COVID-19 resources available
The Office of the General Minister and President has compiled a collection of resources and statements from Church leadership in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in partnership with Week of Compassion, National Benevolent Association, and others. We are updating this page with more resources as available. | | DCEF announces loan payment deferral plan | |
The disruption caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) extends well beyond its primary health concerns to virtually every aspect of daily life including, but not limited to, economic impacts for individuals and congregations. Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) understands that many churches will have trouble meeting their various financial obligations during this time of uncertainty. The inability to meet for worship and diminished congregational giving are the primary causes, along with loss of jobs in the economic slowdown.
Our goal is always to work with our congregational partners to benefit our shared mission. To respond with immediate assistance to congregations, DCEF will provide to Disciples congregations a two-month deferral of loan payments beginning with payments due April 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020. During this time, interest will accrue, but you will not be charged any late fees.
Due to the short timeframe before we draw payments from most accounts, the deferral on loan payments will take place automatically on all DCEF loans to congregations. This means there is nothing you need to do at this time to start the deferral. However, we also know that the impact on congregations will be different and, should your preference be to continue your regular payments, you may do so. If your preference is to continue payments please give us a call at 1-800-274-1883 or send an email to loans@disciplescef.org. If we collect your payments automatically from your checking account or DCEF Investments, we need to receive your notification by March 27, 2020. | | Easter offering received next month
As congregations look for ways to worship together virtually, the Easter special offering can still be part of your celebrations together. A variety of resources are available to share in your congregation, like videos, PowerPoint slides, children's activities, and more. | | | | Invitation to join in prayer
Thank you, God, for the work you are doing in your church as it is expressed in the Northeastern region. We lift up the important work of our commissions, board, clergy and the faithful. We also rejoice in the justice work being done, and abide in the sustaining presence of the Spirit from Maine to Rhode Island and New Jersey to New Hampshire. Bless the members of the region as they witness from their doorsteps to the ends of the earth. Amen. | | | | "Rejoice?" reflection from Green Chalice
Today 180 congregations and ministries (and growing) are part of the Green Chalice family. Disciples congregations everywhere are taking ambitious actions to lower their carbon to meet the goal of Resolution GA-1723 to go carbon neutral by 2030. Mission Hills Christian Church, in Los Angeles, CA, is leading the way by going 100% solar last year.
Green Chalice received an Oreon Scott grant to increase the capacity of our work. Week of Compassion has become a partner to address the growing need for congregations to prepare for natural disasters. Disciples Women provided a grant for women clergy to be trained as Climate Ambassadors. In 2020, Scott and I have been invited to teach and preach from California to Michigan and Washington, DC to Texas. Disciples congregations and regions are ready to lead in climate commitment and action. Our partners Blessed Tomorrow, Creation Justice Ministries, and Interfaith Power and Light are all accelerating their work in faith and climate.
Rejoice? Indeed, we are rejoicing because there is no one better to lead on climate than Disciples. We understand that Jesus calls us to uncomfortable and challenging work. We have a long history of working for justice and peace. We have a long history of ecumenical and interfaith partnerships. | | | | National Convocation searches for interim administrative secretary
The National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Board of Trustees is searching for the position of Interim Administrative Secretary. The Interim Administrative Secretary will provide the leadership, management and vision necessary to undergird the ministries of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (NCCC) and the National Christian Missionary Convention (NCMC) for a two-year period (Dec. 2020 – Dec. 2022).
Applications are due March 31. | | | | Applications open for HELM scholarships
The Leadership Fellows program is a leadership development program for Disciples undergraduate students. Each of the four years of undergraduate education has a different focus: Community, Transformation, Global Awareness, and Mentoring. Click here to learn more about the Leadership Fellows program and to access the online application.
For Disciples students pursuing a PhD in the field of religion, HELM offers two scholarships, the William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones Scholarship and the Ann E. Dickerson Scholarship. Click here for more information on these scholarships and to access the online application.
All application materials for both the Leadership Fellows Program and PhD scholarships must be received by April 30. If you have questions, please contact Jon Barnes. | | | | National Benevolent Association extends XPLOR 2020-21 application deadline
The NBA initiates ministries designed to establish and grow partnerships with health and social service supporters and providers. Drawing upon this rich history, NBA continues to assist Disciples to join systemic justice work with direct care and action. In 2014, we launched NBA XPLOR, a prophetic movement of young adults who are considering lives of care and service. The Residency provides 10-month professional development and vocational discernment opportunities for 21- to 30-year-olds to live simply in community and engage in direct service and justice work. Through NBA XPLOR, we partner young adults with Disciples congregations, regional and general ministries, and wider communities—positively engaging neighborhoods, the congregations, and the young adults. We are currently accepting applications for our 2020-21 cohort. Applications for this XPLOR cohort will be received until all spaces are full. Your applications are welcome and you will be contacted immediately with updated news on openings. For questions and more information, contact Rev. Ben Bohren. To learn more about the XPLOR program, visit nbacares.org/xplor. | | Additional resources and opportunities
| | | | Association of Disciple Musicians conference registration is open
The 59th annual Association of Disciple Musicians Conference for music and worship is being held on the University of Tulsa campus this summer, July 26-31.
| | More opportunities to put ministry into action
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