October 12, 2016

Find out ways to honor your pastor or for pastors to share the uniqueness of their own ministries.
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Colorado congregation makes space their own 

by Rev. Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson
The Cairn Christian Church's congregation was founded in Boulder in the late 1800s and has worshipped in four buildings over the years. In 2010, it moved from a mid-20th century building near the campus of Colorado University in Boulder, to a former Greek Orthodox building in Lafayette. For five years the congregation settled into their new home in Lafayette, took on a new name (formerly First Christian Church, Boulder) and a new vision, mission and values statement. They also started exploring how to use the proceeds from the sale of their former building. In 2015, they hired a second full-time minister to lead ministries to children, youth, young adults and families and to head up the peace and justice ministries of the congregation. They also established an endowment for scholarships at Phillips Seminary in Tulsa, OK. And finally, they decided to remodel the building. Construction on the sanctuary started in fall of 2015 and concluded in fall of 2016. Plans for a remodel of the rest of the building are being considered. Full story and link to additional photos
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Moral Declaration weekends Oct. 16, Nov. 6
The Moral Revival organizers are inviting congregations to have a  Moral Declaration weekend on Oct. 16 and/or Nov. 6. The organizers suggest that clergy teach or preach their lesson focused on the intersections of systemic racism, economic liberation of all people, ensuring every child receives access to quality education, healthcare access for all, and criminal justice reform. Resources available online 

Thanksgiving Offering
to benefit higher education
received in most congregations
Nov. 6 & 13
Find out more

Get reacquainted with Higher Education & Leadership Ministries
Get reacquainted with Higher Education & Leadership Ministries
 
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Shirt of the Month orders
It's that time! The first two weeks of October are the time to order your General Assembly polo shirt. Available in a range of colors, the shirts will be produced the third week of the month and shipped the fourth - hopefully in time for your General Assembly Promotion Sunday Oct. 30!
News in the Church                                        Other News                          
Disciples Center for Public Witness shares statements on Charlotte, Tulsa
The Disciples Center for Public Witness has been involved in responses to recent police action in both Charlotte, NC, and Tulsa. As a result they, along with the Disciples Justice Action Network, offer these statements on the incidents.
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Light a Candle for Children
Prayer vigil now - Oct. 16

Follow on Facebook

Nominations due Nov. 1
The General Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for the 2017-2019 General Assembly moderator team and General Board. Other ministries will also have access to this database when looking for people with the passion and skills needed for their own boards. Click here for more info
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Election eve prayer service
The Council on Christian Unity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) believes that Christians still can get together at the places of prayer as one body of Christ no matter what kind of political opinions we hold as citizens. In order to help you organize an ecumenical prayer service for election eve/day, Rev. Kara Markell, Lake Washington Christian Church, Kirkland, WA, has created a liturgy for an Ecumenical Prayer Service for Election Eve/Day.
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Did you know?
Disciples Mission Fund provides much of the funding for the ministries mentioned in today's Disciples News Service. Included are ALL the regions, Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM), Disciples Home Missions' Family and Children's Ministries, Council on Christian Unity and Communication Ministries (publisher of this newsletter). You can give online or through your congregation.  
 
Bethany College inaugurates newest president

Chapman University celebrates new president: video | news

Christian Church Homes partners with Presbyterian, governments in San Francisco senior housing project

Kansas church celebrates centennial
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Circle of Protection receives letters from candidates
The Circle of Protection, an anti-poverty group, invited all candidates for the U.S. presidency last year to submit videos explaining what their plans are for poverty. More recently, they have received letters from both the Democrat and Republican candidates laying out their plans.  

Also on poverty and hunger... 
The Circle of Protection wants to urge the moderators of the U.S. presidential debates to ask candidates questions about what they will do to address poverty. If you would like to join the effort you can tweet to the addresses provided.
  • Oct. 19 (presidential nominees), Chris Wallace from FOX News (@FoxNewsSunday)
You can also follow @TheCofP and retweet their messages.
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Clergy Continuing Education Grants available
The application period for the 2017 Clergy Continuing Education Grants is now open now to
Oct. 31. Applications completed by Disciples clergy with standing (Ordained or Commissioned) over the next two months will be considered for awards to be distributed in 2017. These awards are to help DOC clergy participate in continuing education experiences in 2017 that will enhance their gifts and graces for ministry. You can find out more, and access the application process here
 
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
College Retreat, Christmount, Oct. 21-23
 

Now What? seminar on repurposing resources, Oct. 28, Dallas, TX
  
General Assembly Promotion Sunday Oct. 30 promotion materials

VOICES conference on mental illness, Nov. 11-12, Minneapolis, MN 



Disciples Development Conference, San Diego CA Jan. 18-20

General Assembly Promotion Sunday, Jan. 29

Find more events on the calendar hosted by Chalice Press
A video invitation

July 8-12 in Indianapolis
Other promotion material available on the General Assembly website

Resources
WEBINAR: Becoming a Welcoming Church: Safe Sanctuary Protocols
Presented by NBA's Prison and Jail Ministries 
View the webinar resource page with presentation slides and the full video recording
 
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.
 
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Reconciliation Ministry grant application, guidelines posted in English, Spanish and Korean; due Jan. 31, 2017 for 2017 projects
 

Religions for Peace offers online lectures to learn about Muslims 
   Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 
  
Center for Faith and Giving stewardship campaign "Go and Do the Same"

Building an Inclusive Church toolkit


Ministry in Action
We are instruments
We are called to action in the face of violence. A page of resources and possible actions has been posted on disciples.org.

You are encouraged to access the Injustice Anywhere documentary hosted by the National Benevolent Association's website and the accompanying study materials specifically for interracial understanding. The film was produced in response to the troubles in Ferguson, MO, that began in August 2014. 

You can find ways to plug into mission and more through these ministries.....
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
Get ready for YOUR
Mission Gathering!

 

Use the videos and other materials online to brush up on the identity statement. Global Ministries also offers a new book about mutuality in mission, Restoring Hope

 

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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Friday, October 14, 2016