May 2023

Did You Know?

Asian Heritage Month: Of memory, belonging, and personhood

This past weekend, my parents visited me for Mother’s Day. I live in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighborhood, and while we were exploring its local restaurants and shops, we came across a mural depicting Portuguese “cleaning ladies” and their Cleaners’ Action movement from the 1970s-80s.

Now what does this have to do with Asian Heritage Month (also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the U.S.)?

Like the Portuguese immigrants of the city, members of my Filipino Canadian community have also had to fight for their rights. At the same time that the “cleaning ladies” were mobilizing, a national campaign pressured the federal government to create a pathway to citizenship for the thousands of foreign domestic workers, many of whom were and continue to be Filipino women. Today, many of the healthcare workers at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic have been Filipina nurses, who have urged the Canadian government for stronger protections.

This year, the theme of Asian Heritage Month here in Canada is “Stories of Determination,” which couldn’t better describe the struggles that members of my community have had to go through, and again, continue to go through, to thrive in this new place we call home. Did you know that Asian Disciples have had to fight for their rights, too?

Read more.

— Nadine Compton,

Creative Writer/Digital Media Specialist at Disciples Church Extension Fund

How the Pentecost Offering supports new church development across the life of the church

Every year, the Pentecost Offering is faithfully received by Disciples during worship. Its gifts are divided between regions, which support local new congregations, and New Church Ministry, which trains and equips emerging communities of faith and their leaders. But what does this support look like on the ground?

Last year’s Pentecost Offering helped Story Forest Christian Church, a Korean speaking faith community in Lawrenceville, GA, spread the Gospel, provide college scholarships for young adults, and greet new members with food. Watch Story Forest’s pastor, Rev. Dr. Seokil Yoon, share how your gifts helped him do God’s work.

The Pentecost Offering also supports New Church Ministry’s coaching and prayer initiatives, as well as events like Leadership Academy and New Church Hacks. These programs not only help congregations in formation, but affiliating ones like Meizon Mission. Read its story to learn how a merger is helping it reignite an aging Gainesveille, FL ministry.

Visit Disciples Mission Fund’s website for printable resources, including bulletin inserts and posters, graphics, and more.

With the gifts you make on May 21 and 28, in addition to those made any time online, we can continue to support new churches and their leaders. Thank you for your participation.

Introducing IMPACT, a storytelling webinar series

New Church Ministry proudly presents IMPACT, a new webinar series that welcomes you on a captivating journey of storytelling and deep mutual learning. In each episode, Minister of New Church Strategies Rev. Dr. Jose Martinez invites guests who have defied conventions and fostered vibrant communities of faith to share their invaluable experiences and personal narratives. By exploring the challenges, triumphs, and transformative moments of these visionary leaders, attendees gain invaluable inspiration and direction for their own ventures.

This dynamic series embraces diversity, welcoming influential leaders from a multitude of faith traditions and backgrounds. From established religious institutions to emerging spiritual movements, IMPACT showcases a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives, ensuring participants have a rich tapestry of insights to draw from. While each of its speakers bring a distinct approach and innovative strategies to the table, equipping participants with a toolkit of ideas to create thriving, inclusive places of worship that resonate with today's seekers, IMPACT emphasizes the power of storytelling as a catalyst for change.

Read more.

Mark your calendars!

Whether you’re initiating a new faith movement in your community or serving an established congregation, there’s always something you can discover to improve your leadership. At its annual Leadership Academy, New Church Ministry offers various ways for you to grow, from group sessions with peers at the same stage of the movement initiation process, to interactive workshops on a wide range of missional topics, to platforms for church leaders to share their wisdom. So join your peers in Kansas City, MO or online and get the tools you need to strengthen your leadership and your ministry.

To access the full prayer list, become a prayer intercessor, or submit a prayer request, visit our website.

2023 General Assembly
It's a party! Welcome new Disciples leaders

Folks at Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) were ready to celebrate the leadership of a new president who represents several “firsts” for financial ministries among Disciples.

Belinda R. King is the first African American to serve as the leader not just of DCEF but of any of the existing financial ministries of the general church. Where better to mark such an auspicious occasion than 2023 General Assembly? We started planning a party – with snacks!

Then we looked around.

Did you know - since the last General Assembly, the Cabinet of General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens has welcomed more new leaders than continuing leaders?

They include five new general ministry presidents: Joel Brown, DCHS; Chris Dorsey, DHM; LaMarco Cable, DOM; Belinda King, DCEF; and Tamara Rodenburg, (HELM); and two more executives of their respective bodies: Angéle Saunders Johnson, (Disciples Women) and Delesslyn Kennebrew (National Convocation).

Rev. Owens will bring greetings. Attendees will meet each new kid on the Disciples block in an informal “speed dating” format, guided by our inimitable emcee Gilberto Collazo.

And don’t forget, we’ll have snacks.

We’re as happy as a Disciple with an extra leaf for the communion table.

New Kids on the Block Aftersession*

Sunday, July 30

8:45 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Kentucky International Convention Center
Room M 100-103
Louisville, KY

*Snacks are on us. But we appreciate your registration, so we know you’re coming.

Where We're Going

What We're Thinking About

Alliance Q Pride Pre-Party

Becoming Antiracist

#StopAsianHate (U.S.)
Organizations and educational resources on Asian heritage in Canada
Black Leadership Project Grants