June 8, 2016
Katelin Ferrari and John Williams donate their time to provide haircuts during New Covenant_s annual Community Day. Photo Credit: Christie Bell
Tennessee church demonstrates
'crazy' love
By Dawn Cornelius

Do you know what love looks like? Not romantic love or self-�love, but the kind of selfless and sacrificial love we show to one another as human beings.

New Covenant Christian Church in Nashville, TN, has held its Community Day, an all-�day block party-�style event, for the past several years with the intent of showing a "crazy" love that is extravagant, selfless, and sacrificial. As any New Covenant member would tell you, "It's more than just a party, It's all about changing lives."

Led by an army of New Covenant members with blocked streets and an event that rivals any city-�run festival, the church partners with businesses, community agencies, government leaders and judges, healthcare providers, and other local social activists in the private and public sector to meet the practical, social, emotional, legal, and financial needs of its community in relevant and tangible ways.

This past Community Day welcomed over 500 people, provided free food, social services, information on job opportunities, free hair cuts, health information and health care services such as free mammograms, record expungement, and other relevant programming and free items for adults and children.

Participating corporations, vendors and partners have included Pepsi, National Urban League, Soles for Souls, and others. The year's Community Day on August 6 is expected to exceed previous years' attendance and impact.

While it's easy to understand why a social justice-�-oriented ministry such as New Covenant would lead the way in tackling tough issues in the community around poverty, immigration, affordable housing, racism, education, fair opportunities for former convicts, healthcare access, food insecurity, and other social issues affecting the most underserved in North Nashville, the real story is how individual lives have been transformed as result of New Covenant's extravagant love for its community.

Rev. Dr. Judy Cummings, senior pastor of New Covenant said, "These families came seeking backpacks for their kids, shoes for their family, and record expungement for their dad and ended up with love being poured all over them." Read full story 


A video invitation
Get ready for YOUR
Mission Gathering!

 

Use the videos and other materials online to brush up on the identity statement. You also might find  the Justice Primer (8 pgs. with guide) and Justice Devotions (34 entries) to be helpful. Global Ministries also offers a new three-session adult curriculum called REACH.

 

Join the prayer effort and receive weekly prompts for prayer and action.

 

Find out more and sign up for information on the Mission First! page. You can also share your stories of mission on the Mission First! Facebook group.

 

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Unity not Uniformity #DOCWeAreOne T-shirt
Show your Disciple pride! Available in nine colors. Order the first two weeks in June; shipped the last week of the month. Group orders save on shipping. Ten percent of all sales go to Disciples Mission Fund. (If you would like to customize these shirts to include your congregation's information for a small fee, contact the vendor through the website - http://store.disciples.org)  
News in the Church                                       Other News                          
NAPAD to meet this summer in California
The call: "Be Reconciled in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)
The event: 19th Biennial North American Pacific/Asian Disciples Convocation
The time: Aug. 3-6, 2016
The place: Sunnyvale, CA (near San Jose)

Keynoted by the Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah of North Park Theological Seminary, an expert in evangelism and urban ministry, the NAPAD Convocation begins on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at Raynor Park Christian Church. Opening worship that evening will feature the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President with Dr. Rah beginning his sharing on Thursday morning and concluding Friday morning.

Also featured is a historical review by  Dr. Rita Nakashima-Brock and Dr. Timothy Lee, both of Brite Divinity School. Thursday evening's worship will be highlighted by  President Chris Dorsey of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries.

Friday afternoon will feature a Mission Gathering as part of the Mission First! pilot project followed by the always-rich banquet and Cultural Night festivities in the evening. Saturday's closing worship will feature National Benevolent Association's Rev. April Lewton, vice president of development and marketing.

Register online BEFORE June 25 for a discount; register at full price before July 14. Click here to begin registration. Some meals are included. Disciples in the area are welcome to attend the banquet and Cultural Night only for $30 per person. Hotels are available in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara.

If you need more information, contact Dr. Geunhee Yu at (317)713-2685, or [email protected]
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Free resource on ministry to veterans
Because 20 million military veterans living the U.S. deserve more support from our churches and communities of faith. Here's practical, hands-on advice and help from a military chaplain that will help you get started. Request your FREE copy online now.
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What's app?
We have a Disciples app for your iPhone or Android! Download it today!

 
 
Higher Education and Leadership Ministries to relocate to Indianapolis
Move allows for increased collaboration and greater financial equilibrium
Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM), St. Louis, a General Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has announced its plans to relocate to Indianapolis. HELM's new office will be in the Disciples Center, home to the denomination's Office of the General Minister & President, multiple General Ministries, and other denominational offices. Read more
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You are invited to �Missionworks!
�Missionworks! is an unique experience for pastors, mission board members, and anyone interested in mission to connect with the global work of the church. Over the weekend of Aug. 26-28 you will find out how to build on your congregation's existing passion for mission and receive tools for sharing about God's mission in the world.

�Missionworks! will help you to:
  • Discover music, prayer, and worship resources
  • Learn first-hand from international partners, missionaries, and Global Ministries staff
  • Hear the Good News of how the global church is making a difference in the world
�Missionworks! will be held at the Marten House in Indianapolis Aug. 26-28. For more information and to register visit globalministries.org/missionworks

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Did you know.....
Ministries mentioned in this issue that are supported in part by Disciples Mission Fund include North American Pacific/Asian Disciples, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries, National Benevolent Association, Global Ministries and Communication Ministries? Give today
Advertising
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Events, Resources and Ministry in Action                                                   
Events

June 16-19

Cane Ridge Day June 25 


Disciple Men, Fort Worth, July 8-10

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


Pre-Convocation Lay and Clergy Leadership Institute July 21

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

General Assembly Promotion Sunday, July 31

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




Find more events on the calendar hosted by Chalice Press
Resources
Communications, June 21 - August 15
Spiritual Development, June 21 - August 15


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

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

Building an Inclusive Church toolkit



Ministry in Action

NBA XPLOR Spotlight:
Dallas
Meet XPLOR Residents Caleb, Natalie, and Derek, along with team members serving with East Dallas Christian Church, Agape Clinic, Ebby House, and Juliette Fowler Communities, and find out what's next for these young adults!
Watch the Spotlight on YouTube
You can find ways to plug into mission and more through these ministries.....
 
  
  
  
  
  
  

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Friday, June 10, 2016