January 13, 2016
First Mission Gathering Jan. 21

Everybody wants the world to be a better place. Disciples want to help. In 2016 and 2017, Disciples are piloting a new way of answering God's call to shared mission. At a series of Mission Gatherings, we'll learn of faithfulness in ministry and listen for new opportunities to serve. A Mission Council will collect what is learned and identify a focus for mission. Disciples ministries from all the expressions of the Church will create a new plan for collaborating within that shared focus - congregations, regions, general ministries and church institutions - so that together, as Disciples of Christ, we can make a greater impact showing God's love in the world.

The Mission First! Implementation Team has been hard at work testing and re-testing the model for Mission Gatherings. A toolkit for organizers is nearly complete and the first Mission Gathering will be Jan. 21 at the Disciples Women Leadership Council. 

Please keep the Church, the gathering hosts and participants and the implementation team in prayer. If you haven't yet signed up for the weekly prayer prompts for Mission First! you can do so on the website
logo How you can prepare
News in the Church                                   Other News                          
check presentation
Pictured are (l to r) Eugene Fisher, vice president for employer services; Jim Hamlett, president; and Matt Rosine, director of employer services.
Pension Fund receives grant
Pension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Inc., has received a grant of $1 million as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.'s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders. The initiative supports a variety of religious organizations across the nation as they address the financial and economic struggles that can impair the ability of pastors to lead congregations effectively. Read more
Alabama youth making a difference
drama team and dancers
The New Bethel Christian Church drama team and Angel Praise Dancers collected eye glasses for recycling for the Lions Club in Greenville, AL. The "Recycle for Sight" program provide eyeglasses for indigent and low income individuals.
dancers at agency
The Angel Praise Dancers also donated school uniform polos, baby clothes and baby food to Greenville Department of Human Resources. Pictured back row from right to left is Rev. Tommie L Means, pastor, Bernadette Robinson, Kendra Robinson, front row from right to left, Natasha Mack, Lisa Butts (DHR), Martasia Savage, Ja-liah Mc Means, and Daisha Mack. (Photos and text provided by Melissa Sias-Robinson)
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Woman-to-Woman Worldwide ~ 2016
The 2016 journey will be to South Africa and Ghana in October. All applications are due by Feb. 15. Visit the W2WW web page to learn more.
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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". Order before Jan. 19. This Bible study is part of a standard subscription. 

Place your 2016 Bible study order online.  

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Black Leadership Projects Grant
Accepting applications now
The Black Leadership Projects Committee is happy to announce the 2016 grant process is open. Applications are due no later than May 31. There is no minimum request.

All proposals for projects that develop, nurture, and strengthen lay or clergy church leadership in Disciples African American congregations will be considered. Funds will be awarded to the chosen projects in Summer 2016. Go to our webpage for more information and application guidelines. 
 




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Black Ministers Retreat in March
ALL Disciples are welcome to attend the Black Ministers Retreat in Jackson, MS, March 8-10. The theme is Ministry for the Long Haul.
Featured speakers 
Dietra Baker
Zedric Clayton

Derrick Perkins

Ann Picket-Parker



Antonio Redd

April Johnson
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DYMN Retreat (Disciples Youth Ministry Network) set for March 
Info provided by Rev. Randy Kuss  

What: If you are looking for an intimate event with opportunity for interaction with leaders in youth ministry, this is the place to be. 

Dates: March 29-30-31
Site: Disciples Crossing, Athens, TX
Keynoter: Andrew Zirschky, Academic Director, Center for Youth Ministry Training, Memphis, TN
Registration: $225 by Jan. 15 and $250 through March 1 (includes lodging, meals and event costs)
Hispanic National Pastor search
The National Pastor for Hispanic and Bilingual Ministries is responsible for developing programs and offering pastoral care to Hispanic ministers, lay leaders and Hispanic congregations, as well as advocating for the Obra Hispana in the general and regional expressions of the Disciples of Christ.The office is located in Indianapolis. All applicants are required to provide updated search and call paperwork and to submit a "Letter of Interest" postmarked by March 1.  More information can be found on 
www.obrahispana.org  
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Events, Resources and Ministry in Action                                                   
Events

Winter Talk, Tulsa, OK, Jan. 25-27



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

DYMN retreat, Athens, TX, March 29-31

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
Religions for Peace offers online lectures to learn about Muslims 
   Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 
 
Interfaith toolkit on human trafficking

NEW Center for Faith and Giving stewardship campaign "Go and Do the Same"




Ministry in Action
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Accepting applications  
Cornerstone Deadline
Jan. 15, 2016
Extended Deadline
Feb. 19, 2016
You can find ways to plug into mission and more through these ministries.....
 
  
  
  
  
  
  

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Friday, January 15, 2016