010 school year and had more than 1500 children enrolled. Volunteers are more than just a help to this program – volunteers are the heart of this program, the driving force that makes impacting each of these 1500 children a reality. Without volunteers, we have a program. Novo exists, but we could not reach these boys and girls.
You might be surprised to find out, however, that as much as you are working to affect positive change in the lives of these boys and girls, that they are actually changing you. Take a moment and think about what current Novo volunteers say about our program:
“Not only will the kids you work with be changed, but the individual as well. And the life lessons you learn while here – you can use them anywhere.” – Brianna Gomez
“[Novo programs] show kids an alternative to the lifestyle they’re in. [They] provide opportunities for discipleship and relationship building.” – Elizabeth Axt
“Novo gives students the opportunity to interact with inner-city youth, where we wouldn’t have had [this opportunity] before.” – Vodi Ferrell
“My church is a very missions-minded church. With Novo’s ministry . . . we can reach students and impact the community near us, in addition to the passion we have for international missions. It is a wonderful complement to our missions focus.” – Misty Kitchell
“[Novo is unique because it] is not confined to a denomination or church. It is just a bunch of Christians who want to love and teach children.” – Caleb Martin
“I see these programs bringing hope to these children who are in hopeless situations. They are making a difference for eternity.” – Carolyn Shepherd
The needs are great, but not insurmountable. Life-change is happening, one child at a time – one volunteer, one passionate person at a time. Are you ready to be part of the adventure?
We are currently recruiting volunteers for the 2010-2011 school year. Whether you are called to teach, lead, or support – there is a role you can fill in our weekly programs.
Training will be offered periodically between now and early September. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator – Sarah Hunnicutt – at 405.664.3964 or shunnicutt@novoministries.org for updated dates and locations!
Want to check us out first? Come visit one of our upcoming Open House this summer!
July20th – NE OKC
Trinity Missionary Baptist Church
320 Northwest 79th Street
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
August 3rd – Moore
Nottingham Square Apartments
2444 North Nottingham Way
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
August 4th – NW OKC
Metropolitan Baptist Church
7201 West Britton Road
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
August 11th – SW OKC
Oak Grove Apartments
3301 Southwest 17th Street
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
R.S.V.P. to Sarah Hunnicutt – shunnicutt@novoministries.org
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