February 2024

Amplifying marginalized voices, fostering empathy, and advocating for justice

February historically commemorates the contributions of Africans in America, initially designated as “Negro History Week” by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 through his Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Dr. Woodson spotlighted the narratives of African Americans, elevating them from being considered “chattel” or enslaved to recognizing their humanity and accomplishments. This legacy led to the official adoption of Black History Month by U.S. President Gerald Ford in 1976 during the nation's bicentennial celebrations.

Reflecting on my heritage, I recall delving into my grandparents’ photo albums, seeking connection to ancestors who migrated from Mississippi’s Delta region to Michigan during the industrial boom. Despite my curiosity, I needed to gain knowledge of their lives and experiences. My grandmother, while protective of her memories, revealed fragments of our family history yet sometimes hinted at painful memories of the Jim Crow South, where segregation and limited opportunities prevailed. I knew when something would be rather sensitive when she would respond to my query with, “O’Landa, sometimes you just gotta let sleeping dogs lay.” As a child, I never considered the trauma of living in the Jim Crow South. I never thought about the pain of living in a world of “Whites only,” the bathrooms, the drinking fountains, and public accommodations. I never thought about sharecropping and limited access to education, where many would not complete an elementary education and were barred from voting under the threat of bodily harm or death.

Read more.

   –  Rev. Orlando Scott,
Clinical chaplain at Northside Hospital in Lawrenceville and Duluth, GA
Pastor of Amplify Christian Church (DOC)
 
 

As DisciplesNEXT begins to roll out across the denomination, New Church Ministry first looks to where this church growth framework began: the 2020 Vision. Former General Minister and President Rev. Dr. Dick Hamm, author of 2020 Vision for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will join webinar host and Minister of New Church Strategies Rev. Dr. Jose Martinez on Wednesday, March 6 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM EST. This IMPACT episode will unpack all that has led to where we are now and what is next for the New Church movement in our tradition. Sign up.
     
    Mark your calendars


    We are looking forward to having Leadership Academy at Meizon Church in Gainesville, FL this year! Join us in person Oct. 22-25 or later online for an event that will jump start your ministry, whether you’re the leader or core team of an established congregation or just thinking about forming a community of faith. Undergraduate and seminary students, ecumenical partners, and lay leaders are more than welcome to participate. Stay tuned for registration details!
       
      To access the full Water the Plants prayer list, become a prayer intercessor, or submit a prayer request, visit our website.
       
       

      What We're Thinking About

      Faith leaders join in letter to President Biden urging a ceasefire in the Middle East

      Canada region hiring National Youth Pastor

      AllianceQ hiring Administrative Coordinator

      Becoming Antiracist

      An Invitation to Embrace and Embody Black History Month from Rev. Dr. April Johnson

      Recording of Christians for a Free Palestine mass call