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Hurry … pancake grant applications due … $28,000 available for men's projects

The General Conference of Disciples Men will be awarding Pancake Breakfast grants to men's groups early in 2005. More than $28,000 will be distributed to Disciples men's groups throughout the United States and Canada who want to do a mission project that benefits children. Awards will be directed toward groups who involve their men in a hands-on project. Grant applications must be received in the Office of Disciples Men by January 1, 2005 to be eligible for consideration.

To receive an application contact Tod Iseminger at (888) 346-2631, ext. 2666 or check the Men's section of the Disciples Home Mission Web site at www.discipleshomemissions.org, follow the "Ministries" link, and then follow the link entitled "Men" to access the materials. You also may write to Office of Disciples Men, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, Ind. 46206.

Copies of the Pancake Promotional Kit and the Grant Application are also available from your regional office.

What are you doing this summer?

The Office of Disciples Volunteering in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) offers a phenomenal experience for Disciples and UCC leaders (preference given to seminarians) wanting to work with church groups from all over the country anywhere from the Yakama Reservation in Washington to Los Angeles, California to Alderson, West Virginia. Week of Compassion Home Mission Interns act as liaisons to the local community while they teach visiting church groups connections between justice issues at their home church and their visiting site. A chance to learn about construction, economic justice, a different culture, and to have fun! With a modest stipend and an Americorps grant, there is a total award of $3000.00.

Check out our Web site to learn more: www.discipleshomemissions.org/VIM/Interns.htm. And apply online today: www.discipleshomemissions.org/VIM/InternForm.htm. We also may be able to provide theological supervision for Field Education credit for specific universities and seminaries. Please do not hesitate to contact with any questions. Audrey M. Connor, VIM & F.A.S.T. Intern Coordinator, (615) 327-7674.

Be a Home Mission Intern!

Jesus Calls Us: Celebrating the Ministry of the Laity

The purpose of the 2005 Week of the Laity is to celebrate the gifts of the laity within Disciples congregations. Why not encourage your church to lift up the special and varied gifts that lay people offer to ministry?

The theme of the 2005 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - Jesus Calls Us - will be the theme for encouraging and celebrating these gifts. This theme is based on the understanding that followers of Christ need a deeper understanding of Jesus and his work to become the faithful growing church of the 21st Century that our Vision calls us to be.

The Laity Sunday Resource includes ideas for worship, service and study that can be a springboard for your Week of the Laity planning process. Celebrate Laity Sunday with our resources and ideas. Our writers are The Rev. Art and Pauline Vermillion, members of Speedway Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis.

For further information or to order a "Laity Sunday Resource," please contact Rev. Billye P. Bridges at (888) 346-2631, extension 2634, or William Culp at extension 2639 or visit the Web site at www.disciples homemissions.org/laity.

Remember Jesus during the Lenten season

The season of Lent is a time for remembering Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, his Last Supper with his friends, his trials before Annas and Pilate, his crucifixion, and his resurrection. Lent is a 40-day period, which begins Ash Wednesday, February 9, 2005.

Are you searching for a way to emphasize Lent? If so, why not try one of the following:

Lenten Calendar: Create a 40-day Lenten Calendar, identifying daily activities, in preparation for Easter. (i.e., volunteer at a social services agency or animal shelter); pray the Lord's Prayer daily; make and send an Easter card to others who will benefit from your care.)

Lenten Packet: Create a Lenten Resource Packet with a variety of activities and suggestions for families to use during Lent. (I.e. ideas for prayer; ideas for a Lenten mission project; seeds to plant; symbols for Lent and Holy Week to be used to make a family banner.)

Lenten Quiz: Create a Lenten Quiz to be used in various settings - Sunday School Bible study or home. Use such questions as: what is the meaning of the word, Lent? When is the first day of Lent? Why does Lent continue for 40 days? What is the significance of Palm Sunday? Be sure you know the answers.

Lenten Bookmarks: Make Lenten bookmarks as gifts of love to be given to shut-ins, parents, grandparents, ministers, and teachers. For further information on activities for Lent, check the DHM Web site at www.discipleshomemissions.org or contact Rev. Billye P. Bridges at (888) 346-2631, extension 2634 or William Culp at extension 2639.

Chain of Prayer

Your prayer vigil links your congregation to a continuous Chain of Prayer with Disciples congregations from New Year's to Easter

What is a prayer vigil?

A Prayer Vigil is continuous prayer by many persons during a certain period of time. It is a powerful force in spiritual preparation for expressing the evangelistic mission of the Church. These unusual days require more than the ordinary. Our strength reinforced by God's power, through personal encounter, is required to meet the demands of our times.

The 24-hour Prayer Vigil offers to persons who share in it, the opportunity for a time of uninterrupted dialogue with God. When your congregation keeps its Prayer Vigil, it becomes an essential link in a vast Chain of Prayer. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations are thus joined together in unbroken prayer from the early hours of January 1 until the beginning of Easter morning.

Enroll

Enroll online at www.discipleshomemissions.org, or request an enrollment form from Disciples Home Missions; PO Box 1986; Indianapolis, Ind. 46206.

Upon return of your completed enrollment form your congregation becomes part of a church-wide prayer emphasis that will have some person from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at prayer at all times during the one hundred days from New Year's Day until Easter. Prayer Vigil materials, which are available online or upon request, are the handbook, a sign-up sheet for securing participants, and a copy of the brochure entitled "A Pattern of Christian Prayer". If your congregation requests it, at a time close to your Prayer Vigil date you will receive a listing of any congregations that are holding a vigil the same day.

For more information contact Lois Robinson: (888)346-2631 or

A Journey To Easter For Families With Young Children

Young children are spiritual beings and they come into this world already connected to God ... Faith communities need to take seriously the spiritual lives of children. There are two main ways in which congregations can support children in their faith development. The first is to provide a safe, quiet, beautiful space in which children can worship God and deepen their relationship with God. The second is to provide parents with the tools to work with their children at home. Below are some worship ideas for families to use during the Season of Lent. Many of these ideas can be adapted to use in a children's church school class.

The Season of Lent is the Journey to Easter. Lent is a time to reflect on how much God loves us. During Lent we are encouraged to explore the gift of quiet. During Lent we take time to think about our relationship with God. We work at deepening our understanding of who God intends us to be.

With your children, create a special place to hold Lenten worship services. This may simply mean adding some sacred objects to the table where you gather for meals. It may mean creating a special worship center in a corner of your living room. Consider including a candle (especially purchased or made for your Lenten services), a Bible, a cross, something to symbolize the coming of new life such as a small budding plant. The important thing is to create a space that is comfortable and relaxed for everyone. Be sure you are close enough to join hands during times of prayer.

Keep your worship services brief and simple. Follow the same order each time. Remember that young children love repetition and ritual. You may want to gather for worship every day or just once a week. Include children in deciding what works best for your family.

Suggested Order of Worship

Gathering – Light a candle. Lighting a candle reminds us that God is always with us, no matter where we are. Sing a song or listen to some music. Read a verse or two of one of the Psalms. Invite members of the family to share what is going on in their lives. Pray a short prayer that simply thanks God for being present and that lifts up shared concerns, problems and joys.

Exploring Scripture – (Scripture suggestions are listed below.) Depending on the ages of your children, you might consider using a Children's Bible or a Bible story picture book. The International Children's Story Bible, illustrated by children from around the world is recommended. It is available from most Christian bookstores.

Your time of exploring the scriptures might go something like this:

• Choose a passage of scripture ahead-of-time. You may want to pick just a few verses or you may want to lift-up several different passages. Scriptures, such as those describing the events of Holy Week and Easter Sunday Morning, lend themselves to being acted out.
• Have a family member read the scripture passage.
• Encourage everyone to be silent for a few minutes to think about the scripture.
• Present the scripture again. This time you might act out the story or read it from a children's bible story book.
• After another few moments of silence, ask family members what thoughts they have to share. Ask questions that are open ended. Open ended questions encourage us to use our imaginations and consider how the scriptures connect with our contemporary lives. Ask question, such as, "I wonder what Jesus meant when he said ...?." or "I wonder what you like best about this story?" or "Do you see yourself anywhere in this story?" There is a lot of mystery in our Christian faith and it is O.K. if you don't know answers to all of your children's questions. Sometimes it is appropriate to simply say, "I wonder about that too."

Closing – Take turns saying a closing prayer or use the same prayer each week such as the "Lord's Prayer" or the "Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi" or read a Psalm. Instead of putting out the candle, tell the children that you are going to change the light. Use a candle snuffer and together watch as the flame is changed to smoke that disappears into the air. You can say something like, "Watch as I change the light. The light that was in one place at one time is now in all places at all times (This ritual is taken from the book, Young Children and Worship by Jerome Berryman and Sonja Stewart.)."

Season of Lent Scriptures from the Common Lectionary

• First Sunday of Lent: Psalm 32, Genesis 3:1-7, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 4:1-11
• Second Sunday of Lent: Psalm 121, Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17
• Third Sunday of Lent: Psalm 95, Exodus 17-1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42
• Fourth Sunday of Lent: Psalm 23*, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41
• Fifth Sunday of Lent: Psalm 130, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-110, John 11:1-45,
• Sixth Sunday of Lent (Palm Sunday and Beginning of Holy Week): Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 21:1-11
• Easter Sunday: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Jeremiah 31:1-6, Colossians 3:1-4, Matthew 28:1-10

The Rev. Kaye Edwards, director of Family and Children's Ministries, is a native of Paris, Ky., and a member of Church of The Covenant, Lynchburg, Va.

God's love enfleshed through Kentucky Appalachian Ministries

In his book, Song of the Sparrow, Murray Bodo, a Franciscan priest, writes, God's love, when it comes to us through other people, overwhelms us so. The reason is, I think, that God is always more convincing enfleshed, and that is what Incarnation is all about. The Incarnation was not a once-upon-a-time event. It reoccurs each time we find God in another human being. People like you and me are in fact the Body of Christ.

As the Kentucky Appalachian Associate Minister, I see God's love in the volunteers and clients at Garrard County Cooperative Parish. Here, in a building built by Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) volunteers using International Day of Pancakes proceeds, people come to purchase clothing for a modest cost, get help finding a job, receive food, or just to visit.

The cooperative parish was born in 1987 when four Disciples congregations in Garrard County, supported by Kentucky Appalachian Ministry, formed an ecumenical not-for-profit, ministry center. The impetus and sustaining presence for the ministry come from Beverly Miller and Gladys Nave. Both are members of the Fairview Christian Church near Paint Lick, Kentucky. Beverly is the chair of the parish council.

Nave, now 84, works in the ministry center four days a week. A tireless advocate for the poor and children, she is quick to quote Jesus' admonitions about caring for those who are facing the uncertainties of life. Last year, Kentucky Appalachian Ministry hosted a dinner to celebrate her ministry and the work of the Garrard County Cooperative Parish. In addressing those who had come to honor her, Nave offered her heartfelt thanks and then quickly noted, "serving folks who are hurting or need a helping hand is what all disciples of Jesus are called to do."

For this work to continue, Disciples are called to support Disciples Mission Finance and Home Mission centers such as Kentucky Appalachian Ministries. Your support of these ministries is important because God has called us to perform them together. Most of all, your support reinforces Bodo's sentiments: "God's love, when it comes to us through other people, [does] overwhelm us so … [because] God is always more convincing enfleshed."

The Rev. Lon Oliver is the Director of KAM (Kentucky Appalachian Ministries) and Associate Regional Minister for the Kentucky region.

Faith Development and the Family

Preparation for Thanksgiving day, Advent, and Christmas, provides an opportunity to reflect on what kind of faith is being modeled for the children and youth in our families. It is good to ask ourselves, "Are our current activities bearing the values and meanings that are most important to us as a family?" "Do we need to make some changes?"

Rituals and traditions are important for children of all ages, and help create safe, meaningful spaces to explore and deepen faith. Some families have found the following suggestions to be meaningful.

Thanksgiving idea

Sometime before Thanksgiving, gather the family to decorate a small box with an autumn or Thanksgiving motif. Make a slot in the cover of the box and decorate it in such a way that it can be opened easily. After the box is decorated, give each person in the family as many small pieces of paper as there are family members. Have each person write the special gift that each family member contributes to the rest of the family. Fold the paper and write the name of that person on the outside of the folded paper (e.g., Mom - reads great stories, John - the peacemaker) and drop the papers into the box's slot. Teens and parents may need to help younger children write theirs. If others are sharing Thanksgiving dinner with you, include their names and gifts as well.

Use the box as the centerpiece for the Thanksgiving dinner table. Just before the food is served, gather the family around the table, open the box and allow time for each person to read the papers with his or her name on them. Have someone in the family lead a prayer of thanks (Enriching Faith through Family Celebrations, DeGidio, Twenty-Third Publications).

Advent idea

Invite family members to exchange names each Sunday of Advent. Throughout the following week, the person whose name you draw becomes the recipient of many small favors, secretly accomplished. Every time you do a secret favor for another member of the family, add a piece of straw to a small doll cradle. By Christmas Eve you will have a soft bed ready for the baby Jesus.

You may have other meaningful holiday rituals and traditions that you would like to share. You can easily do that by joining the Disciples Children Yahoo group. To join, send an e-mail request to Stephanie Kagiwada. Be sure to include your e-mail address within the body of the message.

The Rev. Kaye Edwards,  director of Family and Children's Ministries, is a native of Paris, Ky., and a member of Church of The Covenant, Lynchburg, Va.

Advent: A Season of Preparation

Advent, meaning "the coming," is a season of preparation for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ. This year's Advent season is from November 28th to December 24th. The anticipated mood is one of joyous preparation. The coming of Christ is at the heart of the Christian faith. Just as Christmas speaks about life, so Advent speaks of being near to God. The Advent and Christmas stories are a drama of one's experience with God. The drama begins with people longing and preparing for God, and climaxes with the coming of Jesus as the Messiah. Christians everywhere have something for which to live!

The Christian life responds by loving and helping others in the spirit of Christ, as Christians prepare their hearts for Christ's coming. The good news of Jesus Christ's coming into the world is that God's love reaches all.

Ideas for Advent

During this Advent Season, invite your congregation to host an Advent Workshop and present several of the following activities to be used within church school classes, organizations or homes:

1. Special projects: Ask for a volunteer to find special projects in which the group will give "themselves," such as singing for the shut-ins in the neighborhood, hospital or "Seniors" Home; shoveling snow for the elderly; personal services to needy families, shelters and other institutions; collecting toys from members and organizing a Christmas party at which to give the toys. Have a variety of projects from which the group can choose to give themselves. (Elaine Ward: Church Educator, October 1994)
2. Market Table: For a summertime idea in preparation for Advent, try a market table. If your church wants to help feed the hungry, but you're in an area where there aren't enough needy people to warrant a soup kitchen, try this idea. Set up a "market table" in the fellowship hall or a Sunday school room where church members bring produce from their own gardens for other members to buy. Items can be purchased for a free will donation rather than a set price. The money from this project can be sent to help support a soup kitchen in another area. Though the market table involves only a minimum of preparation and organization, it can generate a useful sum for ministry to the hungry. (David & Kathy Lynn: Leader, Summer 1998)
3. Lessons in Giving: Make a list of people to whom you would like to give a gift this Christmas. Take time to imagine what gifts you can give of yourself, remembering that this is the gift that lasts a lifetime, the ability to love. (Elaine Ward: Church Educator, October 1994)
4. Alternative Giving Event: Host an alternative giving event where church members can give to worthy causes as their Christmas gifts to loved ones. For additional ideas, see Whose Birthday is It Anyway, which can be ordered from DHM.

For further information or ideas, you may order an Advent/Christmas Resource Packet from Disciples Home Missions, P.O. 1986; Indianapolis, Ind. 46206 (888) 346-2631.

The Rev. Billye P. Bridges, director of Christian Education Ministries, is a native of Jackson, Miss., and a member of Light of the World Christian Church, Indianapolis

World AIDS Campaign 2004

Each year, World AIDS Day is commemorated on December 1. World AIDS Day celebrates progress in the battle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic and brings focus to remaining challenges.

The theme for the 2004 World AIDS Campaign is Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS. The year-long campaign, culminating on World AIDS Day, seeks to increase the global response to HIV/AIDS. The year's focus is on women and girls—preventing new infections, promoting equal access to treatment and mitigating the impact of AIDS.

To support this campaign, your congregation can:

• Make contacts with HIV/AIDS organizations in your local community. Ask how your congregation can be involved in their work.
• Plan an educational forum on HIV/AIDS for your congregation.
• Conduct sexuality education classes for the children and youth of your congregation.
• Organize a community prayer vigil on December 1, 2004.
• Focus on World AIDS Day during your worship on Sunday November 28, 2004.
• Pray for people affected by HIV/AIDS, their friends, families and caregivers.
• Wear red ribbons to show your openness to and support of people affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Rev. Kaye Edwards,  director of Family and Children's Ministries, is a native of Paris, Ky., and a member of Church of The Covenant, Lynchburg, Va.

Resources for Elders

Several resources are available to help groups of elders learn how to grow in their skill, knowledge and commitment to the three tasks of eldership.

1. Morgan, Peter. Disciples Eldership: A Quest for Identity and Ministry (Revised and Updated Edition). Indianapolis: Chalice Press, 2003. Gives a history of the eldership in the Christian Church movement and identifies the tasks of elders in the church of today. Includes audiocassettes for use in a group setting.
2. Straub, Gary. Your Calling as an Elder. Indianapolis: Chalice Press, 2003. Offers practical help on what to do during elders' meetings, discusses mutual accountability within elders' groups, and talks about how the God's Spirit can work through elders to grace the congregation.
3. Linberg, Edwin C. and Rod Parrott. The Ministry of Elders: A Handbook for Elders in Congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Claremont Calif.: Oikodome Publications Disciples Seminary Foundation, 1990. Offers an extensive overview of the role of elder in scripture. Identifies the tasks of the eldership.
4. Fletcher, Ruth A. The Teaching Ministry of Elders in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Claremont Calif.: Oikodome Publications Disciples Seminary Foundation, 1994. Provides a description of how people grow in faith and discipleship, models for writing communion prayers, helps for how elders can assist a congregation going through transition, and practical advice for elders who teach classes in the congregation.
5. Beaver, Alton. The Call and Nurture of Ministers: A Manual for Elders in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Claremont Calif.: Oikodome Publications Disciples Seminary Foundation, 1999. Discusses how elders can encourage future ministers, nurture seminarians, affirm pastors, and sustain the ministry of the church.
6. Driskill, Joseph D. Spiritually-Informed Pastoral Care: The Elder's Ministry of Caregiving in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Claremont Calif.: Oikodome Publications Disciples Seminary Foundation, 2002. Focuses on the caregiving ministry of the elders, especially the skills of listening and offering help in "profound moments" when people are particularly open to the leading of the Spirit.
7. Greene, Ronald C. The Spiritual Leadership of Disciples Elders: Leading the Church as a Spiritual Community. Claremont Calif.: Oikodome Publications Disciples Seminary Foundation, 2003. Discusses how elders can grow in faith through the practice of the spiritual disciplines, how elders groups can become spiritual communities, and how elders can offer spiritual leadership to the congregation.

* Available from Christian Board of Publication (800) 366-3383.
** Available individually from the Disciples Seminary Foundation in Claremont, Calif., (909) 624-0712, or as a set from Cokesbury Bookstore (800) 672-1789.

Kick-Off Celebration Sunday

Church School may continue all summer, but there is a feeling of "beginning" every fall. The beginning of any program is a crucial time because of the air of expectancy and enthusiasm. CELEBRATION SUNDAY can be a day to capture and build on that enthusiasm!

On Celebration Sunday, special emphasis is placed on inviting new persons, going to a new classroom, and meeting a new teacher. It is a great opportunity to get the entire Church School together as a vivid witness to the church's support of the Christian Education ministry of your congregation.

Use festive symbols. March behind banners denoting classes. Sing such hymns as "I Love to Tell the Story" and "Tell me the stories of Jessus." Present Bibles to students. Make the classrooms look attractive and inviting. Display flowers, balloons, and streamers to emphasize the anticipation of a new beginning.

Make plans for a special emphasis on Christian Education during the worship service. Install or dedicate teachers and leaders in the Christian Education ministry of the church during worship. List their names in the worship bulletin. Present them with a ribbon or flower. Hold a reception in their honor following worship.

CELEBRATION SUNDAY is one way to affirm that we love, support and appreciate our teachers and volunteers within the Christian Education ministry.

Special Ideas for Celebration Sunday

• Have people make symbols of ways they are involved in the educational ministry of the church. During worship have people hang their symbols on a paper tree.
• Ask worshippers to write notes of thanks or encouragement to the teachers and leaders. Place these notes in the offering plate. Mail them to the teachers and leaders on Monday.
• Put the name of each teacher or leader on several leaf-shaped pieces of paper. Put them on a paper tree or real branch. Ask each worshipper to take one leaf and pray for that teacher or leader throughout the year.
• Put a picture (enlarged) of teachers on the bulletin board with a "thought balloon" (a "thought balloon" is that shape above a cartoon figure's head that contains the dialogue) above each head. In the thought balloon write a quote from each teacher about the importance of Christian Education.

For more information on "Celebration Sunday," please contact Rev. Billye P. Bridges, Director of Christian Education, DHM, (317) 713-2634 or bbridges@dhm.disciples.org.

Colombia Video Available July 1

This is a moving account of the current situation in Colombia as seen through the eyes of church women who visited Global Missions partners there in October, 2003. The video features an interview with one young woman whose story offers hope for Disciples' partners in ministry. A study guide is provided, which includes a new resource on the internally displaced of Colombia, written by Refugee and Immigration Ministries Director, Jennifer Riggs. It also includes suggestions for congregational and individual action.

This video is jointly sponsored by the Office of Disciples Women, Division of Overseas Ministries, and Week of Compassion. Available July 15. Cost is $25, prepaid. Available in Spanish or English.

Also available: Colombia Resource Packet, CD or Hard Copy, $5 prepaid, or free download from www.discipleswomen.org. Order from ODW, 130 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204-3645.

Building Excitement for Men's Ministry By Les Galbraith

How do we build excitement for men's ministry? Many men find a great deal of satisfaction in just being a part of a church and occasionally attending some event, whether it is worship on a Sunday morning or getting together with others to attend a professional baseball game. These are great activities and are to be commended. However, recently I learned about a Web site that focuses on men's ministries in Virginia, and I found a gold mine. The Web site is www.disciplesmenva.org. Check it out. You will be amazed at what the men in Virginia are doing and the range of activities planned by men in their eleven districts.

One of the interesting features of this Web site is that on its first page there is a link to other Disciples Men Web pages from around the denomination. A quick checking of those sites will let you know what men are doing throughout the US and Canada. The range of activities include: Pancake Breakfasts, Habitat for Humanity work projects, Men's Work Days at various camping facilities, District Men's Meetings and Rallies, work projects to help build facilities for children and youth at various church related or community organizations, and mission work trips throughout the world.

What builds excitement for men in the church? Doing things for others. Getting together to do Bible study and participating in men's retreats challenges men to go beyond that experience and put their skills and energy to use in special ways.

Would you like to build or strengthen men's ministry in your congregation? Plan a work project of some kind. The spiritual growth that takes place when working along side others is an experience that will grow with each occasion. Check out the Web site for Virginia, and then follow the links on their site to the others and see what is happening; and then get involved yourself. You and the church will be glad you did.

Light a Candle for Children Prayer Vigil – A Time to Reflect on the Needs of Children

It takes all of us working together to make this world a nurturing and sustaining place for children to live and grow. The Light a Candle for Children, 40 Day Prayer Vigil is one way to bring the needs of children to the attention of your congregation. The vigil begins on Sunday, September 5th and ends on the Children's Defense Fund Children's Sabbath Sunday, October 17, 2004.

In this the seventh year of the prayer vigil, the packet has a new look-new ideas and resources, all of which are now available on the Web at www.homeland.org/FamilyandChildren/index.htm. These resources include suggestions for intergenerational bible studies and advocacy activities around the 2004 Theme: "Say that I'm a Child of God" Assuring Justice and Care to Leave No Child Behind

Also included in this year's packet is one of the newest KIDS to KIDS Mission Projects. This new project, "Love Kits for Kids" gives children concrete ways to serve children in India, the Philippines, and Israel. An original song, "I Am God's Child" is included for you to use in your Sabbath service of worship. This song was written specifically for a United Church of Christ children's conference. We are grateful for the continuing UCC partnership in the Light a Candle for Children 40 Day Prayer Vigil.

If you have questions or would rather receive a hard copy of the packet, please call or write to Connie Metts (888)346-2631.

Helping Children Understand and Cope with Death and Dying

A new resource has just been posted on the Family and Children's Web page www.discipleshomemissions.org/FamilyandChildren /index.htm. DHM is grateful to Suzanne Stout of Riverside Avenue Christian Church, Jacksonville, Fla., who compiled this resource.

Hunger Study

Week of Compassion and DHM are cooperatively studying the feasibility of a Disciples Hunger Mobilization Network. That feasibility study will focus on the hunger programs and material that already exist, possible funding sources, and the needs that congregations have for materials to educate their members on hunger issues. We would like to hear from you. If you are already involved in a hunger program, tell us about what you are doing. If you have a need for material about hunger issues, tell us what kinds of material you need. If you have an opinion about the creation of a Disciples Hunger Program, tell us your opinion. Send all comments to Jennifer Riggs, DHM, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

Helping Children Understand and Cope with Death and Dying

A new resource has just been posted on the Family and Children's Web page www.discipleshomemissions.org/FamilyandChildren/index.htm. DHM is grateful to Suzanne Stout of Riverside Avenue Christian Church, Jacksonville, Fla., who compiled this resource.

e-Group Established for Children's Ministries

The Office of Family and Children's Ministries has established an e-Group, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/docchildren/. The focus of this group is to facilitate communication about issues and programs related to ministry with children. It is primarily a place for Disciples laypeople and clergy to share ideas, ask questions, offer suggestions, receive support, and communicate about programs and events. Seven years ago, Family and Children's Ministries began the Disciples Care for Children Network to facilitate the sharing of ideas among Disciples congregations. There are currently 430 partner churches in Disciples Care for Children. We are hopeful that the establishment of this e-Group will encourage others to become partners in caring for children.

If you are interested in joining this e-Group, send your e-mail address to Kaye Edwards, kedwards@dhm.disciples.org. If you are interested in having your church become a Partner in the Disciples Care for Children Network, contact Connie Metts, (888) 346-2631.

Vacation Bible School

When will it begin? How long will it last? What will distinguish it from last year's program? Why will the people want to participate? Will we have enough teachers, volunteers and participants? Which curriculum will we use?

Do these questions sound familiar? Yes, it is time to begin planning for Vacation Bible School, if you haven't already started. Following conversations with Christian educators and other persons responsible for Vacation Bible School, several "points to ponder" evolved: n Mission-focused Model: Focus your VBS theme on mission work within your local community. Provide participants opportunities to give of themselves for others. Why not try field trips to homeless shelters, nursing homes, at-risk centers, mission centers, soup kitchens, and other social service agencies? Why not consider taking part in a mission work trip to build a home, church? Contact Carl Zerweck.

• Workshop Rotation Model: Adapt your VBS Curriculum to the workshop rotation model. This model offers kid-friendly, teacher-friendly and facility-transforming ways to teach Bible stories and truths for 4-6 weeks. Classes rotate into a different workshop each week but stay with the same story for up to 6 weeks, learning it in depth through a variety of media. Teachers will teach nearly the same lesson to different classes. ( http//www.rotation.org)
• Community Model: Invite other neighborhood churches to join in planning, organizing and coordinating a special community VBS experience. Be visible. Invite the churched and unchurched. n Prayer Partners: Invite senior adults and other interested persons to pray for the teachers, participants, workers and volunteers who will be involved in VBS.
• Kids to Kids Project: Use the Kids to Kids' "Fill the Backpack" project or one of the many other Kids to Kids' projects as outreach during VBS. Kids can learn how to reach outside of themselves and help other children. Contact: jriggs@ dhm.disciples.org & kedwards@dhm. disciples.org
• Curriculum Selection: When selecting materials be sure to consider such areas as: educational philosophy, planned outcome, supporting of Disciples' thought, learning styles, usability, readability and challenge level. For further information, contact Billye Bridges, Director, Christian Education, Disciples Home Missions, (888) 346-2631, ext. 2634.

If you have any other great ideas or success stories about VBS, we invite you to share them with us.

Guideposts for Leaders 2004

... is now available and its on the web! You can visit www.discipleswomen.org to find your fully downloadable version of this important leadership resource for Disciples Women. It may be printed directly from the Web site.

While churches will not be automatically receiving Guideposts packets in the mail this year, you can receive a printed copy. Contact your regional office if you need a printed copy. Questions? Call your regional office or the Office of Disciples Women at (888) 346-2631.

• Assembling "comfort quilts" at the 2003 General Assembly. DHM photo by Angela Herrmann.

Twenty-one Comfort Quilts sent to Africa

There are many ways in which the general units of the church cooperate to better serve the Gospel through service to local churches. Here are a few examples:

In cooperation with Global Ministries, twenty-one "comfort quilts," made at the General Assembly Vision Fest, are being sent to Johannesburg in South Africa. These quilts will bring comfort to infants who are infected with the HIV virus or have other conditions that put their young lives at risk. The quilts will be distributed through our partnership with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa.

Three hundred dollars of the General Assembly AIDS Healing Service offering has been contributed to the Africa Office of Global Ministries to support HIV/AIDS work in Africa. Thank you to all who attended the AIDS Healing Service and contributed to this offering.

All New KIDS to KIDS Program Being Introduced in Spring of 2004

KIDS to KIDS is a mission program in which Disciples children (of all ages) can enter into ministries that serve children in North America and around the world. This year it is getting a whole new look, with many new service opportunities. It will be totally web based. Kids will be able to read about all of the KIDS to KIDS projects on-line at (www.homeland ministries. org/FamilyandChildren/kidstokids) before deciding in which projects they want to be involved. Your church will be notified when the new web based program is launched. If you do not have Internet capabilities, printed copies will be available through DHM for a small fee to defray printing and mailing costs.

Remember that every penny, raised through KIDS to KIDS, goes directly to the designated mission projects. No money is used for administrative costs. This makes KIDS to KIDS a great project for your Vacation Church School offerings. If you have questions about KIDS to KIDS or other programs for families and children, contact Kaye Edwards or Connie Metts at (888) 346-2631.

Fund to Provide Scholarships for Children Worship & Wonder Training Events at Lexington, Ky., Theological Seminary

The Rev. Stuart Mill, retired Treasurer for Global Ministries, has established a permanent fund in memory of his father and mother, The Rev. J. Stuart and Ruth Mill, on the occasion of his mother's death. This fund will provide scholarships to seminary students, and members of Disciples Congregations, who wish to attend a DHM Story Teller Training Event at the Lexington Theological Seminary. By establishing this fund Reverend Mill is continuing his parents love for children and ministry to children beyond their lifetimes and DHM is grateful that he chose to honor his parents in this way.

Scholarship awards will be based on need and availability. Application forms may be obtained by contacting Kaye Edwards, kedwards@dhm.disciples.org.

If you or your congregation are interested in starting a permanent fund or linking with an existing permanent fund, contact Arnold Nelson, anelson@dhm.disciples.org.

Violence Pledge ...

"Living the Pledge of Nonviolence: Jubilee Families of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)" was developed by Disciples Home Missions in partnership with Global Ministries. This resource follows the Christian year and is built around the "Family Pledge of Nonviolence." You are encouraged to download this resource from the Web at www.homelandministries.org/ASSETS/Jubilee FamiliesPDF and distribute to families with children or use for intergenerational congregational events throughout the year.

The "Family Pledge of Nonviolence"

To lessen the violence and spread the peace, as a member of the _________________ family,
I pledge to communicate honestly and listen with care,
To respect one another and nature as well,
To forgive one another and make amends,
To play without violence and act with courage,
To stop the violence whenever I can.

Promesa Familiar para Eliminar la Violencia

Para disminuir la violencia y sembrar la paz, me compromento a: _________________
Communicarme honestamente y a escuchar con cuidado,
Respetar a los demás y a la naturaleza,
Perdonar a Los demás y enmendar mis ofensas,
Jugar sin violencia y actuar con valentia,
Confrontar la violencia siempre que pueda.

Comfort Quilts

As the church we celebrate each child as an infinitely worthwhile gift from God. And yet, children often are put into terrible situations through no fault of their own. Children are born with HIV/AIDS infections. Children are born with alcohol and drug addictions. One of the ways in which church members have reached out to such children is through the crafting of Comfort Quilts. Making "Comfort Quilts" is also a great way to get people of all ages working together.

These quilts are a way to bring love and comfort to children who have been hospitalized because of a variety of traumatic circumstances. You can make these simple quilts and donate them to a hospital right in your hometown. Directions for making "Comfort Quilts" can be obtained by contacting Connie Metts at (888) 346-2631, ext. 2641 or on the Web at www.discipleshomemissions.org/FamilyandChildren/index.htm.

In The Fullness Of Time: A History Of Women In The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Who are the foremothers in our church? What were their struggles and how do they speak to our struggles? In The Fullness Of Time, written by Fran Craddock, Martha Faw and Nancy Heimer, provides the answers. This volume tells a story of Disciples women from 1874 to 1999. It tells of their relationship to each other and to the church, and describes their journey within and through the structures of the church.

This book provides a provocative view of the history of women's ministries in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A must read! In The Fullness Of Time will serve as a bridge to our past and a literary springboard into our future. Lenita (Jackie) Bunch, past president, International Christian Women's Fellowship (ICWF)

In The Fullness Of Time will be available at General Assembly at the reduced price of $10. Find it in the Cokesbury display and at the Women's Luncheon.

Narthex neighborliness

Think of the narthex of your church as you would the entrance to your home. Is it bright and welcoming? Do signs clearly identify the location of bathrooms, nursery, office, etc. Maps should be available at the entrances to assist guests in finding the various facilities. The main entrance should be clearly marked as such so visitors may know which of the doors into your church is the main one.

Are greeters at the entrance to welcome all worshippers? Trained greeters offer a special welcome to guests and should be in place at least fifteen minutes before worship begins. Greeters should receive annual refresher training in effective listening and welcoming. New greeters will need to be recruited regularly and reminded this is an important ministry.

Members with a gift for hospitality should be available to "adopt" guests for the day. Narthex neighbors introduce guests to other members, guide them through the building, and assist them in worship as necessary. They help introduce guests to the pastor(s) and others during the fellowship time following worship. Does an information table or display provide up-to-date information on your congregation's ministry activities? Do you provide ample quantities of material (Brochures, newsletters, etc.) for visitors to take home? A person should be available to staff your information center and provide answers to questions and offer information about your congregation's ministry.

Do visitors and members wear name tags? Consider using permanent tags for members to save on costs. If you use permanent name tags, be sure visitor's name tags are similar in appearance so they do not feel singled out.

Is your nursery clean, safe, well-staffed, and adequately equipped? Visiting parents will feel comfortable leaving their children. If people and systems are in place to offer quality, stimulating and safe nursery care. Remember if you care for a large number of children, a separate space should be provided for infants and toddlers.

The Rev. Jane C. Lawrence, Executive Vice President, is a native of Kokomo, Ind. She is a member and Sunday School teacher at Allisonville Christian Church, Indianapolis, Ind.

"Here I Am" —A Personal Profile Booklet

October/November: The heart shaped symbol of the Christian Childrens Fellowship represents the love of God which surrounds all children. The chalice reflects the desire of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to partner with families to nurture children. You can obtain an 11" x 17" poster of the symbol by calling DHM (888) 346-2631.

The mission of the Christian Childrens Fellowship (CCF) is to celebrate childhood. The program recognizes childhood as a special time of unique joys. Group meetings are opportunities to deepen understanding of God's love and responding to that love through acts of service and stewardship.

Here's an idea for your CCF meeting. Before the meeting, put together a booklet for each child by folding in-half large pieces of colorful construction paper. Use at least three pieces of paper for each booklet. Punch holes in the folded sides and tie with bright ribbon or yarn. Take Polaroid or digital pictures so that you can produce a picture of each child immediately. Let them paste on their picture and decorate the outside of their booklet. Measure the height of each child. Let them record their heights, weight, eye color, race, hair color, etc. on the first page. The rest of the pages can be filled with favorite activities, books, vacation spot, names of family members. Whatever they want others to know about them can go in their booklet. Make a special place to keep these booklets all year long. They can be shared with newcomers and added to as the year progresses.

Read the story of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-11) and talk about how God calls everyone, young and old to be engaged in ministry. You might even consider having costumes and props available for the children to act out the story. Let the discussion about Samuel's call lead you into planning what mission activities they want to be involved in this year. Have a variety of ideas available from which they can choose. Consider Global Ministries Child Sponsorship program or one of DHM's Kids to Kids mission projects. What will God do, through the children in your CCF, "... that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle (1 Samuel 3:11)"? For more information on CCF youth groups and additional ideas and activities for your CCF youth, contact Kaye Edwards, kedwards@dhm.disciples.org or call (434) 832-1119.

• This CCF Update supplements two books available through the Christian Board of Publication, A Manual for Christian Children's Fellowship and 89+ Great Ideas: Programs for Christian Children's Fellowship (Older Elementary).

New Good Samaritan Video

October/November: The Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries (SWGSM) on the Texas/Mexico border has a new video about its ministry—"Neighbor to Neighbor." It is approximately 20 minutes long and tells the story of SWGSM including:

• Its ministry to those refugees released from the nearby immigration detention center, who are provided a place to stay and/or assisted in joining their relatives elsewhere in the country.
• The new site for SWGSM being built near the detention center which already includes a warehouse, office, caretaker's house, and dormitories.
• The youth and adult workgroups that come to the area to assist the ministry by providing the labor for construction at the new site and for other ministries supported by SWGSM.
• The food donated by "Disciples Rice and Beans" which feeds refugees and other poor persons along the border.
• The toys and clothing donated by "Mike's Kids" which brings a smile to the children each Christmas.

The video also covers several ministries of other organizations in the area that SWGSM supports as part of its outreach efforts:

• Derechos Humanos—a ministry run by a Methodist volunteer that works with the colonias, which are extremely poor communities along the border.
• Casa Betel—an orphanage in Mexico run by a Mexican pastor for about 85 children who have been orphaned or abandoned by their parents.
• La Ciudad de los Ninos—the new site being constructed for Casa Betel.

This video is available for purchase for $10 from SWGSM, contact Raquel Garcia at (956) 233-5198 or swgsm@prodigy.net. It is also available to borrow at no cost from DHM's Refugee and Immigration Ministries, contact Bill Culp at (888) 346-2631 or bculp@dhm.disciples.org. You can also learn more about SWGSM at www.swgsm.org.

read previous resources columns

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