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Message to pastors
Dear Colleagues -
The future of our Church is bright. The events of the last few weeks have invigorated connections and conversations in ways we have not experienced for a while. As it says in Romans 12, we are being transformed.
RFRA
We had to speak up! The events in Indiana at the end of March and beginning of April opened new doors to discrimination. The Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act created the opportunity for discrimination against many of our neighbors, friends and co-workers, in addition to our General Assembly attendees. Our action to seek another venue for the 2017 General Assembly helped turn the tide that resulted in meaningful amendments to the law.
There is still work to be done to address other civil rights matters in Indiana. The General Board chose Indianapolis as our 2017 assembly site so we can continue to participate in change, moving toward wholeness. We will continue to work closely with the Indiana region, local congregations, and other civil rights organizations to ensure that Indiana remains a place of welcome to all. You can find additional information disciples.org.
Pro-Reconciliation
Across North America and particularly the United States there have been many high profile killings of African American men by white police officers. The deaths moved the College of Regional Ministers to issue a letter April 9 calling for renewed attention to the Church's pro-reconciliation/anti-racism work. The continuing incidents of unarmed black men experiencing excessive force led the College to issue a challenge to each expression of the Church, including their own regions and individuals, to take concrete action toward reconciling ministry. You can read the full letter on disciples.org.
Mission First!
At the General Board meeting last week, a pilot program was approved that will guide the church in identifying shared mission goals! The board voted to pilot Mission First! over the next two years. At the heart of Mission First! are Mission Gatherings. Mission Gatherings , scheduled across the life of Disciples, will encourage members to share what you are doing, where your passions lie, and how your congregation is giving expression to God's mission in the world.
This way of setting a mission priority is new to us, so the board is very clear it will need adjustment as we "make the road by walking." (Antonio Machado, poet) Your participation and feedback will be invaluable. We look forward to giving it a try and seeing where God leads us. You can find out more on disciples.org. I also hope you will join us at General Assembly in Columbus for the launch of Mission First!
I know each one of you stays plenty busy serving your congregation. I have been there myself, and you are in my prayers. In this time of transition in our church, I also invite you to add your prayers, perspectives and participation to these regional and general expressions of our life together.
First Vice Moderator Joan Bell-Haynes led off General Board with the scripture: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect." In this time of social upheaval and church engagement, may we be transformed into the people God would have us be.
Blessings -
Sharon
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