October 26, 2016
Butterflies benefit from congregation's commitment 
By Dorothy Thurman, Central Christian, Springfield, MO

Events conspired to culminate in a native plant garden our people are now excited about at Central Christian in Springfield, MO.

About the same time our minister, Geoff Weinman, told us about the Green Chalice project last fall, a friend of mine offered to give me some free milkweed plants for Monarch butterflies if our church would have a spot for them. So when the new Green Committee met and we were looking over the requirements for the Green Chalice designation, the native plant garden option caught my eye, and I relayed the offer of my gardener friend for the free plants. That seemed to be a very opportune happenstance! The committee decided to explore the possibility of such a garden, and I agreed to go to the Grounds committee.

To make a long story short, everyone was agreeable, and we even had a landscaper in the church who said he could prepare the garden the next week!  This was last fall, so we have now had a year with our lovely garden. My sister is a Master Gardener, and she helped me plan and plant the garden. This spring, the little plants sprouted up-everything had over-wintered just fine.
 
Also this spring, a church member asked if her daughter could take on the garden as her Girl Scout Gold Award project. 
Read the full story and see more photos online 
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Ecumenists meet, discuss reformation
The North American Academy of Ecumenists (NAAE) held its annual conference at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta in late September meeting under the theme "'Commemorating' the Reformation: Churches Looking Together Toward 2017 - and Beyond." Through presentations and conversations, about 40 members of the Academy sought to probe the ecumenical significance of the 500th anniversary of the European reformations by asking what Christians have learned from those challenging events, and how the churches might use the anniversary to recommit themselves to harvesting the fruits - and "baking the bread" - of the ecumenical movement. Read more
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Ecumenical group speaks up for Sioux
Churches Uniting in Christ, meeting in Dallas last week, issued a statement in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's opposition to an oil pipeline.

Use Fifth Sunday Oct. 30 to promote the General Assembly!

Just in time for your Fifth Sunday promotion, a downloadable bulletin insert (as well as worship materials) is available on the promotion page that lists the worship and core lecture speakers scheduled thus far.

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
   
Immigration fact sheets
There is plenty of misunderstanding about immigration this election season in the U.S. Get the facts from the American Immigration Council.  
News in the Church                                        Other News                          
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, Green Chalice, Higher Education and Leadership Ministries, Disciples Home Missions and Communication Ministries (publisher of this newsletter). You can give online or through your congregation.  
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Review of Disciples Leadership Program applications begins Dec.1
The Disciples Leadership Program (DLP) at Eureka College
is awarded to first-time freshmen based on leadership, service and academic excellence, and the commitment to explore during college a life of faith-based servant leadership.   

DLP Fellows receive full tuition plus two on-site mentorships exploring service anywhere in the world, a $6,000 combined stipend for travel-related expenses.
(Qualified students are also encouraged to apply for the Reagan Leadership Program.) For more information contact Chaplain Bruce Fowlkes or call (309) 467-6429, or go the admissions page. Estudiantes de los Disc�pulos de Cristo
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Circle of Protection receives letters from candidates
The Circle of Protection, an anti-poverty group, has received letters from both the Democrat and Republican candidates laying out their plans to address poverty. You can also follow @TheCofP and retweet their messages.
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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.

Former General Assembly moderator, pastor to retire|WSLS coverage

Iowa Disciples still part of ecumenical housing project

Kansas congregation hosts coat closet

Christmount's Chatauqua event gets press

Pastor shares progressive nature of congregation

Christmount director reaches out

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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
 
Moral Declaration weekend Nov. 6
The Moral Revival organizers are inviting congregations to have a  Moral Declaration weekend on 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 
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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
 
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

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

Resources

 
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


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
 
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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.....
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
A video invitation
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 28, 2016