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General Assembly July 18-22, 2015 Columbus, Ohio |
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From the President
Indulge me for a moment. It was back in 1992 that I heard the story about an old farmer whose mule fell into the well. There were many unsuccessful attempts to get the mule out of the hole, so the farmer decided all that could be done was to make this the mule's final resting place. He instructed his farm hands to acquire several truckloads of dirt and bury the mule in the well. Shovel by shovel they began to fill the well and bury the mule.
The mule did not take too kindly to this action. The first shovel of dirt hit him square on the head, got into his eyes and mouth, and made him sneeze. Every subsequent shovel of dirt hit the mule on another part of his body, causing him to stomp around. Several truckloads of dirt later, the mule was still firmly stomping and packing the dirt firmly beneath his feet. Little by little the mule was lifting himself out of the well. By mid-afternoon the mule was free.
Have you ever felt as though you have fallen into a hole or well and cannot get out? Looking up toward the light, but the dark is all around you? You have tried everything, but nothing has helped you escape? Nothing but dirt hitting you on the head and body? Then I have a suggestion for you: stomp around enough until you use your problem to rise above it. Moses coasted on his problem down the Nile to the house of Pharaoh. Joseph came out of the pit to become a Prince. A fourth steadied the flames for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, leaving them unscathed. Even Jesus was about to be hurled off a cliff, "but he passed through the midst of them and went on his way"[Luke 4:29-30].
When it is all said and done we know that there is only so much stomping and lifting we can do. The rest we leave to God.
Mulishly yours,
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Disciples Women
DW @ General Assembly 2015
What do prayerful origami peace cranes and donated balls of plarn  (plastic yarn) have to do with General Assembly? Find out here.
We are also looking for a few volunteers to help with the plarn project on Monday. All ages and abilities are welcomed. The bags need to be sorted, plarn created, mats crocheted, and others taught to crochet. Also need Disciples Women's luncheon hostesses for Wednesday, July 22. Please let us know if you are available for either opportunity. Email us.
Women's Action Web (WAW)
The purpose of the Women's Action Web is to provide Disciples women with a hands-on leadership development event related to service and justice issues. There were five nationally organized WAW events in the early 2000s. The trend has turned to a regionally organized WAW experience. Please join the growing number of regions hosting a WAW event for the women in their area. This could be a new way to create an active fall gathering. Please visit the Women's Action Web pages for guidelines and examples of human trafficking and hunger focused WAWs. These guidelines can easily be adapted to fit your region's passion.
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Family & Children's Ministries
NEW Family & Children's Ministries Website
Our new website is LIVE! Take a look! We have special sections for families, churches, and leaders, as well as a new blog featuring Disciples Voices. We welcome your feedback and resource information as we continue to curate the best resources to offer you for encountering faith at all ages and stages. Let us know what you think!
Children Worship & Wonder Story Teller Trainings
July 10-11, 2015
Overland Park Christian Church ~ Overland Park, KS
Register now or contact Jessica Kramer with any questions.
Upcoming Interdenominational Events
Messy Church: An Inspiring Model of Ministry - Sponsored by the UCC Faith Formation Team and McFarland UCC November 8, 2015 in McFarland, WI
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Disciples Volunteering
Mission Opportunities at General Assembly
What does "SOAR!" mean to you? For the members of the General  Assembly Local Missions Committee, "SOAR!" is a call to Share Our Abundant Resources! Assembly participants are invited to give blood through the American Red Cross and knit or crochet scarves and other items for individuals living rough in Columbus - all without leaving the Convention Center. Or give a few hours of your time outside the Convention Center, by serving through the Mid-Ohio Habitat for Humanity Restore or pitching in to sort a semi-trailer full of produce which will be distributed to area food banks in partnership with the Society of St. Andrew. More information about these opportunities is available on Disciples Volunteering web site. Advanced registration is now available and strongly encouraged for the Food Drop and Habitat ReStore.
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African American Congregational Nurture
Black Leadership Projects Grant
The Black Leadership Projects Committee is currently accepting applications for 2015. Applications are due no later than May 31, 2015. There is no minimum request. All proposals for projects that develop, nurture, and strengthen church leadership in Disciples African American congregations will be considered. Go to our webpage for more information and application guidelines.
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Refugee & Immigration Ministries
Welcoming Refugees Through Ecumenical Partnership
Churches are now asked to consider helping with at least THREE of the following types of welcoming activities, according to the church's choice: setting up an apartment for a new refugee or family, providing  a contribution for rent, gathering furniture and household items, stocking the pantry with culturally appropriate groceries, meeting the refugee/s at the airport, providing a welcoming meal, accompanying the refugee/s to a medical appointment, teaching basic English or financial literacy education, assisting the refugees to prepare for a job, offering transportation assistance, and creatively "touring" the refugees throughout your neighborhood!
There are more refugees in the world now than SINCE World War II. Please email Sharon at our Refugee & Immigration Ministries office or call 202-957-7826 for more information about refugee engagement options in your area!
Disciples World Refugee Day Advocacy Toolkit 2015
In December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly established  that "World Refugee Day" would be celebrated each year on June 20th, and encouraged local communities to select time and ways near this date to honor the strengths and contributions of refugees in their areas. You're invited to do the same!! Contact our Refugee & Immigration Ministries office for ideas.
Especially, consider supporting refugees with the power of your advocacy voice. Learn through our "World Refugee Day Advocacy Toolkit 2015" about how you can especially help support Syrian refugees, persecuted religious minorities, and children fleeing violence in Central America this year.
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Youth Missions after GA
Youth groups are invited to make a week of the General Assembly.
The General Assembly Youth Planning Team has arranged for mission opportunities for youth groups who attend the General Assembly, to take place Thursday - Saturday following Assembly at three different Mission Destinations: Indianapolis, Lexington, or just outside Columbus. Food, housing, and work assignments are all being coordinated by your General Assembly Youth Planning Team. Cost for the weekend is $40/person. Participants must be entering sixth grade or above. Youth groups are responsible for their own transportation and must have one participating adult for every five youth. Learn more and register here.
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Gifts to the Disciples Home Missions Annual Fund  are directed to our most valuable asset - congregations and their leaders!
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