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April 2023
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We are so numb to this pain that our reaction to this tragedy feels rehearsed.
God, change our numbness into feeling.
Americans live in a nation where the number one killer of children are guns and yet we are more afraid to lose our 2nd Amendment Rights.
God, turn our fear into bravery.
We live in a nation where we protect kids from drag shows and books that we have somehow deemed inappropriate, but not from assault weapons.
God, turn our frustration into action.
(Take a few minutes to breathe)
God, hear our prayers for peace.
(Take a few minutes to text/contact your loved ones, letting them know your love for them)
God, hear our prayers for love.
(Take a few minutes to research common-sense gun reform causes like Moms Demand Action, March for our Lives, or whatever other causes you may find and learn how you can get involved or donate)
God, hear our prayers for justice.
(Take a few minutes to contact your representatives, expressing your concerns for gun reform)
God, hear our prayers for systemic change.
(Take a few minutes to check on yourself. How’re you feeling? How’re you taking this news?)
God, hear our prayers for ourselves and our neighbors.
May it be so. Amen.
– Wesley King, New Church Ministry program coordinator
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We are a Movement for Wholeness in a Fragmented World
In the beginning, every church was new. It’s right there in the Book of Acts. Early disciples came together, sharing all things in common, breaking bread with glad and generous hearts. God was doing a new thing: creating a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. In the beginning, Jesus sent out disciples, two by two, not to “plant” churches, but to proclaim good news, to experience the hospitality and wisdom of neighbors all around.
At New Church Ministry, we believe God is calling the whole Church back to who we are: a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.
Your gifts to the Pentecost Offering, received in most congregations on May 21 and 28, help ensure our movement continues to embody the Disciples of Christ vision: to be and to share the Good News, witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth. Half of your gift supports the regional new church movement. The other half supports New Church Ministry efforts across the United States and Canada to equip, train, and empower new leaders.
So, thank you. For participating in the new thing God is still doing — just as in the beginning. Please give generously.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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It was extremely frustrating to me that 98% of the time, there were no repercussions for the perpetrators of these crimes, and if there were repercussions, it was usually a slap on the wrist. Honestly, it was so frustrating that I burned out in only two and a half years (the average length of time for someone to be in that field, by the way).
This month, I thought I’d help answer the question,
“What do I say if someone tells me they have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault?” (These same things are what to say when someone discloses domestic violence as well.)
There are three things to lead with:
- I believe you.
- It’s not your fault.
- You’re not alone
The women and others who have been advocating for victims, better laws, and better law compliance, some for decades, have my deepest respect and admiration. Please lift them up in your prayers.
– Michelle DeFields-Gambrel, a member of DCEF’s Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation team
You can find additional resources outside of Indiana in this issue’s What We’re Thinking About section.
Mark your calendars!
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DCEF is here to help your congregation weather the storm
At the beginning of April, violent thunderstorms ripped through the Southern and Midwestern U.S., hitting towns across Arkansas, Indiana, and Tennessee with high winds and heavy rain. In Little Rock, Ark., Alison Phillips Robuck, interim pastor of First Christian Church, sheltered from the tornadoes in her bathtub, finding no discernable damage to her home when she emerged. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for those living four blocks away nor for the house next door to FCC’s building.
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In Iowa, Jim Michel was following the news of the destruction. As the coordinator for DCEF’s Building Disaster Response Service, which provides building assessments following floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes at no cost to affected congregations, and as the Building and Capital Services Advisor for the Great River region, he was concerned about FCC and its facilities.
“I got a call from Jim asking if I needed help,” recalls Rev. Alison, “and even though my building didn’t suffer any obvious damage, it was comforting to know that I wouldn’t be alone if my congregation needed it.”
With no power the Sunday morning after the storm, she canceled Sunday School and worship services, opting to walk around the community instead with her congregation – praying with and talking to local residents.
This is what church can look like beyond the walls of a building – taking the good news of God’s presence to the street, and providing the resources, and reassurance, congregations need the morning after disaster.
Has your place of worship been damaged following natural disaster? Contact us for immediate facilities assistance.
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4/20 – 4/23 | Alliance of Baptists meeting in Atlanta, GA
4/25 | Meet and Greet at Eureka College
4/30 | Worship at Hillside Christian Church in Kansas City, MO
4/25 | Meet and Greet at Eureka College
4/30 | Worship at Hillside Christian Church in Kansas City, MO
American rape crisis centers and local organizations outside of Indiana
Sexual assault centres, crisis lines, and support services in Canada
Becoming Antiracist
End the Korean War
The Language of Our Souls: Tulsa Race Massacre Lecture
