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From the President
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When I was called to ministry, I made a pledge to myself. I was sitting in a service and listening to the pastor. The pledge I made was quite simple: "When I grow up I want to be and do for people what the pastor has just done for me."
The pastor's message had helped put things into perspective for me. I immediately knew that I wanted to do the same for others. Thus began my journey into ministry. Now some 52 years later, I pick up Yale Divinity School Reflections: A Magazine of Theological and Ethical Inquiry, and read Dean Gregory Sterling's words: "Finally, many of these essays point to a fundamental truth about Christianity: We are called to serve people. We may need to learn how to connect with people via new media, but the fundamental truth is that no matter how the connections are made, people need to come first. The world does not care about our doctrines; it cares about the way we treat human beings. This is a standard comment by those who have no religious affiliation: Churches seem to care more about what to believe than about the welfare of human beings." Imagine, the church 'may need to learn how to connect with people' again. Where did we lose this connection along the way? What do we need to do to reconnect? A church disconnected from people seems a bit oxymoronic to me. Ministers and congregational leaders, it is all about people. It is about their needs, their welfare, their health, their healing, their souls, their spirits, their empowerment! It is not about us, it is about them. It is not about the church, it is about the world. The way we treat human beings is the barometer of how well we are being church. Remember this next time you are more concerned about a theological position, a budget, or a local congregational tradition, than with the best interest of the people involved. People-ly yours,
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Black Ministries
Black Ministers Retreat 2016 Online Registration Open through Feb. 29
BMR 2016, Ministry for the Long Haul: Self-Care and Sustenance, will explore what it takes to sustain ministry with a special focus on bi-vocational and multi-vocational pastors.
42nd Annual Black Ministers Retreat
March 8-10, 2016
Christ Tabernacle Church - Jackson, Mississippi
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DHM on Facebook & Twitter
DHM on Facebook and Twitter!
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National Youth Event
Registration NOW OPEN for Disciples & UCC Youth Event, July 26-30, 2016
Join 4,000+ Disciples and United Church of Christ youth (aged 13-18) from at least four continents at Walt Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort in July 2016! This is an International Youth Event for the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Our Disciples North American and Global Witness intersects with the United Church of Christ's National and International/Global Witness for the first time ever in a gathering of youth from both denominations and with youth from around the world. Register between now and May 27th at http://nye.uccpages.org.
Where can I find out more?
The UCC NYE page has information on pricing, speakers, schedules, meals & lodging.
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Disciples Men
 COME AND SEE - GOD IS CALLING!
You are a man, active in leadership in a congregation, or you would probably not be reading this far. You may be wondering, "
Is it worth the trip?"
We, the General Conference of Disciples Men, know that it is. We all struggle with many of the same problems in our congregations and we know the value of fellowship, Bible study, exploring our calling as leaders, hands-on mission, and having fun while doing all that. So. . .
The program starts with dinner at 6:00 pm, Friday, July 8 and
ends after 8:30 am worship on Sunday, July 10.
- $100 scholarships available for those under the age of 30
- New Commuter Registration option available
- Registration Deadline is June 1, 2016
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Disciples Women
Just Women subscriptions beginning with the Spring 2016 issue are closed.
- Summer standard beginning subscription deadline is June 1.
- Fall standard beginning subscription deadline is September 1.
- Winter standard beginning subscription deadline is December 1.
- Spring (beginning in 2017) standard beginning subscription deadline is March 1.
2017 Theme ~ Justice and Freedom for All
- Winter Bible Study - Freedom: Promise and Struggle
- Spring - Women Breaking Free
- Summer - Race and Reality: A Justice Check
- Fall - The Age of Mass Incarceration
- Winter Bible Study - Called for a Purpose
- Spring - Sexuality: It's Complicated
 - Summer - Called to Be a Woman of Justice
- Fall - What About the Children
2018 Theme ~ Purpose and Call
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Family & Children's Ministries
Lent & Easter Resources
It's that time of year! As always, Lent & Easter resource recommendations are listed on the Family & Children's Liturgical Resources page. Or follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas!
Children Worship & Wonder Training Story Teller Trainings
March 5-6, 2016 
First Christian Church - Smithville, MO
March 5-6, 2016
Riverside Ave Christian Church - Jacksonville, FL
April 15-16, 2016
Hooker Memorial Christian Church - Greenville, NC
Interested in hosting a training for your church or community? Contact Jessica Kramer for information.
 Welcome back, Kate Epperly!
Disciples Home Missions is happy to welcome (back) Rev. Dr. Kate Epperly as our new Coordinator of Justice & Advocacy for Family & Children's Ministries. Kate has worked with us previously through the United Church of Christ. We're excited to have her on board to focus attention on the important work of justice for children. Read more about Kate on the Family & Children staff page.
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Scholarships
Scholarship Application Process Open!
Scholarship applications are being accepted from January 2, 2016 through March 15, 2016 with references accepted until April 15, 2016. Scholarships are available for persons preparing for ministry in the Christian Church (DOC). To obtain eligibility and application information click here.
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