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Advent blessings
by Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, general minister and president
Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God. .....
He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep. -
Isaiah 40:1, 11
This passage for Dec. 7 in the Common Lectionary, reminds me again how your work, pastors and chaplains - shepherds all - is so integral to the experience of God's shalom. You bring words of wholeness to God's lambs in times of sickness and hardship. You feed them with the abundant life present in God's Word and at the Lord's Table. You lead your people gently back to God's loving welcome.
As you enter the challenges of the Advent season in just a couple of weeks, I pray for you the strength you need for the day, the peace of God's presence and the comfort of God's gracious care throughout. Blessings on you as your work gives witness to God's emerging wholeness even in a fragmented world.
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Young adult Disciples invited to apply to XPLOR
The National Benevolent Association (NBA) of the Christian Church (Disciples), in partnership with several Disciples churches and regions, is now receiving applications for young adults interested in applying for the NBA XPLOR 2015-2016 year. To apply online, please go to www.nbacares.org/xplor.
What is NBA XPLOR? XPLOR is a faith-based, 10-month, congregationally hosted residency for 21- to 30-year-olds, who want to explore lives of care and service.
What does an NBA XPLOR Residency involve? Residents live under one roof within a diverse community of peers where they engage in communal and personal spiritual practices ranging from prayer to simple daily meals together. They care for and learn from others in community-service internships, and they relate to their host congregation. This communal lifestyle is not typical in our culture and yet it is designed to help residents recognize and practice a deeper connection with the people they encounter.
What does a typical week of Residency look like? A Residency week makes time for all facets of the internship experience: Four days of learning/experience in the service site, weekly Sabbath time set aside for personal and collective spiritual reflection, free time for personal care (grocery shopping, laundry, entertainment, and rest) and about six hours a week serving with the host congregation.
In 2014, XPLOR welcomed 12 young adults to live in intentional community and service at three XPLOR houses across the U.S.: St. Louis, Missouri; Hiram-Manuta, Ohio; and North Hollywood, California. More information (including videos from each Resident) can be found at www.nbacares.org/xplor. Read more
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Begin planning next year's mission trip now
 Is your church considering a mission trip? Global Ministries' People-to-People Pilgrimage program assists congregations in planning and preparing for life changing pilgrimage experiences.
A mission pilgrimage is a transforming experience through which participants share themselves and receive God's love in new ways. Participants take common steps of faith in walking with international partners, sharing their joys, understanding their challenges and experiencing their unique connection to our wider church.
It is through the People-to-People Pilgrimage Program that your local church can connect with our partners and share with them their work and witness.
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Black Ministers Retreat 2015 registration open
Save the date for the 41st Black Ministers Retreat, March 3-5, 2015 in Montgomery, Alabama! Join us as we explore this year's theme, Time for a Shift: Transforming a New Generation of Disciples, through transformative worship, fellowship, and educational workshops. This year's events and location will also coincide with local celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the historic Montgomery to Selma March. It will be an experience not to be missed! Early bird price of $165 available through Dec. 31. Register now
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