Disciples News Service October 18, 2023 ~ DR. VITUS BLOG

October 18, 2023

Since the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, violence and devastation have escalated in the Middle East, with years of political tension and conflict bearing out in the most horrifying and heartbreaking ways. Thousands of civilians have been killed and thousands more injured as the warfare persists. Week of Compassion has been in frequent contact with trusted partners, including through Global Ministries, the Middle East Council of Churches, and ACT Alliance. These partners are in close conversation about immediate needs in Israel/Palestine and the broader region - food, water, shelter, medical care, sanitation - and know there will be many considerations to come regarding a long-term solution and recovery.

Read More and Respond

In the wake of its first in-person Christian Unity Gathering since 2019, held in Nashville October 11-12, the National Council of Churches lift up Israel/Palestine in prayer and issued the following public statement on the current hostilities.

"“As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!’” (Luke 19:41-2a, NRSVUE)

Just days ago, the fragile peace in the Middle East was shattered, with an unexpected, brutal assault from Gaza by Hamas on the State of Israel." To read the full statement, click the link below.

Join the Church Narrative Project StoryHour as they gather with the Great River Region (Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi) on Friday, November 3 live on Facebook and YouTube. Through StoryHour gatherings followed by an ongoing series of in person engagements the whole church is participating in a shared process. Learn more about the Church Narrative Project and how to get involved at the link below.

Learn More

Nene W. Anyanwu, CPA, a certified public accountant with nearly two decades of experience, has joined Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) as Chief Financial Officer. Outgoing Interim CFO Christy Paddock — who has provided contract support for the position for the last year — will provide transitional support as the new CFO comes on board. DCEF is still looking to fill its Director of Lending and Director of Investments positions.

Learn More

Events

The whole church is invited to gather with Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President, in prayer for the crisis in the Middle East, live on Facebook at noon EDT on Wednesday, October 25. If you cannot join in prayer online, please pause and pray in a spirit of unity wherever you may be located.

Event calendar

Advertising

Resources

Disciples Interims recently released a viewing video. What is the most requested video by those who have attended our classes? Visioning! So here it is! Watch it on our YouTube channel —note there are several "chapters" you may find interesting.

Let us know how we can help in your interim journey—email us at DisciplesInterims@gmail.com or check out our Facebook page.

Watch Here

Have you or a loved one graduated from a Disciples affiliated college, seminary or divinity school? Support the next generation of Disciples student in higher education with the Thanksgiving Special Offering collected in most congregations November 12 & 19. Get your promotional materials now.

Get Materials

Looking for a sermon series for visioning and identity? Check out the Imagine a World with More customizable videos and preaching resources.

General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens creates a weekly video, from reflection on faith to interviews with leaders across the church, view the whole playlist.