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Prison ministry affinity group being formed, congregations invited to join in work
by NBA staff
 The National Benevolent Association is excited to initiate a collaborative ministry addressing justice issues within America's jails and prisons. In particular, NBA will focus on supporting congregations as they engage in prison and jail related ministries and in connecting conversations across Disciples-related ministries in order to strengthen this work. As part of the NBA's strategic initiatives, Rev. Dean Bucalos has been contracted with the NBA as a mission specialist for jail and prison ministries. Throughout the life of the Disciples church, ministries such as the Disciples Center for Public Witness, Reconciliation Ministries, and Disciples Home Missions have been engaged in advocacy efforts related to jail and prison ministries. Early discussions between the NBA and various Disciples ministries have been happening for information sharing and exploring opportunities for partnership.
Rev. April Johnson, Minister for Reconciliation Ministries reflects that, "We welcome Dean to this timely and critical ministry and are grateful for the unique gifts and experience he offers on behalf of NBA. As Disciples, the imperative nature of our anti-racism mission is exemplified in the over-representation of people of color in our nation's prison system. Dean's appointment strengthens our Church's opportunities to embrace our passion for justice and our identity as a pro-reconciling and anti-racist church."
Bucalos' primary focus is to develop a network of support for Disciples engaging in spiritual care and advocacy ministries for those currently and formerly incarcerated as well as their families. Disciples' leaders, ministers, congregations, and social service ministries are invited to join the NBA Jail and Prison Ministries group by contacting Rev. Dean Bucalos, NBA Mission Specialist, by email at prisonministries@nbacares.orgor by phone at (502) 396-3543.
Read the full story to see an invitation by Bucalos
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Pentecost offering supports training of new church pastors
Offering received June 8
By Tonya Ellis
Pierre Luma planted Abundant Life Center Christian Church, in Philadelphia, Pa. in 2013. In the spring of this year he attended the Leadership Academy, hosted by Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation Leadership in Indianapolis, Ind. "I learned many things from the training and teaching," says Luma. "Now, I will work to improve my way of doing things, so that I can see the transformation in the life of my church."
Being around children often reminds us that we all were young once. The same is true of our congregations, each of which was new at one time. The Pentecost Special Offering is an opportunity for your congregation to 'pay it forward by helping courageous leaders start new Disciples faith communities where there is no or limited Disciples witness. A fun and compelling offering video and other resources are now available to help your share the new-church message
Each year the Pentecost Offering provides support to the New Church movement by funding the recruitment, assessment, training and coaching of church planters. One half of the Pentecost Offering collected stays in the respective Region and the other half goes to support Hope Partnership's new church ministry. This year's Pentecost Offering will be collected Sundays, June 1 and June 8. For more information about the Pentecost Offering, please visit www.disciplesmissionfund.org or contact Charlie Wallace at 800.274.1883.
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