ImagineHub provides a learning network, training programs and support solutions for churches that desire to reimagine and deploy their space and resources as a means for improving economic empowerment in their community. The annual ImagineHub Summit is June 1 and begins at 2:00 pm ET at High Point University and features author David Kresta’s keynote – “Good News through Community Economic Development”. ImagineHub sites will share stories of missional experiment learning and we’ll present the “Let Your Ideas Shine” pitch opportunity awards. Participants will engage in an open space technology experiment and enjoy time for fellowship until 5:00 pm. The theme is "Let Your Ideas Shine" and we invite ImagineHub site teams, prospective site teams, partners, clergy, creatives and other faith-driven innovators and entrepreneurs to join us. The ImagineHub Summit program is below and welcomes both in-person and virtual participants - you can register and find more information here. 

The pilot Racial Healing and Reconciliation Learning Cohort recently wrapped up with a feature article in the Western NC Conference E-News. The design and facilitation team included Rev. Brian Tillman, Rev. Dr. Vincent Howell, Cindy Thompson, Rev. Dr. Tori Butler and Bert Giles. With generous support from the Reynolds Ministry Fund of the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina, the Racial Healing and Reconciliation Learning Cohort will be offered again in Fall 2022. Interested churches are invited to complete an Interest Form providing basic information and describing their local church’s efforts in racial equity and justice.

Boundless Impact is excited to get back on the road as we hosted the first in-person TRUTH Cafe workshop on racial equity since before Covid-19. The Rutherford TRUTH Cafe was hosted by First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton, NC on Saturday, February 26. Twenty members of FUMC-Rutherfordton attended, led by Rev. Dr. In-Yong Lee, and were joined by twenty faith and community leaders of color from Rutherford County. It was a day of vulnerable story sharing and crucial conversations leading to shared action steps for the community going forward.

ImagineHub recently launched the fifth cohort of church and community sites in our learning network of missional innovation centers. The Winter 2022 cohort includes a team from Bryson City United Methodist Church and a team from HIGHTS, representing Sylva UMC, Murphy First UMC and First UMC - Waynesville - all in western North Carolina. We are also excited to have two new Guide Team members join ImagineHub - Rev. Eric Reece from Robbinsville UMC and Rev. Erin Burleson from the WNCC. Welcome to all of the new folks joining the ImagineHub network!

In reflecting on the gifts of 2021 , I am amazed by the many ways that the Boundless Impact community and partners found to "Let Our Light Shine" this year:

• The ImagineHub learning network of missional innovation centers has grown to 17 faith community sites in North Carolina and Florida. Led by strong clergy, laity and community leaders, sites are connecting to new neighbors, identifying their gifts and needs, forging partnerships and supporting emerging cultural entrepreneurs in their community.
• The ImagineHub Guide Team has grown to 7 diverse leaders offering professional facilitation, coaching and support to our faith community sites. These folks are the batteries that help light up the dreams of our site teams.
• New partnerships with NC IDEA and the Dogwood Health Trust are expanding the ImagineHub footprint and building capacity of our site teams.
• Ten church teams are participating in a 6-month Racial Healing and Reconciliation Learning Cohort to equip members to embark on intentional racial healing and reconciliation initiatives in their community. Teams also have the opportunity to learn from each other, journey together, and develop a best practice guide for other churches embarking on similar efforts.
• Over 150 people attended the Racial Healing and Reconciliation virtual workshop to learn a 6-Step process for racial reconciliation in communities.
• Rev. Lynda Ferguson was awarded the 2021 "Ray of Light Award" by going above and beyond to break down boundaries by building bridges among people. Lynda lives out our vision for vibrant and thriving communities that are intentionally diverse, inclusive and equitable.
• Eight ImagineHub sites participated in the first "Let Your Idea Shine" missional innovation pitch opportunity which awarded $3,250 in micro grants.
• We formed a Steering Committee for our newest initiative, the Abraham Institute, to spark a cultural entrepreneur movement in North Carolina. Our Steering Committee completed a strategic framework to begin implementation in 2022.
• Boundless Impact recognized 4 excellent out-going board members with a combined 25 years of service to our organization, and welcomed 3 new board members.
• Over 30 exemplary diverse leaders volunteer their time to serve on the Boundless Impact board, ImagineHub Board of Advisors and Guide Team, Racial Healing and Reconciliation Learning Cohort Guide Team and Abraham Institute Steering Committee. Without these leaders, it would be impossible for our lights to shine!

Thank you for the gifts of 2021 that "Let Our Lights Shine", and we look forward to an exciting 2022 and celebrating Boundless Impact's 10th Anniversary!

Happy New Year!