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Thanksgiving offering supports higher education 
Consider the many generations of pastors, who, if not for the support of faithful congregations and individuals over the ages would not have flourished as our pastors, teachers and leaders. Have you consider the impact of the pastor in the life of your church, community or region? Our 14 undergraduate institutions and seven affiliated seminaries and divinity houses help prepare our pastors for the service and leadership they provide to our communities, let's thank them by supporting the Thanksgiving offering. Historically, our denomination has led in founding and supporting higher education. Today, the colleges, universities, seminaries and divinity houses find themselves in a transformational time, much like the Church. Your gifts will give students an opportunity to "Come Home" to a Disciples college or seminary and help lead our ongoing transformation. More info
Celebrate All Saints Sunday Nov. 3
One of the best thing congregations can do is to honor the saints of the church whose devotion, witness, gifts and encouragement lay a foundation of faith for current and future generations. The first Sunday of November - Nov. 3 this year - is set aside as All Saints' Day. A worship service on the All Saints' theme provides a wonderful opportunity to recognize those souls whose lives were so important to the church, and serve as a way to encourage members in their individual faith journeys.
The Christian Church Foundation offers a free resource to help congregations celebrate All Saints' Day in worship. Developed specifically for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), this downloadable booklet contains liturgies, sermon ideas, hymns and prayer outlines that congregations can tailor to their own specific setting.
Clergy Continuing Education Grants awarded through Disciples Home Missions
The period of application for clergy continuing education grants awarded by Disciples Home Missions for the 2014 calendar year will be between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30, 2013. This is a change from last year's application period, and is meant to facilitate application requests for events earlier in the calendar year.
If you would like to be considered for a DHM Clergy Continuing Education Grant next year (2014), you must apply during the application window. Instructions and application
Got a potential pastor in your congregation?
The General Commission on Ministry wants to encourage you to identify people in your congregation who might have the gifts and graces for ministry. There are two paths to ministry now - ordained and commissioned - and ways to learn without moving to the physical campus of a seminary. For more information about the process, click on General Commission on Ministry under the quick links on Disciples.org.
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