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From the President
One item that contributes to the diminishment of the Christian faith is how we treat one another with less than the respect and integrity due to each sister and brother. If we spent as much time building up the body of Christ and its members as we do undermining and tearing the body and its members down, we might just start building interest and activity in congregational life once again. This is a no brainer!
Let me remind you that Christianity from its very beginnings was a movement of affirmation, love, and empowerment. Those whom God affirms and loves, God empowers. And we know that the faith is crystal clear about who God affirms and loves: "For God so love(s)d the world . . ."[John 3:16]; that is, God affirms and loves you and me and everybody.
The way of affirmation, love, and empowerment is a positive way. It takes us further than we ever thought possible. It opens our eyes to just what can happen when we and God lock and then open our souls in oneness to each other and to the world.
Let me remind you that author Rudyard Kipling received the following correspondence in 1889 from an editor: "I'm sorry, Mr. Kipling, but you just don't know how to use the English language." The young Kipling's work was rejected. George Orwell's, Animal Farm, was turned down in 1945 with the words: "It is impossible to sell animal stories in the U.S.A." And a publisher turned down The Diary of Anne Frank with this determination: "The girl doesn't, it seems to me, have a special perception or feeling which would lift that book above the 'curiosity' level."
Come on, Christians and Disciples, we can do much better than those editors. Let's cut each other some slack and work together to lift rather than denigrate. Don't let anyone take the wind out of your sails.
Lifting-ly yours,
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Association of Disciple Musicians
July 17-22, 2016 will be the 55th consecutive year for ADM's annual conference. Come share in the fun, fellowship & music!
Association of Disciple Musician's Conference
July 17-22, 2016
University of Evansville, Evansville, Ind.
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Disciples Women
New links for ordering single issue or subscriptions for Just Women are now available on the Just Women web page. We are sorry for any problems you may have been experiencing. As a reminder ~ digital copies cannot be printed.
The Patchwork of Ponderings web page is migrating to a blog. To stay connected with Pat Donahoo and her reflections please visit her blog on discipleswomen.wordpress.com. You are encouraged to scroll to the bottom of the page to sign-up to receive notification when a new blog is posted.
Disciples Women's Endowment Fund (DWEF)
The deadline for applications is October 15. For information on guidelines and an application, visit the Disciples Women web page. Grant requests cannot exceed $5,000. Funding categories include Leadership Development, Scholarship Support, Outreach Ministries, Faith Development and Women's Programming. For more information contact Regenia Smith, Ministry Associate for Disciples Women.
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Family & Children's Ministries
Light a Candle for Children: September 13 - October 18
Join us online NOW through Children's Sabbath on Sunday, October 18. Each day's post or prayer is written or drawn by children and youth. To subscribe follow us on Facebook,Twitter, or by email.
"God is everywhere, do not be afraid. Life is hard in general, everybody has their own problems. Grab the spirt of the Lord and forgive."
- Fatima Serna, Age 13
United Disciples Christian Church
Richardson, Texas
Children Worship & Wonder Story Teller Trainings
November 13-14, 2015
Washington Ave Christian Church ~ Elyria, OH
More trainings are in the works! See our schedule for updates. Questions on hosting a training? Contact Jessica Kramer.
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Refugee & Immigration Ministries
Refugees Need Your Help!
Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries (RIM) office has been alerted that high numbers of refugees will arrive in September. Top 10 arrival locations will include: Sacramento, Calif.; Omaha & Lincoln, Neb.; Portland, Ore.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Dallas and Austin, Texas; Harrisonburg, Va.; Indianapolis, Ind.; and Lancaster, Pa. (For other sites see map.) Refugees will include Syrians, Congolese, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Iraqis and others.
RIM, in partnership with Church World Service offices, is collecting  Refugee Hospitality Kits of bedding, bath and school supplies, as well as calling for volunteers to do other resettlement tasks such as transportation, helping set up an apartment, or fixing a meal. Visit the Refugee & Immigration website to find out more about these resettlement kits and how you and/or your congregation can help welcome these families. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea.
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Scholarships
Continuing Education Grants
The application period (September - October, 2015) for the 2016 Clergy Continuing Education Grants is now open. Applications completed by Disciples Clergy with Standing (Ordained or Commissioned) over the next two months will be considered for awards to be distributed next year. These awards are to help DOC clergy participate in continuing education experiences in 2016 that will enhance their gifts and graces for ministry. You can find out more, and access the application process here.
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Young Adult Commission
Young Adult Commission Applications are Being Accepted
If you are interested in connecting and empowering Young Adults to engage in the ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), you can fill out an application to serve on the Young Adult Commission. The next term of service begins January of 2016 through December of 2017 and applications are being accepted until October 31, 2015. Go here to see the expectations for those who serve on the committee. Come serve with us!
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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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