September 5, 2016
Move Together
Reconciliation Offering Sept. 25, Oct. 2
by Rev. April Johnson, Reconciliation Ministry

This year's Special Offering theme for Reconciliation Ministry is the second in a three-part series entitled "Be Reconciled: Move, Heal, Bound Together." These are simple words describing incredibly worthwhile and hard work. The message of Christ consistently beckons us toward each other, pushing our notions of what it means to live as the one body of Christ. "...First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 24) Or, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On this hangs all the law and the prophets." (Mathew 39-40) Throughout our faith tradition, Christians have been called to move against our nature to be at enmity with one another. We are admittedly a counter-cultural movement.
 
The message of Christ and the message of the moment is that we are called to do the same thing in different ways. We are many gifts in one body called to be reconciled - to liberate those held captive by the frailties of human systems. Reconciliation Ministry equips and empowers the Church to confront systemic racism and poverty - systems that limit instead of loose the bonds of injustice. Our collective work is not meant to denigrate or condemn the hard work of our ancestors. Instead we are emboldened by their hard work and the model of Christ to strengthen the bonds between us in a unified witness for Christ.

Your congregation's giving to Reconciliation Ministry empowers the Church to advance healing in our communities through safe and intentional dialogue. Through our training and granting programs together we move from debate to dialogue. This fund equips our regional camp and conference programs to deepen our youth's capacity to be the leaders the future is calling in their representation of the complexity and diversity of our nation, world and Church. The movement needs your generous giving.

In Christ and for his sake may our continued movement together be so. . .

Support materials for the offering are available here
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WEBINAR: Becoming a Welcoming Church - Safe Sanctuary Protocols
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016
1:00 p.m. CST / 2:00 p.m. EST
Live webinar online via Fuze
Presented by National Benevolent Association Prison and Jail Ministries Affinity Group
 
In today's world, those convicted of sex offenses are our modern-day lepers. The crimes committed by those labeled sex offenders vary widely. Truth be told, a significant number of people convicted of these crimes are eventually released back into our communities. How does the church welcome and receive these modern-day lepers? How do we create safe sanctuaries and communities that can effectively minister to these children of God?
 
In this webinar, you will learn from a legal expert the conditions and restrictions applicable to those convicted of sex offenses, and from a pastor, how to establish protocols and procedures that make it possible to welcome them into your faith communities.
 
Presenters:
  • Rev. Dean Bucalos, Mission Specialist, NBA Prison and Jail Ministries; Coordinator, Mission Behind Bars and Beyond
  • Nicholas Haynes, Attorney, Darby and Gazak, P.S.C.
  • Moderated by Rev. Monica Wedlock Kilpatrick, Director of Disciples Care Exchange and Affinity Group Ministries

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Events, resources & continuing education

For more events, see the calendar hosted by Chalice Press. Also see the event listings in the weekly Disciples News Service e-letter.
Online classes
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter with resources for pastoral ministry, please opt out by unsubscribing at the link provided below.
 
Featured Links

 
September 'Preamble' shirt  
These T-shirts are available for a limited time. Offered in five colors, you can order until Sept. 15 for delivery the last week of the month. Ten percent of the price goes to Disciples Mission Fund. Customized orders available for additional fee. 2017 General Assembly polos will be offered again in October.
 
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Green Chalice wants to hear from you! 
Green Chalice Green Chalice, our creation care ministry in Disciples Home Missions, and their national partner Blessed Tomorrow are surveying Disciples about attitudes and knowledge in relation to ecological issues. Please pass this link to the invitation on to your congregation
before the Sept. 16 close of the survey.   
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Acts of Reconciliation
A new resource page is available on disciples.org with ideas and resources for your congregation as you are a movement for wholeness in the wake of the shootings earlier this month. We are also taking suggestions for additions by e-mail at news@disciples.org

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Registration is open now!
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Interfaith Alliance's
Guide for Houses of Worship
in Election Years

Circle of Protection's presidential candidate videos on poverty  |  Study guide

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General Ministries
 
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Racial/Ethnic Ministries
Other resources
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Challenged by trying to explain Disciples Mission Fund?
 
You can download this video and get other information at www.disciplesmissionfund.org

How Your Offerings to DMF Support Mission in the Church
How Your Offerings to DMF Support Mission in the Church