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From the President
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In the December 23, 2015, issue of The Christian Century, Editor John M. Buchanan, writes:
". . .this is exactly what the Christian faith affirms: there is beauty in the midst of ugliness, truth in the midst of lies, love in the midst of hatred, and light shining in the midst of darkness."
His words were written in the shadow of "terrorist attacks in Paris and Mali, the downing of a Russian airliner, and a suicide bombing in Beirut." He writes that, "I went to church with a heart full of foreboding, dread, and concern for the future." And it was in church that he experienced "the presence of a loving God in the midst of life, even at its darkest moments" [the italics are mine].
It is precisely at that moment when all seems lost, where there is no sign of even a glimmer of light, where existential despair rules the day, and where everything is "anything but pretty and perfect," that the mystery of God intervenes in human history. The Holy One clothed as a baby makes all the difference in the world. It was the case 2,000 years ago. It is still the case today.
In a few days our congregations throughout the United States and Canada and our mission partners all across the globe will be celebrating Holy Week and Easter Day. The circle will be complete having moved from birth, to life and ministry, to suffering and death, and to resurrection and new life. What if, while we are in church in these days ahead, each of us would pledge to be beauty, truth, love, and light to each other and to everyone in the world? Surely this would be enough to cast out ugliness, lies, hatred, and darkness? Maybe the day of God's reign is closer than we think. Maybe it is here already. Maybe it is waiting for us just to be!
Ontologically yours,
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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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Refugee & Immigration
In partnership with DHM's Refugee and Immigration Ministries,
DHM's Director has supported the filing of a "friend of the court" brief to support immigrant communities. Read the Press Release, which includes a quote from Rev. Ron Degges.
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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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DHM Virtual 5k
DHM Virtual 5k - Sign up March 1-31
Sponsored by General Youth Council and Family & Children's Ministries
The GYC has set a goal of 1,000 runners/walkers. That is more than $15,000 for the Disciples Mission Fund.
What is a Virtual 5k? A virtual 5k race is a 5km race that can be run at any location. You can walk, use the treadmill, run or walk outside, or join a local race near you. (You can even break it up over time!) For your $25 registration fee you receive some BLING (a T-shirt and Medal sent out in early May).
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Family & Children's Ministries
Summer Missions and VBS for 2016
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
May 20-21
First Christian Church - Salem, VA
June 4-5
First Christian Church - Athens, AL
Interested in hosting a training for your church or community? Contact Jessica Kramer for information.
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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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