January 20, 2016
Summer Sessions for men July 8-10
By Stephen Bentley
 
cowboy hat 2016 is a great year to celebrate Disciples Men. This year we are "Hanging our Hats" in Fort Worth, Texas at Texas Christian University on July 8-10. The focus for this Sessions will be on strengthening both local and regional Disciples Men's groups. Strong Disciples Men's groups foster closer relationships to God and to one another and promote mission the community where they exist.  For further information go to www.Sessions2016.org
 
Each year Disciples Men from all over the United States and Canada in local and regional groups work to raise money for use both locally, regionally, and our four mission stations:  Yakama Christian Mission (www.yakamamission.org), All Peoples Community Center (http://www.allpeoplescc.org), Inman Christian Center  and Kentucky Appalachian Ministries (http://kentuckyappalachianministry.com).  The priority for this mission is to raise funds to feed hungry children in the local community or a regional food pantry as well as these feeding hungry children in these mission stations. Of special note in 2015, the Disciples Men in the Region of West Virginia raised over $20,000 for their Regional Food pantry "Bucks for Beef."  

Visit our web site, www.sessions2016.org Remember, You Are Called By Name.
 

 
logo How you can prepare
News in the Church                                   Other News                          
2016-17 Changemaker Fellowship Applications available
logo Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is now accepting applications for our 2016-17 Changemaker Fellows Program! We seek leaders who are working towards justice and equality, and who want to more deeply connect spirituality and social transformation in our local, national, and global communities. Changemakers express a deep commitment to addressing issues of racism and privilege, and demonstrate both cultural humility and a strong vocational interest in working for systemic social change.  The Fellowship includes partial- to full- scholarships for the Certificate of Spirituality and Social Change, and also covers expenses for exciting immersion opportunities, leadership training, spiritual formation, and faculty mentoring.  Applications received be Feb. 15 will receive priority consideration. Click here for more information or to apply.
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Building an inclusive church
by Mark Johnston 
Building an Inclusive Church trainings are for leaders in congregations that are considering becoming Open & Affirming and for people who would like to know more about supporting other congregations becoming O&A.

Your church doesn't have to be ready to become O&A before attending this workshop - this workshop will give you tools and resources that will help any congregation move on the journey to more welcome.

This training will hone your skills and give you knowledge about how to guide your congregation through those tough conversations toward a more fully inclusive church. The training is an in-depth hands-on look at the tools and process in the Building an Inclusive Church Toolkit.

Two trainings are scheduled in the next two months: Feb. 26-27 at National City Christian Church, Washington DC and March 11-12 at Johns Creek Christian Church, Atlanta.
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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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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. 
 



Virginia congregations join local teach-ins for MLK Day

North Carolina pastor speaks up about aid for poor

Kentucky church honors King legacy

Missouri church hosts preparations for unity service

Indiana church planning renewal

Missouri church tutors for more than 17 years

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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.
Register
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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: $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 
Advertising

If you are interested in advertising in future issues of the Disciples News Service, please contact Fred Jones 
Events, Resources and Ministry in Action                                                   
Events
Winter Talk, Tulsa, OK, Jan. 25-27





DYMN retreat, Athens, TX, March 29-31

Stepping into Stewardship, Orlando, March 30-April 1

Disciple Men, Fort Worth, July 8-10

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"

Building an Inclusive Church toolkit
Ministry in Action
NBA residents
NBA XPLOR: Latest Stories and News
We continue to receive applications for the 2016-17 cohort of NBA XPLOR Residents; our extended deadline is Feb. 19. Hear from this year's XPLOR Residents, who reflect on social justice issues, vocational discernment, "being the change," and more. 

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

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