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. We are updating this page with more resources as available.
| | Same time. Same format. New location.
General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens has updated her Facebook presence so she can accept more followers. Her Facebook live prayers will continue at noon EDT but will be accessed at her new page "Rev. Terri Hord Owens" ( facebook.com/terrihordowens). | | Disciples.org gets a facelift
If you head over to disciples.org this week you may notice the old familiar disciples.org looks a little bit different. The menus at the top still go to the same information, but we updated the home page for the new decade. We did some work on the back end of the site as well that should help it function more smoothly. If you run across a broken link, e-mail news@disciples.org. | | You may not be able to travel much right now, but your imagination is free to roam anywhere it wants to go.
Chalice Press’ newest release, America’s Sacred Sites: 50 Faithful Reflections on Our National Monuments and Historic Sites, arrives just as we’re used to emerging from our winter cocoons and exploring the country – in an time when pandemic keeps us at home. The new book pairs a National Park Service site in each state with a religious or spiritual theme, scripture, and reflection questions. It’s a follow-up to America’s Holy Ground: 61 Faithful Reflections on Our National Parks, co-written by Chalice Press publisher Brad Lyons and Minister for Faith and Giving Bruce Barkhauer.
“Both books have roots in our faith tradition,” Lyons says. “America’s Holy Ground was environmental in its perspective, while America’s Sacred Sites is focused more on human creativity and social justice. “But both books have a strong connection to stewardship,” Barkhauer added, “care for the earth. Stewardship is a whole-life practice, and we are to be good stewards of our history and story. We are to be truth tellers. Sometimes that’s uncomfortable and sometimes that’s delightful.”
The National Park Service includes more than 400 locations. Together the two books have covered about one-quarter of the system, which is why the second book has been in the works since the inception of the first book.
“We included a section in the first book explaining why sites like Mount Rushmore, Golden Gate National Recreation Area and other immensely popular, well-known sites weren’t included in the first book,” Lyons said. “But when it came time to pick one site from each state, that was a challenge. Some states have only a few sites, while others have dozens. And we haven’t even started on the District of Columbia, which would probably be a book all by itself, or the other American territories. I’d love to add Canada!” Taking center stage are historical sites – Maryland’s Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park (Risk), Alabama’s Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail (Progress), and the Oklahoma City National Monument (Innocence) – and nature-focused sites like Wyoming’s Devils Tower (Sacred), the fourteen-state Appalachian Trail (Preparation), and the most-visited NPS unit, California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area (fun). Both authors are learning something new with every entry. “I had no idea when I started researching that the Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty are linked to the abolitionist movement,” Barkhauer says. “The bell gained fame as part of the anti-slavery movement, and a hard-to-see element of the Statue includes broken shackles around her ankles. Those are the kinds of discoveries that make writing this so much fun.” | | Upper Midwest congregation builds “A Bed for Every Child” program Submitted by Tom Hakes of FCC Keokuk
In the fall of 2017 First Christian Church in Keokuk, IA began a local ministry that we call “A Bed for Every Child.” Our men’s fellowship group was looking for a service project, and the idea of building simple beds to give to local children came up.
We learned that about 160 beds were available for purchase from a local boarding school that had closed, and we decided to take the leap of faith and purchase them all to refurbish and give away.
At first, we weren’t sure how we would dispose of all those beds, but soon learned that the need was huge. All that initial group of beds was given away within about two months.
As it was obvious that the need for beds for local children was not yet fulfilled, we then started building bunkbeds and twin beds from scratch and have now given away 350 beds altogether. As word of our program has spread, the need has increased. We now receive two or three requests per week and our bed builders struggle to keep up!
Watch this ministry introduction video to see our members (young and old) working together moving, repairing, and cleaning beds for distribution, as well as photos of multiple happy recipients.
We’re also happy to share this brochure that details our bed construction process and cost information. First Christian Church has found this local outreach ministry to be rewarding for the entire congregation, and we think a similar program would be needed and appreciated in any community, and inspirational for those involved.
First Christian Church in Fort Madison, IA (20 miles from Keokuk) is just now beginning a similar ministry, and we have been in contact with another interested group in Burlington, IA. | | Invitation to join in prayer
God, we thank you for the faithful servants of the South Carolina region who, in the face of uncertainty, have continued to stay connected to each other and to the whole Church. We pray with them as they continue in transition in regional leadership and thank you for those who have been serving so well. Amen | | | | Join the National Benevolent Association for SoulCare Moments every Wednesday in May
The NBA’s Mental Health & Wellness Initiative team invites you to join us for a moment to pause and process. Throughout the month of May, NBA will host a series of SoulCare moments to practice self-care and prayer. Each week will have a special theme and will happen live via Zoom and our Facebook page. We welcome you to enjoy these moments to simply breathe, be present, and pray with us. Please register and join us! | | | | Leader applications sought
The Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance – AllianceQ is seeking leaders to serve as a part of this transforming, expanding ministry.
Qualified candidates will understand the history of and vision for our ministry. A demonstrated commitment to justice for vulnerable groups will enhance how we can live into our mission to build a just, inclusive church. AllianceQ is taking another road; we are examining our identity and practices so that we can imagine deeper and wider ministry. With a new Executive Director + Minister and a General Minister and President who is invested in this work, AllianceQ has the potential to build upon a great foundation. See this joint reflection of faith from Melissa Guthrie Loy and Terri Hord Owens.
To former council members, regional O&A team members, volunteers, members and friends, and in honor of the 1987 Coordinating Committee and all those who dreamed of and paved the way for this work, THANK YOU. Will you make referrals for leadership in this season? Complete this form. If you are personally interested in leadership with the Alliance, complete the form about yourself. If you would like to refer someone for leadership, complete the sections to the best of your ability. | | | | General Minister and President offers census reminder
In the midst of all we're doing to respond to COVID-19, General Minister and President Rev. Teresa Hord Owens reminds us that 2020 is a Census year in the United States. Click on the logo to the right to see her video message. Future planning by governments, nonprofits and others for emergencies is directly affected by the numbers from this census. Fill out the quick form at 2020census.gov to make a difference for your community for the next 10 years! | | | | You are invited to participate in this digital gathering | | Additional resources and opportunities
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