#DOCjustsummer: NBA activism and advocacy peer groups ~ DR. VITUS BLOG

July 22, 2020

#DOCjustsummer: NBA activism & advocacy

By National Benevolent Association staff

Here are eight simple ways for your congregations, projects, organizations to become more prepared for a social justice crisis. For more tips and conversation on how to get involved in social justice work in your community, join us Thursday, July 23 for a conversation with NBA peer group members on the role of these groups in supporting their social justice work in their communities.

Read on for action items

#DOCjustsummer

This summer, each issue of Disciples News Service is featuring one of our many justice-oriented ministries and invite you to learn more about them. We hope you will find a place to put your passion to work!

Watch for an Instagram takeover!

Thursday, July 23 (and Friday, July 24)

The Disciples Instagram account will feature the work of the youth of University Christian Church in Fort Worth. Their shepherd, Rev. Jamie Plunkett, and his colleagues and youth will take you on a journey through their feeding project Thursday and Friday.

Follow the Disciples Instagram

National Convocation schedules online business session for Aug. 15

The National Convocation has opened registration for its 26th Biennial Session virtual business meeting on Saturday, August 15. Business items for the two-hour online meeting are:

a. Install new Officers;

b. Install new At-Large Members;

c. Receive the Strategic Plan and Vision Statement;

d. Approve the Amendments to the Articles of Operation;

e. Receive the Advisory Committee report;

f. Receive the Nominating Committee report;

g. and receive the Time & Place Report.

You count!

Future planning by governments, nonprofits and others is directly affected by the numbers from the census, so in spite of the pandemic and because of the inequities in how communities are resourced, General Minister and President Rev. Teresa Hord Owens reminds us that 2020 is a census year in the United States. Fill out the quick form at 2020census.gov to make a difference for your community for the next 10 years!

(And don't forget to register to vote in upcoming elections!)

Mission and Ministry grant application period open until Sept. 1

Serving as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)’s health and social service general ministry, the National Benevolent Association partners with Disciples-related ministries, regions, and local congregations to create communities of compassion and care. NBA’s Mission & Ministry Grants program utilizes purpose-restricted funds to provide grant funding for projects serving older adults and educating disenfranchised youth and young adults.

Due to the purpose-restriction of these funds, grant applications must clearly demonstrate their funding needs as being related to older adults or at-risk youth in order to be approved.

Mission & Ministry Grants are available for congregations, programs, and ministries affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. American projects must have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status through the church and/or the state in which the ministry operates. Canadian projects must be registered charities through the CRA.

Mission and Ministry Grants

NBA invites social entrepreneurs to register for its virtual SENT Seminar

NBA invites social entrepreneurs and Disciples who want to learn more about the world of Social Enterprise to our virtual SENT Seminar. Participants will experience online education on the importance of impactful work in our communities and lessons on how to plant and grow new faith-rooted social enterprises. Join us online for the Virtual SENT Seminar, Sept. 16–18, 2020

Find out more about the SENT seminar

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.

Rev. Terri Hord Owens will be continuing the Wednesday Facebook Live prayers throughout the summer. She will also be continuing her Friday meetings with pastors and chaplains via Zoom. Register here

Apply for a COVID-19 NBA Response Grant - Cycle 2 open to Sept. 30

To offer a rapid and impactful response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the National Benevolent Association is offering grant funding to support Disciples-related ministries that are working locally in response to this crisis. With this funding, we seek to offer relief to ministries that have been detrimentally impacted and to support new projects created in service to those suffering because of the pandemic. All Disciples-related health and social services ministries and congregation-affiliated projects in the United States and Canada are invited to apply. Eligible applicants must demonstrate in detail their financial need for support related to COVID-19. For more information and to apply, visit NBAcares.org/covid-19-grants.

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Other News

Green Chalice hosting eco-justice virtual camp

Three liturgies added to justice page in support of #DOCjustsummer

Global Ministries expands events with mission co-workers

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Bring the world to your church!

As we continue to worship with care, there are many ways to bring the world to you congregation!

Global Ministries mission co-workers are available to join you virtually – either live or with pre-recorded presentations:

to preach in a Sunday service
to share in gatherings during the week
to lead a Sunday school classes

Looking for engaging Sunday school ideas? Consider planning four Sundays of live presentations, pre-recorded presentations, or a mixture of both. Have an exciting month of learning about God’s work in the world!

Mission co-workers who have served in places like Kenya, the Dominican Republic, East Timor, and Greece are available.

For questions or to invite someone to share their story, please contact Cathy Nichols.

Additional resources and opportunities

Watch for new resources from Disciples Peace Fellowship!

Update or place order for free Special Day Offering materials

Find resources for treasurers and worship leaders from Disciples Mission Fund

Center for Faith and Giving offers resources for congregations' annual campaigns

More opportunities to put ministry into action

Discover your congregation's calling with Hope Partnership Services

Poor Peoples' Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival updates

Disciples News Service (DNS) is distributed by Communication Ministries, in the Office of the General Minister and President, and is supported by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund. To change your subscription, or submit news for consideration in DNS, visit our website.