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Disciples Home Missions Updates


September 27, 2015

In This Issue
* From the President
* Association of Disciple Musicians
* Black Ministries
* Disciples Women
* Family & Children's Ministries
* Scholarships
* Young Adult Commission

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From the President
Twenty-three years ago in the month of July, our dear friend, Martin E. Marty, reported on the writings of Steven L. McKinley, a pastor from Anoka, Minnesota, as quoted in Lutheran Partners. He commented that this pastor, "often writes with good sense." It made me wonder about the other times when he writes. But after reading some of McKinley's, "12 laws learned from ministry," I became a follower.

Let me share some of them with you as you seek to find those places of authentic ministry:
  • "Our best intentions to make weddings a holy and sacred time of worship will invariably be thwarted."
  • "There are no miracle cures. There is no program which will instantly solve your problems in stewardship, evangelism, Christian education, and other areas."
  • "The congregation which currently gives 2.5 percent of its income will not become a tithing congregation next year, no matter what you do. Hard, steady, relentless work can make a difference over time" [This is why we Disciples have the Office of Faith and Giving and the leadership of Bruce Barkhauer].
  • "You will regularly foul up. You will know the kind of pastor you want to be, but you will not live up to that vision (see Romans 7)."
  • "The congregation will regularly disappoint you. They will resist new ideas. They'll stay away from worship to watch a football game. They will fail to carry out the tasks they have volunteered to do. They will remove any doubts you might have had about the power of original sin. But somehow the Holy Spirit will work through your imperfect ministry in that imperfect congregation to change the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. You might not see the changes. But never doubt for a minute that they are taking place."
My dear Disciples ministers and congregational leaders, you are making a difference. Always remember that "you might not see the changes. But never doubt for a minute that they are taking place."

Supporting-ly yours,
 

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.

Black Ministries
Registration now open for Black Ministers Retreat 2016
Join us in March to explore our 2016 theme, Ministry for the Long Haul: Self-Care and Sustenance, throughdaily worship, fellowship, and educational workshops. More details on speakers and preachers will be available soon. Stay tuned!

42nd Annual Black Ministers Retreat
March 8-10, 2016
Christ Tabernacle Church - Jackson, Mississippi


Disciples Women
Just Women
We are pleased to announce the 2016 Bible study ~ The Table and Beyond: Lavish Hospitality in the Bible is available for advance ordering. This is the third year the Bible study has been written by Disciples women scholars under the Just Women banner. The previous two issues sold out quickly. Please order by January 19, 2016 to insure delivery of extra copies for you and your group. Use the above link to learn more about the study's topics and writers and to place your order. 

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.

Patchwork of Ponderings
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.

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.

"Children who cry out need love, food, water, the Sunshine to warm them and grass to play in and the Holy Spirit to surround them."

Children Worship & Wonder Story Teller Trainings

October 24-25, 2015
First Christian Church ~ Smithville, MO

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.

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.

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!

Gifts to the Disciples Home Missions Annual Fund dhm logo are directed to our most valuable asset - congregations and their leaders!


Be sure to look for the latest issue of the Disciples Advocate online.

 

Also, check out the Disciples Home Missions Web site for more congregational resources.

 

Rev. Ron Degges 

President

Disciples Home Missions
Phone: (317) 713-2684