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Register for the next Leadership Academy by Jan. 26
Hope Partnership's upcoming Leadership Academy will be  held in Indianapolis on Feb. 24-28, 2014. Registrations are due by Jan. 26. A week-long leadership development experience for leaders in both new congregations and transforming congregations, the purpose of Leadership Academy is to inspire, equip and encourage people as they lead courageously in their local setting.
Participants spend the week in a cohort with other leaders, exploring topics like courageous leadership, community demographics and congregational identity. Keynoters for the February event include the Rev. Dr. Timothy James, associate general minister and administrative secretary of the National Convocation; the Rev. Dr. Dick Hamm, former general minister and president; and Rev. Jose Morales, Jr., executive regional minister for the Central Rocky Mountain region.
The event is open to both clergy and lay leaders of Disciples congregations. Visit www.hopepmt.org/transform/leadership-academy for more information, to register and to learn more about the new Leadership Academy 2.0, an advanced learning experience open to anyone who has previously attended Leadership Academy.
Week of Compassion emphasis Feb. 16-23
For seven decades, through Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee, and sustainable development fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Church has been connecting people in an otherwise fragmented world. Sisters and brothers across the world living in poverty, families in North America struggling after a tornado or hurricane, and communities working to develop long-term food security have all been sustained by the gifts given through this life-changing fund.
In a time that seems to be marked by more discord than unity, congregations are invited to celebrate the Week of Compassion special offering Feb.16-23. As a call to unity in order to impact the lives of the most vulnerable, this year's theme, "We Are One," draws upon Jesus's farewell prayer from John 17:20-23: "I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one...." (NRSV)
Since the first Week of Compassion Disciples have lived into this call by partnering with eight other denominations to raise hundreds of millions of dollars through the Ecumenical One Great Hour of Sharing. Disaster mission stations, response to global calamity, and even small, and needs emerging from local disasters like house fires, all have been funded by these efforts over the years. 2013 responses are listed on the website.
The 2014 Planning and Resource Guide is available for download here. Congregational standing orders of materials were mailed after Dec.25. For additional materials or for answers to any questions regarding the offering, church leaders are encouraged to contact the Week of Compassion staff by phone (317-713-2442) or email
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