September 30, 2024

“He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” – Isaiah 2:4

This past week and a half have been devastating for our siblings in Lebanon, where thousands have been injured and hundreds killed, the result of coordinated Israeli attacks through personal communications devices and airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, Beirut, and elsewhere. These attacks have added to the anxiety, panic, and fear of an already-stressed population, and have resulted in deaths and destruction unknown in scope so far.  We know that a new incursion or large-scale war on Lebanon would be ruinous. And we know the United States continues to be complicit in its support of Israel’s unchecked offensives, which now also include air raids on Yemen.

We pray for the injured and their families. We pray for peace and comfort for those who have been displaced and those who mourn, in a country that continues to grieve and heal from previous losses.

The Lebanese people have suffered. Schools are closed.  Hospitals are overwhelmed. Tens of thousands are displaced, injured, or killed. Their land and communities are shattered by
continued assaults, and their livelihoods destroyed, as the country experiences
an ongoing economic crisis as well.  Residents of northern Israel, too, are impacted by the exchange of missiles, their lives uprooted.  The UN met on Sept. 20 in an emergency session, and a UN spokesperson said that Lebanon and the region are “on the brink of catastrophe.”

Last week’s attacks in Lebanon took place as the UN General Assembly met and voted to demand an end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian lands within a year, following the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion issued this July.

We pray for the people and our partners in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank, Yemen, and in Israel who are responding to the crisis and for our mission personnel living in the region. Along with our prayers, we commit to support their efforts in attending to the emerging needs of the people as they care for the injured and bury the dead.

This war, now being fought on many fronts, must end.  As people of faith with commitment to justice and peace, we call on world leaders to attend to the escalation of Israel’s aggression in the region. We join the voices in the global community calling for ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the operation in the West Bank, and for an immediate de-escalation of this intensifying crisis in Lebanon and Yemen. We condemn Israel’s provocative campaign of assassinations.

We support the UN resolution calling for Israel to comply with international law to “withdraw its military forces, immediately cease all new settlement activity, evacuate all settlers from occupied land, and dismantle parts of the separation wall it constructed inside the occupied West Bank.” 

Isaiah spoke of God’s judgment, a message that nations and people will be held accountable for our actions.  We are called to do all we can to take actions to strive for the day when we will see a just world for all, the day when God’s peace – a peace with justice – may prevail. 

Join us in prayer: God of mercy and justice, we yearn for the day when prophecy is fulfilled and weapons of war become tools for planting and harvesting goodness, the day when war is set aside and forgotten. We long for the day when your peace prevails, when all your children will enjoy the richness and fullness of life. Today, we lament as that day is not yet here, and it seems a distant hope. We wait in hope. O God, grant us strength and courage in that task.

Join us with your gifts in supporting our partners as they respond to the needs of the people through the ongoing Disciples Week of Compassion and United Church of Christ Middle East Crisis Response appeals.

Join us in continued advocacy, including regular advocacy alerts such as our most recent the 3^rd Thursday Alert.

Rev. Teresa Hord Owens
General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson
General Minister and President
United Church of Christ

Rev. Dr. LaMarco A. Cable   
President      
Disciples Overseas Ministries  
Co-Executive, Global Ministries 

Rev. Shari Prestemon  
Acting Associate General Minister
United Church of Christ
Co-Executive, Global Ministries

The post A Joint Statement on the Current Crisis in Lebanon and the Middle East appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Angelique previously served as the Regional Director of the Communications Ministry in The Christian Church (DOC) in Illinois and Wisconsin (and Michigan). She is a Disciple from Illinois. She authored the book, “The Phygital Church: Using Social Ministry to Make Disciples,” to assist congregations with being intentional about ministry in the digital space.

The post OGMP announces Director of Communications appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Across The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), General Ministries are responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. General Minister and President, Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens released a statement on March 4, 2022 joining ecumenical and global partners.

From immediate response to refugees, to working with global partners, to working within the US and Canada to welcome Ukrainian refugees, to the ongoing financial divestment from Russia, the church responds across its many manifestations to create a more compassionate world. Learn more about the way the church has collaborated with ecumenical and international partners to reveal God’s limitless love.

Statement from Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens

On March 4, 2022 Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens released a statement on Ukraine saying, “As a follower of Jesus Christ and a minister of the gospel, I must condemn this premeditated and unprovoked aggression and violence against the people of Ukraine. The Russian initiative to occupy and annex Ukrainian lands and populations stands in contradiction to the value of human life as well as principles of international law that deem the acquisition of territory by force illegal.”

Week of Compassion

Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is working collaboratively with partners on the ground in Eastern Europe to address the emergent needs of refugees and internally displaced persons. Through Week of Compassion partners like ACT Alliance and the European Baptist Federation, they are focused on providing relief and response.

Get the latest news on how to support impacted Ukrainians by visiting Week of Compassion.

Global Ministries/Division of Overseas Ministries

On March 3, 2022 The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) released a joint statement with the United Church of Christ as part of our shared ministry through Global Ministries. General Minister and President Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens joined Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. LaMarco Cable, President of the Division of Overseas Ministries and Co-Executive of Global Ministries and Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, Associate General Minister for Wider Church Ministries and Co-Executive of Global Ministries in saying “We mourn that, yet again, the desire for power, control, and expansion has taken precedence over respect for human lives, livelihood, and dignity. We condemn in the Russian initiative to occupy and annex Ukrainian lands and populations, in contradiction to principles of international law that deem the acquisition of territory by force illegal.”

Pension Fund & Christian Church Foundation

On March 1, 2022 Pension Fund and the Christian Church Foundation released a joint statement from Rev. Dr. Todd A. Adams, President/CEO Pension Fund of the Christian Church, and Rev. Gary W. Kidwell, President of the Christian Church Foundation regarding their ongoing commitment to protect the church’s financial assets and engage in ethical investment strategies.

“Together, we seek to fulfill God’s call for a peaceable realm and raise matters of justice across the spectrum from economic justice, racial justice, and certainly the rights of a sovereign, democratic nation to maintain its own borders.”

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March 3, 2022 – Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada in her weekly video to the church shares a statement on Ukraine.

“As a follower of Jesus Christ and a minister of the gospel, I must condemn this premeditated and unprovoked aggression and violence against the people of Ukraine. The Russian initiative to occupy and annex Ukrainian lands and populations stands in contradiction to the value of human life as well as principles of international law that deem the acquisition of territory by force illegal.” – Rev. Terri Hord Owens

The post Dear Disciples – A Statement on Ukraine appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

From the letter, “In this time when a resolution to the conflict in Israel/Palestine seems as distant as ever, and advocacy for a particular kind of solution may not be effective, we support a rights-based approach that will ensure the rights, equality, and dignity of all people concerned, especially the most vulnerable, based on principles of peace and justice, human rights, and international law.”

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Global Ministries is thrilled to announce that Reverend LaMarco (Marco) Antonio Cable has been called to serve as the next President of the Division of Overseas Ministries and Co-Executive of Global Ministries. Rev. Cable will start in this position on January 1, 2022.

“I’m excited about having the opportunity to lead this ministry at a time when we are celebrating 25 years of ministry with our UCC colleagues and friends, and to think about what is possible in terms of global mission for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. I love that we are able to walk alongside, sharing and receiving the gifts and graces for mission and ministry, with so many diverse communities around the world.” shares Rev. Cable.

“Marco has a deep passion for the transformational work of Global Ministries, bringing both experience and innovation,” says Rev. Cyndy Twedell, Chair of the Division of Overseas Ministries Board of Directors. “He is qualified and prepared to lead this sacred ministry.  The DOM Board of Directors confidently offers our full support to Marco. We celebrate Marco and look forward to working with him as he leads us into the future.”

To partners, Rev. Cable shares, “In many ways, Global Ministries will continue to be the organization and ministry you know. We will continue to accompany you in realizing your mission and vision. As we move forward, there are opportunities for deeper engagement and hearing from you as we shape our future together.”

Rev. Cable currently serves as Global Ministries’ Area Executive for Africa. As Africa Executive, he is responsible for nurturing relationships with churches, ecumenical and interfaith organizations, and communities in the African region. Rev. Cable organizes trips to Africa for individuals and groups, supervises mission co-workers, and mobilizes support for Church partners in Africa. He also provides specialized knowledge to churches in the United States and Canada on the religious, political, and cultural life of communities in Africa.  Before being called to serve as the Africa Executive at Global Ministries, Rev. Cable served as the Deputy Director for Organizing at Bread for the World Headquaters in Washington, D.C. He has also previously served as the Interim Mission Personnel Executive and Program Associate for Advocacy and Education at Global Ministries.

In 2007, Rev. Cable was ordained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky and Tennessee. Rev. Cable served as pastor at Hasson Street Christian Church in Rogersville, TN and Broadway Christian Church in Winchester, KY. He has also served congregations in Memphis, TN, Lexington, KY, Washington, DC, and Madisonville, KY.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Sociology from Transylvania University and a Master of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary.

Rev. Cable serves on the Lexington Theological Seminary Alumni Council. He is completing his Doctor of Ministry at McCormick Theological Seminary. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee. He currently resides in Indianapolis, IN where he is a member of Light of the World Christian Church. There he serves on the Commission on Ministry. He also volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Indiana and Wheeler Mission Men’s Shelter. For fun, Rev. Cable enjoys going on nature walks with friends, spending time with family and attending Broadway shows. He is the son of a Human Resource Professional and a veteran, a brother and uncle to a niece and two nephews.

“I am grateful,” says Rev. Cable, “for the ways that the church has nurtured me. As I enter this role, I am committed to being the best person mentally, spiritually, and emotionally to lead this ministry forward. I will be faithful in honoring who we are, and uplifting our values.”

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The theme is “Facing Brokenness: Being Brave Together.” Each conversation will take on a different focus: The Church, Our Communities, The World, and Creation.

Session 4: Creation – August 29, 2021

In this conversation about Creation you’ll be hearing from Rev. David Bell from the Yakama Christian Mission, Rev. Carol Devine of Green Chalice, and Rev. Juan Rosario from Global Ministries.  They will be answering three questions: 1) Where do you see brokenness? 2) How do you/we work for wholeness? 3) Where do you see hope? 

This video conversation was made in partnership with our friends at Blessed Tomorrow. 

Session 3: The World – August 15, 2021

The conversation about brokenness in the World will include Jeff Wright of the Disciples Palestine-Israel Network; Natalie Teague, the Disciples immigration attorney; and Marco Cable, Global Ministries‘ executive for Africa.

Session 2: Community – July 25, 2021

In this conversation on Community you’ll be hearing from Sharon Stanley-Rea from Disciples Home Missions’ Refugee and Immigration Ministries, Paul Witmer representing the National Benevolent Association, Melissa Guthrie-Loy from the Disciples AllianceQ, and Brian Frederick-Gray representing Disciples Peace Fellowship. They will be answering three questions: 1) Where do you see brokenness? 2) How do you/we work for wholeness? 3) Where do you see hope?

Session 1: Church – July 11, 2021

In this conversation on Church you’ll hear from Rev. April Johnson of Reconciliation Ministry, Rev. Dr. Ken Booker-Langston from the Disciples Center for Public Witness, Rev. Alex Ruth from Disciples Men, and Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan from the Disciples Justice Action Network. They discussed three questions: 1) Where do you see brokenness? 2) How do you/we work for wholeness? 3) Where do you see hope? 

Below you will find a list of links and resources to keep the conversation going and deepen our work for justice. 

The post Facing Brokenness: Resources and recordings appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

PRESIDENT
Division of Overseas Ministries
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

The Division of Overseas Ministries (DOM) is in search of a creative, dynamic, compassionate leader to serve as our next president and co-executive of Global Ministries. Global Ministries is a common missional witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, which works with approximately 290 faith-based international partners in close to 90 countries. The next president will be a visionary leader who will guide this historic ministry into a new future as we continue to accompany our global ministry partners in sharing God’s love to the ends of the earth.

Major Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and executive administration
• Oversee and manage executive level, administrative, and support staff functions
• Represent and interpret DOM in denominational, ecumenical, and global church settings
• Manage DOM finances
• Oversee program development
• Plan and supervise overall organizational productivity
• Work closely and effectively with United Church of Christ executive leadership
• Report to the Board of Directors of DOM

Essential Qualities

• Ordained minister with standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
• Graduate level degree
• Theological and biblical understanding of mission
• Knowledge of DOM history and context  
• Fundraising skills
• Budgeting and financial knowledge
• Collaborative leadership skills
• Management skills
• Effective communication skills

Send Letter of Interest to Cyndy Twedell at twedell@uwmail.com. Deadline for completed search and call applications is April 30, 2021.

Inquiries regarding the search and call process should be directed to Warren Lynn, Executive Minister for Christian Vocation wlynn@dhm.disciples.org or 317-713-2652 through the office of Search and Call at Disciples Home Missions.

Find full job description online or download here

Read the mission and vision of DOM/Global Ministries at globalministries.org/aboutus.

Sincerely,

Search Committee:

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In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the protests against police brutality across the United States, the Global Ministries office has been flooded with messages of solidarity and support from partners around the world – from Palestine and Lebanon to Cuba and Puerto Rico, from Germany to South Africa to Angola to Bangladesh – expressing “unequivocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement and everyone working for racial justice in the USA, the demands of which have resonated in communities around the world” (a quote from the letter from Kairos Palestine). This bulwark of support from global partners emphasizes the mutuality of the partnerships that Global Ministries cultivates with global partners.

Global Ministries emphasizes the ministry of partnership, coming alongside global partners around the world, in order to address local issues in local ways. Even mission coworkers, one of the cornerstones of the work of Global Ministries, serve with global partners only at the request of those partners. Global Ministries’ relationships with global partners, partnerships in which mutuality runs deep, are lasting relationships. The lifespan of many partner relationships must be measured in decades, rather than weeks or months or even years. These long-term sustained relationships, characterized by the coming-alongside in the work of the local community to do justice and peace, have persisted, even as Global Ministries itself has grown and evolved over the last century of its existence through a variety of name changes and guiding principles.

This deep partnership continues to flourish even as COVID-19 makes so many relationships more difficult. While Global Ministries cannot travel to visit partners right now, partners continue to be in communication and conversation online. Even as we cannot be physically present with one another, the relationships between Global Ministries and partners continue to deepen. While Global Ministries cannot host physical mission pilgrimages at this time (not only for the safety of the pilgrims, but also for the safety of our global neighbors, where there is often not the infrastructure in place to respond to the crisis of this pandemic), Global Ministries has developed a virtual pilgrimage, enabling many who might not have been able to afford international travel the opportunity to participate in global partnership.

With everything that is going on right now in our world, in our country, and perhaps even in our own communities, it can be altogether too easy to shift all of our focus inward, to our own problems in our own communities. However, there are still so many meaningful ways to connect with the work of global partners. There are still a lot of really good and important things happening around the world that deserve our attention and care. May we take this opportunity to engage in the work of Global Ministries, and engage our communities, our country, and our world.

So how can I do that?

The post #DOCjustsummer: Global Ministries appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Janice Newborn, longtime staff in general church ministries and originator of the Disciples Women’s Woman-to-Woman program, passed away April 21, 2020, in Claremont, CA, at the age of 91. She was the spouse of the Rev. Ernest J. Newborn, Sr., who passed away in November of 2019.

Executive Director of Disciples Women. Rev. Dr. Patricia Donahoo, said, “Janice Newborn was instrumental in creating the Woman-to-Woman Worldwide program of Disciples Women. This program has expanded the worldview of women for the last 30 years by creating opportunities to learn from women of faith in other countries. Not only do women learn first-hand the struggles of our sisters but also provides the opportunity to work with Global Ministries in sharing and publicizing the programs serving our sisters in those countries. The work of Disciples Women is indebted to her leadership.”

During her career with the Church, Newborn worked in the Indianapolis offices of the Division of Overseas Ministries, Disciples Women and Disciples Home Missions, retiring in 1994. She was featured in Melvia Fields’ book, Women on a Mission about African-American women in the Disciples of Christ. Her biography was also featured in a video series – Wisdom of Women, Volume 2 – produced by Disciples Women.

Acting President of Disciples Home Missions, Rev. Sheila Spencer, said, “Janice Newborn was a treasured mentor and trusted source of wisdom. Throughout her life and ministry, she has sown encouragement into the lives of so many of us. I am especially thankful for her ministry and work within Disciples Women and Disciples Home Missions.  She was a true gift and I am forever grateful.”

Newborn leaves behind two children, Ernest J. Newborn II and Mary Jo Newborn Wiggins, their spouses and several grandchildren.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time though a memorial service is being planned in Claremont this summer. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Newborn’s name be made to the Christian Church Foundation for the Ernest J. and Janice Newborn Fund. Online gifts may be made at christianchurchfoundation.org/give.

Messages of sympathy may be sent to

Ernest Newborn II
68 Chelsea Place
Ridgefield, CT 06877
and
Mary Jo Wiggins
12195 Darkwood Road
San Diego, CA 92129

The post Originator of Woman-to-Woman journeys passes away appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The full schedule is as follows:

Thursday, April 16, 3 PM ET – Peter Makari, Area Executive for the Middle East and Europe
Tuesday, April 21, 3 PM ET – Deenabandhu Manchala, Area Executive for Southern Asia
Thursday, April 23, 3 PM ET – Derek Duncan, Area Executive for East Asia and the Pacific
Tuesday, April 28, 3 PM ET – Angel L. Rivera-Agosto, Area Executive for Latin America and the Caribbean
Thursday, April 30, 3 PM ET – Marco Cable, Area Executive for Africa

The post Global Ministries’ area executives to share updates on partners appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

provided by Global Ministries staff

The COVID-19 public health emergency continues to change and evolve each day, impacting many of our lives. It has disrupted plans, regular programming, and routines, leaving many feeling uncertain. In the midst of this, Global Ministries, mission co-workers, and global partners are doing our best to contribute to the health and safety of our fellow global citizens while remaining committed to our mission of presence.

This week, Area Executives shared updates on the status of all mission co-workers.  Every mission co-worker is in contact and discerning their best course of action in consultation with the Area Executive, global partner, and their families. Area Executives and global partners have been most focused on our young adults in this changing situation. As of the publishing of this letter, five Global Mission Interns have returned home and four remain in place. Other mission co-workers have made the decision to stay and accompany our partners during these challenging days.  These situations continue to be evaluated as conditions evolve. Communications between Area Executives, partners, and mission co-workers remain open.

During this time, Global Ministries will be sharing regular prayers and stories from mission co-workers who are working around the world. As Andrew Larsen, serving in the Philippines wrote:

We are to follow the example of washing feet. Getting down to the nitty gritty dirty work of being a servant to those in need. It is hard to interpret this in any other way. What does this look like during this time? Our feet washing of today are the concrete actions required to walk alongside the communities in most need.

This virus is touching all of our partners around the world.  Throughout all of this, we are holding all of the people in the world in prayer. Judy Chan, from Hong Kong writes:

We continue to pray for all those affected including patients, their families, frontline medical workers, and vulnerable groups in the community like cleaning staff, the elderly, and those for whom vital services are closed due to the virus. We also pray for governments and those in authority to respond wisely and quickly in this critical moment. Lastly, we pray for churches and all Christians to be mighty witnesses for the love and mercy of God through their words and deeds, both private and public.

Please keep all of the mission co-workers in your prayers. If you would like to share in their witness during this time of crisis, please sign up for Global Ministries updates, including regular prayerful responses to pandemic from around the world and here at home.

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“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.

Disciples Church Extension Fund is successfully running their operations remotely. The ministry also moved their planned in-person board meeting to a conference call to decrease the risk to their board members. The Pension Fund and Christian Church Foundation are planning to have a number of staff working remotely while fully supporting their members and clients.

Division of Overseas Ministries (Global Ministries) and Week of Compassion, among other ministries, have restricted staff travel in accordance with World Health Organization guidance.

Several Disciple-related schools have gone to online classes for the remainder of the semester. (You can find a list of schools and their websites on this Higher Education & Leadership Ministries page.)

Owens also said in her video address, “Disciples, I am convinced that nothing in all of creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus. Let’s stay connected, and together we’ll get through this. God bless you. We’ll be praying for you.”

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from Global Ministries

The world is smaller than ever before. What happens to our neighbors all over the world matters to us. We are all part of one human family – all God’s children no matter where we may live. Because of this, sharing global perspectives in worship and congregational life is extremely valuable if not necessary.

There are many ways to bring global perspectives into your worship and congregational life, but here are some resources to explore to get you started:

1. Weekly prayers – Share these brief prayers and mission moments written by mission co-workers in your weekly worship or perhaps your church newsletters.
2. People-to-People Pilgrimages – Consider organizing a group from your congregation or region to visit a global partner and learn more about their context and ministries.
3. Child and Elder Sponsorship – Develop a relationship with a child or elder. Learn more about their lives and walk together in mutuality and hope.
4. Area initiatives – Gain deeper understanding about a region in the world. The current initiative is the Southern Asia Initiative. Past initiatives with resources still available include the Congo Initiative, Middle East Initiative, and Caribbean Initiative.

More opportunities for engagement may be found at www.globalministries.org.

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There are many phases of disaster response – from the immediate needs of water, food, and shelter, to long-term needs like livelihood programs and psycho-social support – and everything in between. While you often hear stories about the initial responses, and see updates on the progress of rebuilding through Week of Compassion, you don’t often see the behind-the-scenes process of communication involving our global network of partners.

In the initial phases of any response, there are critical, intentional conversations between Week of Compassion, ecumenical partners, and people on the ground, in order to assess the most efficient and most empowering ways to move forward, and to determine what kind of help is most needed. 

One recent example of such a response is the Coronavirus outbreak in China and its ongoing impact. As the news reflected a quickly escalating spread of the virus in late January, Week of Compassion reached out to local partners to find out what they were hearing in real time and to learn of immediate plans they might have to respond. We let them know that our wider Disciples community was with them in prayer, and that Week of Compassion was prepared to support their local efforts. 

Then Week of Compassion Executive Director Rev. Vy Nguyen received a response from our Global Ministries partner in China. They said that what was most needed at that moment was emergency medical supplies. We coordinated with other ecumenical partners and health organizations, providing funds to help in this effort and get the needed supplies delivered in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. In cooperation with others, Week of Compassion helped provide much needed items like medical masks, goggles and gowns that would help first responders prevent the further spread of disease. 

Even as this initial response was unfolding quickly, Rev. Nguyen remained in contact with partners, discussing the need for eventual long-term response, one that will require cooperation with local and national governments as well. That conversation is ongoing. 

All of these active partners remain in contact about the potential for a wider spread of this disease to other countries in Asia, and around the globe. They are making plans for the chain of communication that will need to be in place in order to coordinate with different offices in the area, should that need arise. 

In responding to needs like this – whether from natural disasters that happen overnight, or major health crises that emerge almost as quickly – the key is communication, cooperation, and most importantly, the ability to build on existing relationships. This is why Week of Compassion is committed to long-term relationships with a wide network of partners. Your gifts, especially during Special Offering in the month of February, help us stay committed and strengthen the relationships with partners. With your help, we are ready to respond together to the most urgent needs when a need arises quickly, and we also have infrastructure in place to enact the comprehensive, ongoing work of meeting needs around the world, around the year.

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The Peaceful Kingdom

11 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
² The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
³ His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide by what his ears hear;
⁴ but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

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⁵ Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

⁶ The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them.
⁷ The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
⁸ The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
⁹ They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

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Dear Disciples –

A new decade dawns and new possibilities are shooting up all over the Church. Like the stump of Jesse in Isaiah 11 above, we are seeing new energy as Disciples find ways to show up in the world.

This passage from the Christmas lectionary is a model for our “movement for wholeness.” The Spirit of the Lord is the driver, teaching us not to judge by appearances but rather to live in righteousness. Natural enemies of all stripes will live together. This is not accomplished by human means, but by the Spirit of the Lord.

The idea of showing up in and for the world has been on my mind and heart lately. This past fall I had the opportunity to be in two locations where we Disciples are showing up. The first was Venezuela, where our Global Ministries partners are outward facing. These ecumenical partners were not raising money for church buildings, but instead uniting for justice in housing and jobs. Their people are being negatively impacted by changes in trade embargos since much of their social safety net is funded by oil revenue. These Christians were not silent. Their willingness to speak up and speak out was inspiring.

I also visited the U.S./Mexico border near San Diego where local Disciples on both sides of the line have been caring for those caught in immigration nightmares for many years. Disciples from the National Benevolent Association’s activist peer group, a group of regional ministers, and Disciples from Obra Hispana and from Global Ministries showed up to give support to those doing the work. We learned about both the humanitarian crisis there, but also the root causes of migration such as drought and violence.

These experiences and many others over the past two and a half years have shown me the importance of turning our eyes to mission for the sake of the world. Showing up FOR the world means we are WITH the world and doing the work, building a movement, not just our own institutions.

In revisiting the history of the Design and Merger Agreement, it is clear that we must return to a deep theological understanding of covenant, and of the ways in which we are church together. The work of being church together is spiritual work, not just organizational work.

In Isaiah 11, we read about how natural enemies will live in the peace the Spirit of the Lord will bring often interpreted as prophecy of the coming of Christ. If we can truly embrace the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study so that the Spirit can have her way, we will be able to see that differences are not deficiencies. We are called to both the tasks (and tension) of unity and freedom together, walking together when we disagree as only truly spiritual people can.

Disciples, I call you to a season of prayer for our Church. The presidents and leaders of the general ministries are in prayer for you. You can be in prayer for our regions and our general ministries as all three of our expressions of “church” work together to show up in God’s world to fulfill our vision “to be a faithful, growing church, that demonstrates true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice.”

Thank you for the way you make a difference in your communities. Thank you for showing up for God’s children. I am looking forward to another year of ministry with you as we pray our way through 2020.

Text of full letter to share in congregation bulletin/newsletter

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Executive Director Position Opening

World Convention is beginning the process of seeking an Executive Director. Under the direction and guidance of our multinational Board of Directors, the person in this position is responsible for the planning, organizing, staffing, funding, motivating, directing, and management of our ministry connecting the Stone-Campbell Movement worldwide and working toward the unity of all Christians. She or he would have access to the current Executive Director in the transition.

Candidates from all streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Disciple-Christian-Church of Christ) from any country are encouraged to apply.

For more information, contact Doug Foster, chair of the search committee at fosterd@acu.edu.

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The HELM Leadership Fellows Program is for undergraduate students who are part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The program aims to develop leaders through an intentional focus on four major areas.

The first year of the program focuses on community and students reflect on what it means to be Christian community.

The theme for the second year is transformation and it gives students a chance to reflect on how Christian communities engage in transforming church, society, and world.

In the third year, students focus on global awareness and the interconnectedness of Christian communities around the world.

The fourth and final year focuses on mentoring and spiritual vocational discernment.

In the third year, HELM partners with the Division of Overseas Missions/Global Ministries to take the students on an international trip to see how we engage in ministries of accompaniment in a particular part of the world. This year, the students traveled to Colombia where they learned about the Colombian peace accords and the successes and struggles in realizing peace in the country; heard from partner organizations working on issues of human rights and reconciliation; visited locations where Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) have fled to find safety; and had a first-hand experience of the rich culture and history of Colombia.

Click on the name of each student to read their reflections on what they experienced during their time in Colombia!

• Ainsley Anderson
• Courtney Sells
• Jordan White
• Lydia Yang

To support the work of the seven Disciples-related theological schools and 15 colleges and universities, you’re invited to give to the 2019 Thanksgiving Special Day Offering, received in many congregations on Nov. 17 and 24.

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Regional ministries receive the largest portion of these DMF gifts, and every gift stays in the region in which it’s given. Because of support through Disciples Mission Fund, regions offer leadership development opportunities, pastoral support, youth programs, shared mission, and more. As Rev. LaTaunya Bynum, regional minister for Northern California/Nevada and president of the College of Regional Ministers, explains, DMF is an integral part of Disciples’ identity. “We are ‘a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.’ The ‘we’ includes congregations, specialized ministries, regional ministries, colleges and universities, and theological education throughout the United States and Canada. When each of us contributes to the whole we are made stronger as we live, and are, the good news of Jesus Christ.”

Many general ministries, working across the US, Canada, and beyond, also receive support through DMF. Rev. Sotello Long, president of Disciples Home Missions, celebrates that DMF support strengthens their ministry. “Gifts to DMF help us empower the work of evangelism, leader development, Christian education and faith formation. Our gifts give witness to Disciples making a mark for Christ that cannot be erased!”

DMF makes a mark on the world through higher education programs, too. All 15 undergraduate institutions and seven theological programs affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM), receive DMF funding.

None of these impactful programs could grow without the steadfast support of congregations across our Church. Rev. Kory Wilcoxson, senior minister at Crestwood Christian Church in Lexington, KY recognizes that his congregation’s gifts to Disciples Mission Fund are an important part of their covenant with the wider Church. “As part of this body of Christ, we have a part to play and we do so with great gladness and much thanksgiving. We know we can do so much more together if we all do our part to make it happen.”

While budgeted gifts from congregations make up the largest source of DMF support, individual giving is growing. For monthly giver Sarah Beth Simonds in Farmington Hills, MI, giving to DMF is an important spiritual practice for her and her husband Robert. “We’ve been blessed in many ways by the wisdom and service of those who serve the general Church, and we want to support them. Giving to DMF fulfills a part of our covenantal relationship with the Church.”

Congregations’ and individuals’ support of Disciples Mission Fund together makes the work of our general, regional, and higher education ministries possible.

To strengthen our support, resources are available for congregation treasurers and worship leaders to share DMF’s impact and prayerfully consider including core support of DMF in church budgets. These resources are in addition to those for Special Day Offerings at Easter, Pentecost, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

DMF-supported ministries also produce a variety of congregation resources, like VBS curriculum through Global Ministries, Mission and Ministry Grants through the National Benevolent Association, and stewardship materials from the Center for Faith and Giving.

For more stories from Disciples Mission Fund supporters and beneficiaries, join us on DMFday, Sept. 12, our first giving day for DMF, to further its impact across our Church.

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