September 2023

National Hispanic Heritage Month 

As we move into September, it's time to honor and celebrate the culture and traditions of Hispanic and Latine communities in the United States. From September 15th to October 15th National Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to pay homage to Latines' experiences and invaluable contributions in the country and our Church. Beyond honoring a particular heritage, this month offers an opportunity to promote inclusivity and embrace the perspectives and talents that enrich our Church. Speaking as a pastor who deeply values unity and diversity, I warmly invite everyone to join New Church Ministry in commemorating the richness of the Latine culture throughout this month. 
As a pastor, my utmost aim has always been creating a space where our community can come together for worship and spiritual nurturing, no matter a person’s racial or ethnic background. However, this journey hasn't been absent of challenges. In my early ministry years, the notion of a "church" often felt confined by preconceived expectations and stereotypes imposed upon me. It appeared as if church leaders had already predetermined what a community of faith would look like if I “planted” one, which often felt restraining and racialized. For me, National Hispanic Heritage Month gives the Church an opportunity to remember our unity and solidarity in our multiculturalism. 
–   Rev. Dr. Jose Martinez, Minister of New Church Strategies
 
 
Leadership Academy introduces DisciplesNEXT: A framework for a new day in ministry
Join New Church Ministry in Kansas City, MO or online for three days of learning, growing, and community building, as we share a new Leadership Academy curriculum based on the DisciplesNEXT framework, one that
  • Recognizes and avoids colonizing models
  • Promotes contemplative action, prophetic advocacy, and faith-rooted organizing

What else can you expect from this new hybrid event?
  • Working in cohorts with others who share similar challenges and opportunities
  • Participating in workshops designed to offer practical support in a pandemic-informed context, led by New Church Ministry coaches in addition to Disciples Church Extension Fund staff with experience in marketing as well as building and capital planning to share
  • Finding inspiration from our keynote speaker: Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, Director for Justice and Advocacy Ministries at Disciples Home Missions

At US $100 online and US $250 in person, it’s affordable. And if you use code EARLYBIRD through October 1, you can save 15% off registration with our Early Bird Discount!


*Share this email with someone you know who might be
  • An ecumenical partner
  • Contemplating ministry
  • Feeling “stuck” or isolated in ministry
  • Enrolled in seminary or an undergraduate institution
  • Ready for a new way to do ministry in a changing world
REGISTER TODAY
 
To access the full Water the Plants prayer list, become a prayer intercessor, or submit a prayer request, visit our website.
 
 
Where We're Going

September 24 | Worship at First Christian Church in Independence, MO 
October 6-9 | Follow up to Multiply Movement at First Christian Church of Selma, CA 
October 9 | Colors of Hope retreat in Black Mountain, NC

What We're Thinking About

Reconciliation Ministry offering
Second installment of Love is an Action Word
National Benevolent Association mental health conference

Becoming Antiracist
 
Indiana University Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month