A Call to the Global Challenge with Prayer 

We are saddened as we hear the distressing, frightening news of the destruction of life – men, women, young adults, teens, children, and infants – who are killed with intent. We mourn as we learn of the loss of lives of both Israelis and Palestinians. We feel deeply connected to the human family who lives in the Holy Lands of Israel and Gaza. We cry out in fear because everything within us wants the killing to stop, the destruction to cease, and the hostages to return to family. We feel a sense of helplessness.  The first thoughts within us are for those we label as ‘enemies’ to perish, and to perish with force that destroys their very lives. 

Yet, we come together with our vulnerable feelings, with a prayer for a peaceful resolve to these acts of destruction on all sides; for wise decisions from all leaders around the world; for stamina to trust God who calls to us to maintain truth in our belief and mercy with justice. Out of our helplessness, we first cry to God.

Psalm 77, various verses: 

I cry aloud to God, that God may hear me. In the day of my trouble, I seek God; my hand stretches out in the night and does not rest; my soul refuses to be comforted. I remember God and I moan; I meditate and my spirit faints. Selah.

How do we respond, make a difference, answer our children’s fears, and remain faithful to God’s leading? We feel helpless.

Like the psalmist, we are called to remember. We are to remember God’s promises of presence and capability to guide; God’s covenant with God’s people -- all people -- to create new ways of life and life abundantly.  

In our day-to-day we pray. In prayer we are called to recognize humanity in each and all, to come together despite our differences, and to act with grace and mercy in our thoughts, words, and deeds.

May the light of God pull all of us out of the darkness, that all might reflect the light of God’s love as a first response. 

The Executive Committee

Rev. Donna Gunter, Moderator

Paula Robin, Moderator Elect

Rev. Sheila Hunter, Past Moderator

Rev. Will Johnson, Treasurer

Rev. Sarah McClelland Brown, Secretary

Dolores Trimiew, Disciples Women

John Anderson, Disciples Men

The month of October is a national observance to encourage the faithful to show appreciation for religious leaders -- it is known as Minister Appreciation Month.

Day in and day out, clergy members mercifully serve the community of faith in churches, hospitals, counseling centers, military service, and alternative ministries of mission and justice. Minister Appreciation Month reminds us to give thanks with acts of appreciation for the many ways our ministers, pastors, missionaries, chaplains, religious workers, and interim ministers live out a calling to be the hands and feet of Christ in this world.  

Dedicated clergy nurture the well-being of individuals and their communities as they prepare weekly messages, theological and biblical lessons, manage the day-to-day stewardship of recruitment of volunteers, and watch prayerfully over financial resources and facility use, while maintaining a vision of hope and reconciliation in God’s name.  

They participate in the most joyous occasions and in the most difficult sadness in the lives of congregants and community members. Baptisms, weddings, retirements, births, and graduations -- all bringing joy to lives shared. Deaths, funerals, illnesses, divorces, and brokenness in belief -- clergy walk alongside each one, experiencing some of the most difficult things in life.  In addition, the members of this unique community, those who are called into active ministry, bear the emotional responses of those who are disgruntled with the church, disillusioned by the actions of others, and receive the hostile criticism of an increasing anti-religious society.  The designation of "clergy," and being "called" into ministry, requires preparation of skills and of the soul.  

In I Thessalonians 5: 12-13, Paul urged communities to acknowledge those “who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord, and who admonish you,” to hold these spiritual leaders “in highest regard in love because of their work.”  

Lyrics from “Find Us Faithful” by Steve Green

We're pilgrims on the journey

Of the narrow road,

And those who've gone before us

Line the way.

Cheering on the faithful,

Encouraging the weary,

Their lives a stirring testament

To God's sustaining grace.

O may all who come behind us

Find us faithful,

May the fire of our devotion

Light their way.

May the footprints that we leave,

Lead them to believe…

These lyrics are encouraging when our journey feels long. We are all pilgrims on this road of faith, and we find comfort in those who have guided us and shown us the way. Let us, as members and friends of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia, encourage clergy with our prayers of love and our actions of appreciation.

A Look Ahead: Regional Events & Special Offerings

Thanksgiving Offering

November 12 & 19, 2023

Learn More

Christmas Offering

December 17 & 24, 2023

Learn More

Regional Youth Assembly

January 19-21, 2023

Learn More & Register Here

Regional Assembly

April 26-27, 2023

Registration available soon.

Upgrade Thursday October 26th

On October 26, from 7-8pm, you’re invited to "Alpha: A Tool for Conversations About Faith," a workshop to explore Alpha and learn why it's a highly effective tool for introducing people to Jesus in today's culture. Alpha helps creates a safe space for people to be real, learn the basics of the Christian faith, build authentic relationships, and encounter the power of the Holy Spirit in the process. This space allows those who might not attend a Sunday service to explore faith for themselves without judgment or pressure.

Michelle Tepper is the Florida Network Director for Alpha USA, with two decades of experience helping skeptics engage and move past their biggest obstacles to faith in Christ and training Christians to be evangelistically positioned in their everyday lives. 

All are welcome. Learn more and get the Zoom link here.

News & Reminders

• A Prayer for Unity: The whole church is invited to gather with Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President, in prayer for the crisis in the Middle East, live on Facebook at 12 pm EDT on Wednesday, October 25. If you cannot join in prayer online, please pause and pray in a spirit of unity wherever you may be located.
• Regional Clergy Gatherings: There are many opportunities for Georgia Disciples clergy to gather for conversation, support, and learning in the Region. Every Tuesday, clergy are invited to stop by for an hour of conversation and idea-sharing at 12 pm. For more information and a Zoom link to any of these virtual meetings, contact Kyle Ermoian, Director of New Church and Church Development. 
• Prepare for Advent 2023: Our God is always with us every time, even in the most unlikely of places. Abide With Us: A Daily Devotional walks us through the four weeks that lead to Christmas, reflecting on what we can do to create a welcoming space for God in our hearts and our world. Each devotion contains scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Faithful Families for Advent & Christmas now available in discounted 10-packs and 5-packs!

Learning Opportunities

• Upgrade Thursdays Recap: In case you missed Upgrade Thursday on October 12, Rev. Monique Crain Spells presented, "Drink of One Spirit: Living Our Truths in Community." We explored characteristics of the Spirit, practiced tracing the Spirit, and discussed discerning when to course-correct in the Spirit. Check out the Zoom recording here.
• Book Launch Event TONIGHT: Join First Christian Athens TONIGHT at 7 pm, as they welcome back Pastor Amy Butler, in partnership with Avid Bookshop, for a book reading and celebration of her first book, Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt and Finding a Way Back to Each Other. The conversation will be centered on what it means to have an authentic journey of faith in a world full of so much uncertainty and brokenness. How can the church do a better job of telling real stories? Copies of the book will be available for sale and complimentary refreshments will be served.
• A Framework For A New Day In Ministry: Join New Church Ministry in Kansas City, MO or online from October 24-27 for Leadership Academy, as they share the DisciplesNEXT model, one that promotes contemplative action, prophetic advocacy, and faith-rooted organizing. Individuals contemplating ministry, students, ecumenical partners, and those feeling “stuck” or isolated in ministry are welcome. Sign up here.
• Clergy Continuing Education Grants: Currently accepting applications! Disciples Home Missions (DHM) is pleased to offer Clergy Continuing Education Grants of up to $500 to support ordained and commissioned ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada in their commitment to a process of life-long learning. Applications will be received through October 31, 2023, for educational events in 2024. Additional information and application forms can be found here. 
• Building a Culture of Protection in Your Ministry: Ministries continue to face challenges and resistance implementing abuse prevention best practices in their congregations. Join the webcast on November 8 at 2:00pm EST to learn how to strengthen your abuse prevention policies and implement best practices for responding to allegations of abuse. Insurance Board's guest speaker, Beth Boyer Kollas, is an ordained UCC minister from Praesidium, who holds her MDiv (counseling), and dual PhDs in HIV/ AIDS and Psychology/Counseling. Beth is certified in many areas and has extensive experience and knowledge in the healthcare and social services arenas. Register here.
• Please note that the Christian Church in Georgia has cancelled its subscription to Right Now Media.

Prayers of Comfort & Celebrations

Comfort 

For the family and friends of Rev. Dr Dave Alexander (July 14, 1931 – October 5, 2023), Regional Minister of the Christian Church in Georgia (DOC) from 1984-1999. Dave with his spouse, Ann, served the Region of Georgia from 1984 – 1999. Dave will be remembered for being the ‘shepherd to the shepherds’ in the Region, traveling north Ga to southern parts of the Region. Our Region was blessed by his sharing of faith, his enthusiasm for church and his skills of leadership. Please read his obituary here. Official arrangements will be announced at a later time.

• For the family and friends of Rev. Dr. Alan Mace who died on Saturday, October 14, 2023.  Alan and Janice moved to Georgia in 2010 to serve as Interim Minister to First Christian (DOC), Athens. Alan will be remembered for his skillful guidance and inspiration in his faithful walk. The arrangements will be announced at a later time.  
• Prayers for Rev. Anita Renahan-White as she departs from Liberty Christian Church in Newnan after 10 years of service. The church will celebrate her ministry on October 29, 2023.

Celebrations



• We are thankful for Rev. Will Johnson, who returned home after his scheduled heart repair surgery on Thursday, October 12. We continue to hold Will in prayer, along with his mom, Lisa, who is supporting him during recovery. We are thankful for Rev. Doug Ivey and the FCC Macon congregation, who are continuing to worship and work while Will is recovering.
• Rev. Heather Webb, senior minister at Union Christian Church (DOC), Watkinsville, for recognition of completion of standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The recognition is on Sunday, October 22 during morning worship with Dr. Stan Saunders attending as a representative of the Region of GA.  Rev. Webb was ordained January 9, 2009 in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship by First Baptist Church of Elizabeth City, NC. Heather has been at Union Christian (DOC) since March 1, 2022.  We celebrate this new step of ministry and calling!
• Rev. Teresa Worrel Bensch, interim co-minister at First Christian (DOC), Lawrenceville, was ordained in ministry by the Region of Georgia on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Sandy Springs Christian Church (DOC), Atlanta, GA.  Rev. Bensch graduated from Candler School of Theology this past spring. She and her family are members at SSCC and active in the Region of GA summer camping programs.  We celebrate this new phase of ministry and faith! 
• Chestnut Ridge Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Atlanta, GA dedicated their new outdoor space, Crossroads Amphitheater on Sunday, October 15, 2023.  Rev. Bryon Wells led the gathered community in worship and praise for the blessings of healing and opportunity.  
• Region of GA Elders’ Day Retreat held at Camp Christian and Conference Center with both on-site and zoom participants was on Saturday, October 8. Approximately 20 Clergy, Elders, Deacons participated in a re-claiming of leadership and a refreshing of faith for the new opportunities to serve in the local churches. A word of thanksgiving for leadership and preparation to Rev. George Pinkard, Regional Elder Chair, and Rev. Jabari Butler, technology support, and Mr. Oscar Hugley and Mrs. Paulette Hugley, Co-Operations Managers. A special word of appreciation for Rev. Byron Wells, Rev. Charles Marshall, Rev. Dr. Glorious McCall, and Rev. Bill Spangler-Dunning for their leadership and sharing of knowledge in church leadership and spiritual development. 
• Johns Creek Christian Church will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a Celebration Service on November 12, 2023.