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Hello, I'm Rev. Jessica Vacketta, and welcome to Java with JV, a podcast of University Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas. One of the things I love most about my job is grabbing a cup of coffee, sitting down with a community partner, and learning more about them and the amazing work they are doing in our city, and beyond. Unfortunately, I haven't had many coffee dates lately because of the pandemic, but I have shared many conversations over Zoom, and have witnessed first-hand, the incredible ways people are caring for the most vulnerable in our community. Their work is ongoing and inspiring, and we want you to be part of it. So grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the conversation.
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 13, 2021
Tuesday Apr 13, 2021
On this episode of Java with JV, I’m excited to welcome Principal Nakita Brewer from Rosemont Elementary School here in Fort worth. UCC began a community partnership with Rosemont Elementary through a school mentoring program, Kid’s Hope USA. Rosemont is such an incredible community and we have been so blessed by the students and staff, and especially Principal Brewer, whose positive energy is contagious. I know you will leave today’s episode feeling inspired, so grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the conversation.
SHOW NOTES:
Follow us on Instagram @uccpodcasts!
Thursday Mar 18, 2021
Thursday Mar 18, 2021
On this episode of Java with JV I’m excited to welcome Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum. Andy is the Regional Minister of the Southwest Region of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ - the Region where UCC is a member. In today’s episode, we’ll learn how UCC partners with the region, more about its many ministries, and the role of the regional church. If you’ve ever been curious about the denominational structure of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and our role with it, then this episode is for you. So, grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the conversation.
SHOW NOTES:
For more on this podcast and other UCC podcasts, follow us on Instagram @uccpodcasts!
Christian Church in the Southwest: https://www.ccsw.org/
Week of Compassion: www.weekofcompassion.org
Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries: https://swgsm.org/
Inman Center: http://inmancenter.org/
Juliette Fowler Communities: https://fowlercommunities.org/
Carrie Newcomer, “Holy As the Day Is Spent”
Thursday Mar 04, 2021
Thursday Mar 04, 2021
Our guest on this episode of Java with JV is Rev. Caroline Hamilton-Arnold, Associate Director for Domestic Disaster Response for Week of Compassion. Week of Compassion is the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In today’s episode, we’ll not only learn more about how Week of Compassion walks alongside communities when disaster hits, but we’ll also discuss the next steps for those recovering from the winter storm that recently hit Texas.
So grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the conversation.
SHOW NOTES:
Week of Compassion
IN FEMA UNDECLARED COUNTIES—folks can register their damage with TDEM; this data will help the state allocate resources and potentially get more counties added to the declaration.
Those with limited internet access can call 844-844-3089 between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM seven days a week to submit their disaster damage information.
Java With JV is edited and produced by Alex Westbrook, Director of Communications at University Christian Church Fort Worth.
Tuesday Feb 16, 2021
Tuesday Feb 16, 2021
Today we are bringing you a special episode, with Michael Handley, the Director of Communications at the Presbyterian Night Shelter. With the extremely cold weather conditions, we wanted to reach back out to our partners at the Night Shelter to learn how best to support their efforts and care for our neighbors without shelter in these dangerous conditions. So grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the conversation.
SHOW NOTES:
Presbyterian Night Shelter
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PresbyterianNightShelter
Call: 817-632-7400
Tarrant County Homeless Coalition:
Text FWCOLD to 51555 for Fort Worth cold weather updates and ARLCARES to 51555 for Arlington updates. Please encourage anyone you see outside to seek shelter this winter!
More information on cold weather shelter at https://ahomewithhope.org/help/
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetchc
Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
On today’s episode, we’re talking with another longtime member of our faith community, Dr. Kary Johnson. Kary is the founder and president of Literacy United, whose mission is to “reach economically disadvantaged children who struggle in reading, one child at a time.” Their reading programs are designed to meet the specific needs of individual children and their reading specialists have advanced degrees, trainings, and experience in helping learners who struggle.
Increasing the literacy rate in our city is one of our Board identified goals as a church. I am very excited to have Dr. Johnson on today’s episode so we can learn about Literacy United and how we, as a church, can continue to partner with them in their work. So, grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the conversation.
SHOW NOTES:
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast and share it with your friends.
Literacy United
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
On today’s episode we’ll be talking with Sharon Herrera, the Founder and Executive Director of LGBTQ Saves. LGBTQ Saves provides a safe and brave space for social and personal development for LGTBQ youth and allies. They “see love for what it is not who it is,” and their mission is to create a community where all youth are safe.
I can’t wait for you to hear from Sharon and learn more about LGBTQ Saves. She is the type of person who brightens every room she enters, so grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the conversation.
SHOW NOTES:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255
LGBTQ Saves Website:
LGBTQ Saves on
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVMqQ7G-iYp2dLAixFPJLIw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lgbtqsaves/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lgbtqsaves
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lgbtq_saves
Wednesday Dec 30, 2020
Wednesday Dec 30, 2020
On today’s episode, we’re talking with of one of our own, Lauren King. Lauren was recently named the Executive Director of the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition, and she is passionate about helping our community reimagine what a place to call home can look like. Under her leadership, TCHC partners with over 40 organizations in Tarrant and Parker counties to coordinate our community response to homelessness. Lauren cares deeply for the people of our community, and her compassion is inspiring.
So grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the conversation.
SHOW NOTES:
Thursday Dec 17, 2020
Thursday Dec 17, 2020
On today’s episode, we’re talking with Kathryn Jacob, President and CEO of SafeHaven of Tarrant County. SafeHaven’s Mission is to end domestic violence through safety, support, prevention and social change.
They are the largest and most comprehensive agency in Tarrant County providing services, at no cost, to domestic violence victims.
Kathryn has dedicated most of her life to ending intimate partner violence. Her passion and energy are contagious, and I’m so excited for you to meet her and learn more about the life-saving work of SafeHaven.
SHOW NOTES:
SafeHaven of Tarrant County
Emergency Hotline: 1-877-701-7233
UCC Christmas Eve Offering Benefitting SafeHaven
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
On today’s episode, we’re talking with of our own, Kristie Gibson. Kristie has served in a variety of leadership roles here at the church, and her passion for caring for others extends to her professional career. She currently serves as the Major Gifts Director at ACH Child and Family Services - who have been protecting children and preserving families since 1914. Their services are designed to prevent child abuse, neglect, and family separation, and help heal and treat children already affected by these tragedies. Kristi is one of the most thoughtful and compassionate people I know, and I’m excited for you to get to know her and learn more about ACH Child and Family Services.
So grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the conversation.
SHOW NOTES:
ACH Child and Family Services: https://achservices.org/
Real Help, Real Life: https://achservices.org/real-help-for-real-life/
Gifts of Hope: https://www.universitychristian.org/gifts-of-hope/
Thursday Dec 03, 2020
Thursday Dec 03, 2020
On today’s episode, we’re talking with Judi Glover, who serves as the Director of Volunteer Engagement at the Presbyterian Night Shelter - where they have been working on eliminating the cycle of homelessness in Tarrant County since 1984. They focus their efforts on two equally important things: giving people immediate shelter and helping them find a place to call home. Like most organizations they have had to adapt and adjust and adapt again throughout this pandemic to both care for guests and keep guests and staff safe - and they have done so beautifully.
I’m so excited for you to hear from Judi,
So grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the conversation.
SHOW NOTES:
Presbyterian Night Shelter: https://www.journeyhome.org/
True Worth Place: https://trueworthplace.org/
UPSPIRE: https://upspire.org/
GIFTS OF HOPE: https://www.universitychristian.org/gifts-of-hope/