#DOCjustsummer: Reconciliation Ministry | |
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NIV
All have a prophetic call to justice.
We must uphold the dignity of other humans, other children of God and this means we cannot, must not and will not sit on the sidelines and stay silent. The definition of reconcile is “to restore friendly relations between.” Something is happening in the world that is not friendly. As minister of reconciliation for Reconciliation Ministry, Rev. April Johnson stated, “There needs to be a heart and mind shift in order to do this work.”
Reconciliation Ministry has offered an anti-racism training that equips churches to understand and confront systematic racism at the local level, to do the work we are faithfully called to do. Online trainings are more accessible during COVID-19. Johnson advises that in discomfort, transformation can happen. None of us can be the same after transformation.
And a new effort led by long-time trainer Rev. Yvonne Gilmore, begins this week. Every two weeks into November a “Love is an Action Word” event will be online discussing different aspects of racism not only relating to African Americans but also other people of color.
While Rev. Johnson was quick to celebrate the recent awareness and acknowledgement of churches, she mentions that justice ministries in the church setting are the least financially supported. She also commented on the churches ability to develop leadership among all people. Understanding hearts and minds need changing, Johnson praised young activists that are using the education of the issues, doing something about it, and being part of the movement. She finished by saying “We all need to follow their lead.”
The church is all about dignity and extending it to all people. The table is set. All are welcome. All are worthy. Now is the time to move into action.
Join Reconciliation Ministry on Thursday, July 30 at 1pm EDT on their Facebook page for the release of a new interactive activity focusing on privilege and oppression awareness. Then join the Love is an Action Word event at 7 pm EDT. | #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! | | And in case you missed it, you can view a recording of last week's conversation with Sandhya Jha and Leah Gunning Francis. | | | Upper Midwest region announces new regional minister and president provided by the Upper Midwest region
The Rev. Joshua J. Patty comes to the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest from his current position serving as senior minister at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, Missouri and as Chair of the Kansas City Region’s Ordination and Standing Commission. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago Divinity School and brings with him experience in small, medium, and multi-racial congregations. Josh is in the process of becoming an Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Trainer, which is one of his many passions in ministry. He is excited about what has been happening over the past decade in the Upper Midwest and looks forward to being a part of discerning our vision for the future.
Rev. Joshua Patty will be relocating to the Upper Midwest with his wife, Rev. Sara Patty, and their two active boys, ages 3 and 1. He will begin duties October 1, 2020. | | | | Call to African American clergy to gather for monthly prayers “You will pray to God, and God will hear you…” Job 22:27
The National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is calling for all African American Clergy to gather for a monthly time of Prayer.
We will meet via Zoom on the first Tuesday of every month.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 4, at 4pm PDT/5pm MDT/6pm CDT/7pm EDT. You may access via Zoom or by calling 1 646 876 9923 Meeting ID: 557 470 4923 | | | | 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. | | | | 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. | | | | 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 | | | | 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. | | | | Bring the world to your church!
As we continue to worship with care, there are many ways to bring the world to you congregation!
- 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
| | | | 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.
| | 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!
| | | | More opportunities to put ministry into action
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