Thanksgiving special offering benefits higher education by Hollie Woodruff, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries
As a product of the Enlightenment and adventurous spirit exploring the frontier of a young United States, our denomination has always had a thirst for freedom of thought and a love for learning. Most of our Disciple founders were products of a strong education, having graduated from places like the University of Glasgow and University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
One of our founders, Alexander Campbell, had an educational dream that every person could be a product of a strong education grounded in science, philosophy and religion. He believed education was so important for laity and ministers that he in 1840 he established Bethany College on his farm in Virginia (now West Virginia). The Stone-Campbell movement inspired education and leadership, which is evident in the 215 colleges/universities, 207 academies/institutes and countless bible chairs/scholars established by members of the denomination over the centuries.
For over 120 years now, there has been a coordinated commitment to support higher education and leadership development by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and its related forbearing institutions and organizations. Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) represents the continuance of a strong legacy of faith, education, and leadership. HELM works with wider church and higher education partners to develop and nurture Christian leaders who are transforming church, society and world.
Today, we have 14 Disciples affiliated colleges and universities and seven seminaries, houses and foundations that have long legacies of inspiring and shaping minds for work in the Church and world.
In November you have the opportunity to continue this legacy by contributing to the Thanksgiving Offering. Collected on Nov. 8 and 15 the Thanksgiving Offering benefits the colleges, universities, seminaries, and divinity houses affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). These learning communities are an extension of the church, challenging students to understand and respond to God's call to serve.
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Three ways to celebrate Week of the Ministry (Oct. 11-18)
by Sandy McLaughlin, Pension Fund When Jesus asked the Disciples to "come, follow me," he didn't promise an easy road. It takes courage to answer God's call to ministry and continue to carry out His good work. To do so without thanks is even harder.
That's why Week of the Ministry was created over 82 years ago, as a reminder to honor and celebrate the call to ministry. During this year's Week of the Ministry, consider:
- Encouraging your peers or congregation to participate in Week of the Ministry activities
- Honoring your pastor's ordination
- Supporting those in or interested in a career in ministry
You can access Week of the Ministry resources online at www.pensionfund.org/week-of-ministry.
FOR PASTORS:
- A copy of Rev. David A. Shirey's "Ministry Still Matters" speech (originally preached at the 2015 General Assembly) listing six ministry "hurdles," and 3 ways to sustain and renew passion for ministry
- Prayers and litany for sermon development
- Videos and other inspiration from ministers
FOR CONGREGATIONS:
- A Week of the Ministry "Thank You" tree poster
- "10 Practical Ways to Say 'Thanks' to Your Pastor"
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Resources and continuing ed
- Hope Partnership'sNew Beginnings Come & See, Oct. 10, Spearman, TX
- Hope Partnership's DARE to Lead, Oct. 11, El Paso, TX
- Hope Partnership's New Beginnings Come & See, Oct. 17, Abilene, TX
- Christmount Week with Frank Thomas, Oct. 20-23
- Soul Repair: Pathways to Hope, Oct. 28-31 , Kansas City
- 2016 Disciples Development Conference, Jan. 20-22, Jacksonville, FL
- Winter Talk, Jan. 25-27, Tulsa, OK
- Black Ministers Retreat, March 8-10, Jackson, MS
- Center for Faith and Giving's Stepping into Stewardship conference in partnership with the United Church of Christ, March 30-April 1, 2016
- Hispanic Assembly, July14-16, 2016, Coral Gables, FL
- Association of Disciple Musicians 55th Anniversary Conference, July 17-22, 2016, Evansville, IN
- National Convocation Biennial Session, July 21-24, Overland Park, KS (Kansas City area)
- National Youth Event with United Church of Christ, July 26-30, Buena Vista, FL
- NAPAD Convocation, Aug. 3-6, Oakland, CA
For more events, see the calendar hosted by Chalice Press.
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