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October 2022
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In the early 2010s, Matt Killingsworth conducted interesting research at Harvard University on how “mind-wandering” may affect happiness. He designed an experiment where subjects would get a text on their phone at random times asking three questions. The first two asked them how they were feeling and what they were doing. The third asked if they were thinking about something other than what they were doing and whether it was pleasant or not. What they found is that most people--no matter what they are doing or how they are feeling at the time--are less happy when they are thinking about “other” things. Most of the time, people reported thinking about unpleasant things--regrets, worries, and anxieties.
In Philippians 4:8 the Apostle Paul says, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
What a reminder and challenge for us today!
The Apostle Paul reminds those early Christians in Philippi thousands of years ago that while we will be tempted to dwell and dwell and dwell on the difficult stuff in life, yet, even in those moments we are called to remember that we follow Jesus Christ--who is still living, moving, and working in the world! Remember--there is still goodness, mercy, justice, and love and we are called to be a part of it!
As a pastor and New Church Ministry coach, I work with many folks that are facing difficult challenges and struggles every single day. In those spaces of listening and empathy, I am called to remind myself and those I work with to not just think on the faults, frailties, and hurt within ourselves and others--but also to notice the gifts of grace, joy, and life that is evidenced in our lives and ministries. There are always glimpses of God’s glory and something to be thankful for!
So then… what have you been thinking about lately? Perhaps take a moment to pause and think about what is true, honorable, and just. Think about those characteristics within others and the creation itself that are pure, pleasing, and commendable. In all times remembering that God hasn’t abandoned us and is still working and moving to bring life and hope to the world.
– Chad Delaney, New Church Ministry coach
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In this New Church Hacks webinar, we will be joined by several Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliated ministries: Green Chalice, Blue Theology, and the Center for Indigenous Ministries. We will explore best practices for being good stewards of God's creation for pastors of new churches and for existing congregations. Sign up.
Don't Forget to Register for Leadership Academy
This year’s Leadership Academy is less than a week away and there are still spots available! Make sure that you register for this virtual event so that you can take advantage of its track sessions, workshops, and a session facilitated by keynote speaker Rev. Sandhya Jha, who will address missional transformation, inclusive of every stage of leadership and congregational vitality. Regional teams and individuals/core teams
are welcome to sign up, as well as leaders of established
congregations, who are invited to join the Multiply track. During this
cohort, participants will explore methodologies in ministry innovation
and employ disciple-making principles to develop healthy faith
communities. This track is also ideal for program staff, boards, and
congregation/lay leaders. So, no matter where you are in the church
launch process – there’s a place for you! Learn more.
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If
you’re interested in attending, but concerned about the cost, regional
financial support is available for new churches at the discretion of the
region. Select “Region Will Pay” at registration if you have your
region’s permission to do so. Undergraduate, seminary students, and
ecumenical partners can also join the Discerners’ track, which allows
participants to audit the Start track for US $50. Use code DISCERN22 at
registration.
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When a Natural Disaster Strikes
When a natural disaster hits your place of worship, Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) is there to help deal with the physical damage to your facilities. In partnership with Week of Compassion and Disciples Home Missions through Disciples Volunteering, DCEF works with church leaders to assess the immediate challenges of a building disaster.
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The disaster response service is designed to assist your church leaders with securing your damaged building, navigating the worlds of insurance and construction, addressing legal concerns, and much more. At no cost to your church, the ministry’s experienced Building and Capital Services Advisors will be on the ground to work with your congregation and the Region/Area to ensure that the trauma of disaster isn’t compounded by the uncertainty of how to deal with building damage in the days and months to follow. If a natural disaster has affected your church facilities, call DCEF at 800.274.1883.
9/24 | Ohio Regional Assembly
10/6 – 10/8 | Mid-America Regional Assembly
10/7 – 10/8 | Tennessee Regional Assembly
Where We're Going
10/14 - 10/15 | Pacific Southwest Regional Assembly
10/14 – 10/15 | Capital Area Regional Assembly
10/14 – 10/15 | Kansas City Regional Assembly (pre-recorded video)
10/14 – 10/15 | Illinois/Wisconsin Regional Assembly (virtual)
10/14 – 10/15 | Michigan Regional Assembly (virtual)
10/28 – 10/29 | Great River Regional Assembly
11/4 – 11/5 | Kentucky Regional Assembly
11/11 – 11/12 | Georgia Regional Assembly
11/7 – 11/20 | Theory of Change workshop
What We're Thinking About
Supporting social justice movements as a congregation
Disciples Women endowment fund grant
Becominging Antiracist
