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. | | Application deadline approaching for Excellence in Ministry | |
For the fifth year, Pension Fund is receiving applications from across U.S. and Canada for the Excellence in Ministry program. This program, funded in part by our generous donors and the Lilly Endowment, strengthens the ministry of our most outstanding early-career pastors by providing them training in financial literacy and a grant to reduce financial stress.
Participants receive a grant of $10,000 which can be used to pay down educational debt, start an emergency fund, or save for retirement. The financial literacy education is provided by Pension Fund and financial partners like USA Today financial contributor Pete the Planner®.
Real quotes from recent participants:
“I used to think I was the only minister who felt stress about money. Now I know I’m not alone and I have people I can talk to.”
“I’m so grateful for this program and the opportunity it provided for my husband and I to ask the hard questions … to really be intentional about how we’re working together to build financial security for our future in ministry.” | | General ministries respond to the COVID-19 outbreak
The Office of General Minister and President (OGMP) is one of many ministries responding to protect the well-being of Disciples across the United States and Canada. “Even as our staff is making every effort to practice social distancing, we are staying in close contact with regions and general ministries to determine how we can support one another during this time.” said Chief of Staff Lee Hull Moses.
“We need to set an example and listen to the science,” General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens said in a recent video message to the Church sharing that she is curtailing her travel schedule. Research has shown that slowing the spread of the virus is dependent on limiting gatherings and contact. Lessening strain on the health care system will put fewer individuals at risk of not receiving appropriate care. | | Invitation to join in prayer
God, we lift up in praise the work of the North Carolina region, from Camp Caroline to the pastoral commission. We ask your special blessing on their regional assembly in April and thank you for the spirit of cooperation from last weekend’s women’s meeting at Christmount with their sisters from other south eastern regions. God your blessings are overflowing! Amen. | | | | 2020 Year Book reporting deadline extended to March 23
The annual Year Book & Directory is all about connections between expressions of the Church. Congregations and clergy, general and regional ministries, and General Assembly reports and resolutions are contained in each issue.
We are extending the deadline for year book reporting in recognition of the added stress on congregations and regions from the COVID-19 issues. Please submit your report by March 23.
Visit disciples.org/yearbook to download instructions, answers to frequently asked questions, instructional webinar for congregations, PDF forms in English, Spanish, Korean, and French, and to submit your report online.
The Year Book serves as an invaluable resource for church staff and members, as well as the official record of a year in the life of our Church – and it’s not complete without you! | | | | Report on 2020 General Board meeting available
The 2020 Covenant Journal, a report on the General Board meeting held in February, is available for download. Included are highlights of general ministry and regional ministry reports as well as an overview of General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens’ State of the Church address and Rev. Dr. Irie Session’s sermon. In addition, a small sample of the discussions of the board around the Preamble of the Design is offered. | | | | 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. | | | | General Minister and President offers pastoral word in response to COVID19 pandemic
General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens offers this pastoral message, providing practical tips for individuals and congregations, announcing that she is suspending her travel for the foreseeable future, provides pastoral care, and recommends Disciples stay connected with our office and the wider Church through social media and our website. | | | | | 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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