From General Synod to IKC Churches:
How Eviction Intervention Hit Home
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Above:
one of the many images captured by author and sociology professor, Dr. Matthew Desmond, whose research focuses on poverty in America, city life, housing insecurity, public policy, racial inequality, and ethnography.
He addressed the UCC General Synod this year in Milwaukee.
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by Nikki Shaw
Communications Director
General Synod this year featured keynote speaker Dr. Matthew Desmond. Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University and author of the book
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
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In the book,
Desmond chronicles his experience with eight families in Milwaukee as they each try to keep their homes. The stories are, as you might imagine, heartbreaking.
Two months later, some IKC churches and one of our Synod delegates found themselves in the position to prevent a heart-breaking eviction. In mid-August, a woman reached out to Zion UCC in Indianapolis, explaining that she was behind on her rent and about to be kicked out of her home. First Congregational UCC in Indianapolis and St. Peter's UCC in Carmel were soon involved in the effort to help. So was a Synod delegate who had been particularly moved by Desmond's keynote. They pooled funds to pay for the past due rent, staving off this eviction and having enough money left over to begin a seed fund for future action preventing other evictions.
Through this incredible story (you can read more about it on the UCC web site by
clicking here
), reminds us that when we have the opportunity to be Christ to our siblings, we can do little more than say, "Thanks be to God" and extend the hand of hope and love to our neighbors in need.
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Leadership Academy:
Ongoing Opportunities
This is an exciting time to be part of the Indiana Kentucky Conference!
We wrapped up our Transitional Ministry Training last month and want to share our experience and connect you with monthly opportunities to keep this conversation going, as well as to provide ongoing resources.
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You Can Still Send a Letter!
Conference Minister Chad Abbott and the Council of Conference Ministers advocate in Washington DC for support for migrant families. Your letters to our elected officials are due September 20.
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Congratulations Rev. Teresa Walton O'Bannon
IKC Pastor receives the Humanitarian Award at the R.C. Watts Community Excellence Award Banquet
Rev. Walton O’Bannon is the Co-Founder/President & CEO of Emmaus Ministries Incorporated. Founded on May 29, 2014, Emmaus Ministries Inc. exists to compassionately meet the spiritual and physical needs of individuals and families who live on the margins of society. It is Emmaus Ministries vision to inspire hope in the lives of all individuals and families who lack the ability to thrive. We intend to challenge systems and the lack of resources through advocacy, education, empowerment, awareness spiritual enrichment and partnerships; thereby changing lives one journey at a time.
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MID Spotlight
Carol Sowle
Southeast Association
I began attending First Congregational United Church of Christ (FCC) in 2006, and joined a year later. Over the years, a variety of ways to be involved have come my way, including being the moderator in 2016. In March of this year, I was granted Lay Minister standing by the Southeast Association of the INKY conference. In that capacity I serve FCC in the areas of pulpit supply, pastoral care visits, adult education and worship leader coordinator. I also continue to serve on a board and participate in several church activities.
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September Is National Preparedness Month
UCC Disaster Ministries Executive Zach
Wolgemuth encourages UCC congregations to be ready to act. "The church needs to play an increasingly key role in how we respond to disasters and where we invest our resources. This starts at home and in our congregations with a paradigm shift that underscores preparedness an
d understands the value of this investment along with long-term support after disasters," he writes in the
Disaster Ministries September newsletter
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Our IKC team, coordinated by Greg Denk, is available to help your church be better prepared. You can access our IKC Disaster Preparedness & Response Ministry Team resources by
clicking this link
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You can also follow IKC DPRMNT on Facebook by
clicking here
. The page often posts helpful information and timely updates.
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Look Up 2019 Faith Conference Addresses Mental Health Ministry
This Fort Wayne, IN event will host an array of speakers, including the IKC's Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, Senior Minister at First Congregational in Indianapolis and the UCC’s Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice. Rev. Lund will lead a breakout session "Preaching on Mental Illness: Dos and Don'ts." The one-day event is Monday, October 7, and you can register now by clicking the button below. The cost is $40.
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Religion and Incarceration Seminar
FREE PUBLIC EVENT
September 24
Indianapolis, IN
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KCC Annual Assembly
ECUMENICAL PARTNER EVENT
October 24-25
Morehead, KY
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WISE Congregations for
Mental Health Conference
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
contact (317) 924-1395, info@ikcucc.org
November 2, 2019
Phoenix, AZ
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Calming the Chaos:
Spiritual Practices for Life and Ministry
ECUMENICAL PARTNER EVENT
November 16
Indianapolis, IN
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For a complete list of events, click below!
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Support the Ministries of the IKC UCC with your donation.
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[317-924-1395] [ikc@ikcucc.org] [www.ikcucc.org]
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