November 18, 2015
Left to right: Dr. Ken Brooker Langston, executive director of the Disciples Center for Public Witness and director of Disciples Justice Action Network; Dr. William Lee, senior pastor of Loudon Avenue Christian Church, Roanoke, VA; Dr. Alvin Jackson, senior pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church, New York City, and co-president of the Disciples Center for Public Witness; Dr. Timothy James, associate general minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Dr. Jack Sullivan, president of Disciples Justice Action Network.

Disciples Center for Public Witness convenes conversation on race
 
by Ken Brooker-Langston, executive director   
 
On Oct. 23, 2015, a diverse group of 36 invited guests participated in a conversation on Disciples and Racism in the United States. The conversation, hosted by National City Christian Church,  was organized convened, and facilitated by the Disciples Center for Public Witness.
 
The conversation began with a theological reflection on Matthew 15:21-28 (The Story of the Syrophoenician Woman) by Dr. Bill Lee, Senior Pastor of Loudon Avenue Christian Church in Roanoke, VA.  The theme of this reflection,  which became the framework for the conversion, was "Do You See Me?"   According to Dr. Lee, "Before Black lives can matter, Black people must be seen."
 
One-on-one conversations then took place, conversations in which partners from different races and ethnicities discussed how this reality of seeing and not seeing people of color affected their lives, relationships, and views of the world.  This was followed by presentations and table discussions about the relationships between really seeing each other and structures of accountability that might allow and encourage this to happen more often.
 
"In my view,  this was a remarkable event," said Dr Alvin Jackson, Senior Pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church in New York and Co-President of the Center's Board of Governors. "People seemed to open up with each other about some of the dynamics of racism and began to think together about ways for us to be more accountable to each other in our efforts to eradicate racism in both church and society."
 
Next steps include: (1) continuing this particular conversation online through social media; (2) promoting this or similar conversations in other contexts; and (3) formation of a group or groups to put more thought into the issues of accountability related to seeing, especially from the perspective of Black Lives Matter. Text of Lee's remarks  |  Jackson sermon on the subject on YouTube
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Reconciliation Ministry For more information and materials to help start a conversation on race, check the resources on the Reconciliation Ministry website. There are videos, book lists, study materials and more.

nba heart logo In addition, materials from the National Benevolent Association's recent St. Louis summit are available online
Global concerns

Global Ministries is offering a webinar Dec. 9 with Walter Brueggeman on his book Chosen?: Reading the Bible in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Global Ministries offers these thoughts on recent attacks in Lebanon and France.

General Minister and President Sharon Watkins reflects on Paris.

Efforts by Global Ministries and other Disciple ministries are ongoing on behalf of Syria and her people.
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Find out more: General Minister and President Sharon Watkins introduced the Mission First! pilot project at General Assembly.

How you can prepare

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Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
News in the Church                                   Other News                          
Online Annual Planning Guide: To infinity and beyond!
The Annual Planning Guide and Calendar (APG) is a staple in many congregations, for ministers, laypersons, and organizations in the Christian Church. Did you know you can link those dates into your own electronic calendar? Go to ChalicePress.com for instructions on loading the APG into your smartphone, tablet, or desktop calendars.
 
Plus, the online calendars are now perpetual - all new dates and updates will be added to the calendars you view on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. If you've subscribed to the digital calendars, there's no need to resubscribe. To make sure you're aware of the updates, sign up for monthly e-mails listing the updates and additions.
 
Also, Chalice Press is discontinuing sales of the digital lectionary file--but for a good reason. The Vanderbilt Divinity Library offers several years' worth of lectionary files for free. Visit their website for download and subscription information. You can also link to the lectionary at disciples.org
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NBA XPLOR accepting applications
for 2016-17
 
Early Decision Deadline: Dec. 4, 2015
Cornerstone Deadline: Jan. 15, 2016
Extended Deadline: Feb. 19, 2016
NBA XPLOR is committed to cultivating a diverse population for our 2016-17 cohort of 25+ residents. You may know a young adult who would be interested in the XPLOR experience. An ideal applicant is any young adult (21-30 years old) with an open heart and open mind, who is ready to ask, what did God create my soul to do? Learn more  | Read the latest stories from NBA XPLOR residents
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From Disciples Center for Public Witness
Encourage those without health care to investigate their options and sign up by the end of January. More information

 

Missouri church part of homeless coalition putting on play 

 

GLAD affirms new moderator 

 

Partnership to revitalize nest, launch the new 

 

Bethany College forms group for veterans 

 

Montana Disciple signs on to climate letter 

 

Oklahoma church commits to help African orphanage 

 

Watkins speech at conference goes international / Watkins part of Just Peace conference 

 

Montana pastor opines on evangelism 

 

Illinois Disciple foils attack at library 

 

Virginia church uses praise band to raise funds 

 

Indiana church uses sweets, tunes to raise funds 

 

Ohio church sold to become home for history 

 

Washington church celebrates 100th anniversary 

 

Pastor blogs about patriotism 

 

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Order 2016 Just Women Bible study
Just Women magazine is accepting advance orders for non-subscription copies of the 2016 Bible study, "The Table and Beyond: Lavish Hospitality in the Bible". Ordering before Jan. 19. for $12 per copy will save the shipping and handling costs associated with later orders. This Bible study is part of a standard subscription. 
  • To place your 2016 Bible study order online - click here
  • To renew or start your subscription - click here 
  • To learn more about the Bible study and the other 2016 issues - click here 
Advertising



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Events, Resources and Ministry in Action                                                   
Events
 

Remind & Renew conference on race, Tulsa, OK, Jan. 13-14


Black Ministers Retreat, Jackson, MS, March 8-10

Stepping into Stewardship, Orlando, March 30-April 1

Hispanic Assembly, Coral Gables, FL, July 14-16

Association of Disciples Musician's Conference, Evansville IN, July 17-22

National Convocation Biennial Session, Overland Park, KS (KC area), July 21-24

National Youth Event with United Church of Christ, Buena Vista, FL, July 26-30

NAPAD Convocation, Oakland, CA, Aug. 3-6

Find more events on the calendar hosted by Chalice Press
Resources
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Information on Disciples and UCC responses to the Syrian refugee crisis

Resources for Dec. 10-14 interfaith gun violence Sabbath available

Theme announced, order form provided for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan. 18-26)




Center for Faith and Giving Measuring What Matters stewardship program available


Ministry in Action
You can find ways to plug into mission and more through these ministries.....
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
Kids to Kids: Syrian Refugees
Our latest Kids to Kids project helps kids understand more about the Syrian refugee crisis and how to show God's love through hands-on mission:
  • Help understanding what "refugee" means
  • Information on Syria
  • Basic human rights
  • Books to read
  • Missions ideas
Download the PDF from the Family & Children's Ministry website. This resource has been created in partnership with Week of Compassion and DHM's Refugee & Immigration Ministries.

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Friday, November 20, 2015