October 22, 2014

Immigrant representatives visit legislators

By Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, director of Refugee & Immigration Ministries

Seven meetings in one day. Such was the schedule for a group of 12 Bunong and four Jarai Disciples in Washington D.C. in September. Hosted by Refugee & Immigration Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the group was on Capitol Hill and in National City Christian Church.

Among the offices visited was North Carolina Senator Richard Burr's office and heard of proposals that Senator Burr will introduce in the next year related to Montagnard concerns. Senator Kay Hagan's office expressed interest in ongoing contact.

The third visit was with a staff member in the 12th District House Office which represents the Charlotte, Greensboro, and High Point district where all the Disciples live. The fourth was with staff to Representative Frank Wolf, co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission which has studied Montagnard testimony and drafted a letter this summer urging that Vietnam not be included in the TransPacific Trade Partnership until human rights are improved.

The marathon continued with afternoon meetings with leaders from the Institute for Global Engagement which meets with officials to encourage adherence to human rights in Vietnam and Freedom House leaders, administrators of a Religious Freedom Rapid Response Fund which provides financial assistance to at-risk survivors of religious persecution and human rights defenders and organizations.

The last meeting of the day was with the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom who encouraged sharing details of persecution as they are received. They will continue to work on Country of Particular Concern status for Vietnam until human rights are improved.

Wondering how to explain Disciples Mission Fund as you enter the budget season?

How Your Offerings to DMF Support Mission in the Church

Find this video, graphs and other options at disciplesmissionfund.org

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If you would like stewardship campaign help and hints, access the Center for Faith and Giving's website where you can find Disciple-specific stewardship materials.

News in the Church Other News

Jordan Hall Dedication at Bethany College

Bethany College recognized Greg and Ellen Trebilcock Jordan, both 1981 Bethany graduates, with the dedication of Jordan Hall during a dedication ceremony on campus Oct. 11. Greg is a strong believer in the importance of a liberal arts education. "The evidence is compelling that no matter where you want to go in life, no matter what you want to do, you can get there from here," Greg said. "You can get anywhere in life from here." The Jordans met while students at the school.

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Familiar Face

For the many people who have done mission trips to Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries over the last 18 years, administrative assistant Raquel Garcia was their hostess. More than 100 gathered from Washington, D.C., Arizona, and cities all around Texas on Oct. 10 to celebrate her retirement. Rev. Feliberto Pereira said, "Raquel has been the heart and soul of Good Samaritan Ministries."

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Peace planning

It's easy to think Peace Sunday in Advent is the only time to commemorate the work of peace, but there are actually a number of dates that lend themselves to the practice. As you plan your calendar for the remainder of 2014 and head into 2015, here are some international dates to consider.

Nov. 11 - Veterans Day and Feast of St. Martin of Tours and Martin Luther
Second Sunday of Advent - Peace Sunday
Dec. 10 - United Nations Human Rights Day
Jan. 1 - World Day of Peace
Jan. 17 - Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Feb. 4 - Birthday of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Sept. 19 - UN Day of Peace
Oct. 2 - Birthday of Mahatma Ghandi and International Day of Non-Violence
Oct. 4 - Feast of St. Francis Assisi

The Disciples Peace Fellowship is providing a new resource that includes some portions in Spanish. You can find it on their website along with other suggested readings.

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Thanksgiving offering received in most congregations Nov. 9 & 16

Navy chaplain, Brite center featured in Stars and Stripes

Church's update on Ebola

Christian Board of Publication/Chalice Press signs distribution agreement

Disciple pastor helps lead racism discussion

Florida pastor one of several to meet with local police

North Carolina pastor one of many polled re: new law

Indiana church celebrates 100 years

Mid-America Center for Ministry offers online intro class in January

Clergy continuing education scholarship applications due by Oct. 31

Young Adult Commission applications due Nov. 1st

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Woodhaven CEO receives recognition

The Department of Sociology at Iowa State University honored C. Mark Palmer with its 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Alumni Honors and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014. Palmer currently serves as the chief executive officer of WOODHAVEN in Columbia, Mo. The Distinguished Alumni Award was established by Iowa State's Department of Sociology to recognize outstanding professional achievements by a distinguished alumnus.

"The Department of Sociology takes great pride in recognizing Mr. Palmer's achievements in combining business management and leadership skills to the world of social services in advocating for quality living for developmentally disabled individuals and their families," he said. "His leadership philosophy includes the core values that are at the core of the liberal arts education Mr. Palmer received at ISU, and they have served him well in his career in social services."

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Search for Regional Minister begins

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Capital Area Region is seeking to call an ordained minister and Transformational Leader in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to the position of Regional Minister. A Regional Profile and Position Description are posted on their website.

All applicants are required to provide updated Search and Call paperwork in order to be considered. Furthermore, all applicants are required to submit a Letter of Interest to the Christian Church Capital Area Regional Office addressed to:

Search Committee Chairperson

The Christian Church Capital Area

8814 Kensington Parkway

Suite 208

Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6743

The application deadline is 24 October 2014.

Other News and Resources

Events

BRITE B.A.M.

Oct. 31-Nov. 2

Children Worship & Wonder Story Teller Training, Erlanger, KY Nov.7-9

Christmount Post-College Retreat, Nov.7 - 9

Merritt Headlines 2014 Perry Gresham Lectures Nov. 7-9

Come & See! Prospective Student Event at PSR Nov 8-9

Eureka hosts Suchocki for film event Nov. 20

An Appalachian Advent at Christmount, Dec 2 - 5

Disciples Development Conference, Orlando FL Jan 21-23

Find more events on the calendar hosted by Chalice Press

Resources

Society of St. Andrew ideas for Food Day Oct. 24

Non-Disciple four-week study guide for Whole

Registration Opens for Online Course: Stewardship and Scripture

Seven new devotions, issue papers for immigration issues

Family and Children newsletter signup

The Landscape for Mission four-session video study series examines current context

Register Today!

July 18-22, 2015
Columbus, Ohio

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Business resolutions due in the Office of General Minister and President by Jan. 19, 2015. Learn about the process

Ministry in Action

Global Ministries Honduran ministry supported by NY church

Florida VBS kids help refugees in a big way

Hiram basketball helps make opposing player's dream come true

Kansas church partners to warm up kids

Disciple leads equality movement in Arizona

Illinois church celebrates decade of lunch outreach to high school

Kentucky churches band together for homeless shelters

Texas church hosts classic film

Texas church's garden keeps memories alive

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Nominations for the

2015 General Board and
2015-2017 Moderator Team are now being accepted online!

Submit your nominations to the 2015 General Board or 2015-2017 Moderator Team.

Advertising

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