June 17, 2015

Discovering ways to make better use of the church building for mission was a topic discussion for all generations at Jump Start! Indiana. Disciples Church Extension Fund, Episcopal Church Building Fund and the Indiana Christian Church Region presented this event which was attended by representatives from various denominations across Indiana.

Jump Start! Indiana offered variety of creative ways to use space

By Disciples Church Extension Fund staff

 

It's a common dilemma for churches! Many congregations are struggling with the exorbitant cost of building space, spending more funds on the upkeep of the facility than on ministry and mission. 

 

Disciples Church Extension Fund recently teamed with the Episcopal Church Building Fund and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana to present JumpStart! Indiana, a one-day workshop that helps congregations explore ways to enhance mission through creative use of building space.

 

"It's survival mode when the building becomes the mission of the congregation," says Rick Reisinger, president of Disciples Church Extension Fund. "When that happens, a congregation's ability to minister effectively is hampered. At this event, we presented opportunities for congregations to think outside the box to identify innovative uses of buildings for ministry." 

 

The ecumenical event in Indianapolis, attended by more than 50 representatives from Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian, Episcopal and Lutheran congregations, addressed a variety of topics, including the current church landscape, cultural shifts, effective leadership, community engagement and stewardship of energy resources, to name a few. 

 

Speaking to how the event provided a different perspective on ways creative building use can generate revenue streams to support mission, David Shank, a Disciples participant from Indianapolis, says, "Of all the church events I've attended, operationally it was the most useful...Creating the financial and property base from which we should be able to provide the Mission, Vision and programs takes far too much time and energy, but it has to be done." He adds, "This program should be required for every incoming Moderator, Treasurer and Property Chair."

 

As a result of positive response to JumpStart! Indiana, Disciples Church Extension Fund plans to partner with other interested Regions and ecumenical partners to offer more of these workshops in the future, says Reisinger.

 


 

General Nominating Committee

The committee has issued a letter regarding the slate of moderators.
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Calling all percussionists!

We are looking to put together a drumming processional for the closing night of General Assembly. If words like "rhythm", "groove" & "beat" are music to your ears, then we'd like to talk to you!  Please contact Adam Kukuk for more info.

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Meals and events
There are a LOT of opportunities to break bread together during the course of General Assembly. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners as well as some social times are planned so you can meet up with friends old and new and learn more about the hosting organization's mission and vision. Sign back into the registration system with your confirmation and password (which was e-mailed to you when you registered) to purchase.
News in the Church                                     Other News

Fellowship and blessings of the new NBA office space

On June 4, Disciples colleagues in the St. Louis area joined with National Benevolent Association staff and board members for an Open House and Blessing of the NBA's new office space at Union Avenue Christian Church. The program included several representatives who offered reflections on our shared ministries across the life of the church.

Together, the NBA board, staff, colleagues, and friends dedicated the new office space as sacred space and celebrated Disciples health and social service ministries, as General Minister and President Sharon Watkins recalled from Mark 2:22, as "new wine" in "new wineskins." Read more

 

The  NBA also welcomed Dr. Leah Gunning Francis, associate dean of contextual education at Eden Theological Seminary, to provide the keynote presentation and dialogue at the Open House and Blessing event.

 

Gunning Francis described her upcoming book, Faith and Ferguson: Sparking Leadership and Awakening Community, as a collection of stories and emergent issues that she hopes will spur conversation that translates into strategic action. She explores the role of the church as a safe sanctuary and what we are truly meant to be in our communities. "Change is up to us," she said. "We've got to be the church!" Read more

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Don't Deport My Dad! 2015 Father's Day Toolkit

Ramon and his family have been Disciples church leaders for many years. Indeed, "he and his wife would be our church's associate pastors" says his pastor, Lori Tapia, at Iglesia Alas de Salvacion in Gilbert, AZ. They would, if Ramon could be released from immigration detention. Instead, the family's future remains uncertain after Ramon was detained last November after his car broke down.

 

Ramon's story is just one among others of families whose dads have been separated from their families due to minor infractions which, under recent immigration laws, now have become felonies. See his and other stories in our newest faith community resource-due out just as we head towards Father's Day. Find some Disciples stories included here, along with the link to the full toolkit.

Disciples Divinity House of University of Chicago to honor Williamson

 

Michigan pastor quoted on new adoption law 

 

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Chalice Hymnal available for order during Summer 2015

 

After a three-year hiatus, a limited run of Chalice Hymnal is in the works for later this year. However, at least 700 copies of the pew edition need to be ordered by September 7 to carry out the printing.

 

Because this is a limited print run, CBP cannot guarantee that orders placed after Labor Day (September 7) can be filled, so congregations are strongly encouraged to place their order this summer.

 

Orders will be delivered before Advent begins on November 29.  More information

 

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Pension Fund search for senior vp/president-elect accepting nominations through June 30 

 

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Ministries partner to assist Houston housing unit

 

Woodland Christian Towers, with the rest of Houston, was deeply affected by the recent torrential rains. At Christian Church Homes (CCH), the HUD manager, and the National Benevolent Association, the HUD sponsor, our hearts go out to all residents whose lives have been meaningfully disrupted by this storm. CCH continues to work very hard to provide needed supplies and support as we recover.

 

Staff was quick to respond to the water damage and power outage caused by the storm. All residents were provided with clean bottled water as well as meals in part from funding from the Week of Compassion.  Residents on the fourth floor were without electricity for a brief period while a generator was brought in to address the issue. Later, all refrigerators were cleaned out and residents given $50 gift cards to purchase food. CCH reached out to HUD, FEMA and the Red Cross. The Red Cross visited the site and assessed the situation conveying that everything that could be done was being done.  

Read full news release

 

 

Other News and Resources
Events

Association of Disciples Musicians, Liberty, MO, June 23-28


General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Columbus, Ohio, July 18-22

 

Christmount Mission Camp July 26-31


Biblical Storytelling for Pastors, Christmount, Sept. 15 - 17 

 

Hope Partnership Leadership Academy, Sept. 21-24

 

Gateway to Hope lecture on returning veterans sponsored by Mid-America Center for Ministry, Columbia, MO, Sept. 22

 

Drury University Conference "Subverting the Norm III", Springfield, MO Nov. 5-7

 

Find more events on the calendar hosted by Chalice Press

Resources

Just Women 2015 Bible study available in e-version

 

Toolkit for World Refugee Day June 20

 

Online preaching class starts June 23

 

Refugee resettlement sign-up information 

 

Disciple Women offer flyer on human trafficking 

 

Center for Faith and Giving Measuring What Matters stewardship program available

 

Pacific School of Religion announces Old, New Testament courses and more 

 

Disciples Peace Fellowship offers weekly worship resource 

 

People-to-People Guides for Leaders and Participants 

Ministry in Action

Week of Compassion makes a difference for women in Chaco region of South America

 

Disciples organize help for moms, kids in immigration detention

 

Kentucky church has energetic fundraiser for Nepal

 

North Carolina church continues participation in far-reaching feeding operation

 

Missouri church hosts concert to raise camp funds

 

St. Louis church closing makes news

 

You can find ways to plug into mission and more through these ministries.....

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
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