APRIL 2021
COMMUNICATION BRIEFINGS
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FEATURED ARTICLE
"April Brings Growth and Openness"
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HOLY WEEK EVENTS/RESOURCES
Prayers of the People
The 7 Last Poems (4/2 at 4p/6c/7e)
Easter Sunday prayer
Special Offering resources
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Let Us Pray (Second Tuesday, 4/13)
2022 It's Real (Save-the-Date)
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NEWS & RESOURCES
Toolkit for Faith Communities
Jarvis Christian College Ranked #3
Excellence in Ministry - Pension Fund
HELM Leadership Fellows Program
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BOOKS SPOTLIGHT
Journey Towards Wholeness
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CONNECTIONS
Stay Connected
Visit Our Website
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The vision of the National Convocation is to be a leaven in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) under One God as One Church with One Mission in the world, as a voice promoting pertinent issues related to the African American Church, carrying out the biblical mandate to transform lives. |
SELAH will feature the vital ministries of worship, education, justice, advocacy, fellowship, and discipleship that abound throughout our congregations as well as ministry resources; and Convocation events that are crucial for discerning future ministry and leadership of the National Convocation. There is strength in community. Please send congregational updates, ministry concerns, and prayer needs here.
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April Brings Growth and Openness
April is the fourth month of the modern-day calendar. It is known as Aphrodite’s month from the Latin word aprerit, which means to open. April is considered a growing season when trees and flowers begin to “open.” We have heard the phrase "April showers bring May flowers."
During the Lenten season in March, in anticipation of Easter (April 4) and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we reflect on many individual things in our walk to be closer to God. I see April in my spiritual life as a way of renewal and growth. This for me is done through “forgiveness and gratitude.” Forgiveness is powerful and releases you to move forward. It allows you to make a conscious deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance towards a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve it. Forgiveness does not mean we forget, excuse, or condone.
Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice for forgiveness when he died on the cross so that ALL ours sins would be forgiven. That is what scripture says in Matthew 6:14-15 [GNT translation], “If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrong you have done.” Jesus was our example for what forgiveness could look like, when he cried out “Father, forgive them because they do not know what they do!”
Because of this, we can be grateful and express gratitude. There are many scriptures in the bible about gratitude, however, one of my favorites is 2 Thessalonians 1:3, “We ought always to thank God for you brothers and sisters, and rightly so because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.”
National Convocation and the churches, pastors, and individuals we serve have exemplified forgiveness as we continue this journey through many toils and defeat however, we are grateful for a growing season with the birth of a new leader (Rev. Yvonne Gilmore), new flowers, and new hope.
Let us grow this April by practicing forgiveness to move forward from our past and gratitude for another opportunity to get it right.
Till next time, be blessed,
Belinda R. King
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Belinda R. King
Treasurer of the
Board of Trustees for the National Convocation
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HOLY WEEK EVENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Prayers of the People: Churchwide Holy Week Time for Prayer
General Minister and President, Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, invited the whole church to gather online for prayer on March 31. She was joined by eight prayer leaders from across the life of the church, and over 1,400 people online including Rev. Belva Brown Jordan, Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and National Convocation board members, Rev. Eddie Anderson, President of the Young Adult Fellowship group, and Rev. Monique Crain Spells, President of the Fellowship of Black Disciples Clergy Women. Click the video to share in prayer.
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A Good Friday Prayer
Dear God, we remember today, the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that Jesus was willing to endure, so we could be set free. Jesus paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life.
Help us never to take for granted this huge gift of love on our behalf. Help us to be reminded of the cost of it all. Forgive us for being too busy, or distracted by other things. Forgive us for not fully recognizing what you freely gave, and what your love is yet accomplishing.
Thank you Lord that by your wounds we are healed.
Thank you that because of your huge sacrifice we can live free. Thank you that sin and death have been conquered, and that your Power is everlasting.
Thank you that we can say with great hope, “It is finished…”
For we know what’s still to come. And death has lost its sting.
Amen.
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Easter Morning Prayer
Dear God, thank you that you make all things new. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, that by your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have new life with you. Thank you for keeping your word and making a way.
We confess our need for you…fresh…new…again. We ask that you renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. We pray for your refreshing over us.
Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. When the enemy reminds us where we have been, and lies and attacks seek to hinder our walk, we trust that your voice will remind us we are safe with you and that your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.
Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set your way before us. May all your plans succeed. Guide us to reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.
Thanks be to you God, for your indescribable gift! To you be glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Suggested Offering Date, Sunday, April 4 |
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Your gift has the power to change lives around the world.
Several times a year, congregations receive a special offering to support the ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). These gifts are given above and beyond the regular core support of Disciples Mission Fund.
The Easter Offering, received by most congregations on March 28 and April 4, 2021, supports several of the general ministries of the Christian Church. Your gift supports college students in leadership development programs, global mission partners, health and social service ministries, the formation of new congregations, support for pastors and chaplains, and so much more.
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Change lives
around
the world!
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PRAYER LEADERS BY CONVENTION
April | Southern & Western District of Churches of Christ (Disciples of Christ)
May | Kentucky Christian Missionary Convention & Ohio African-American Convention
June | Alabama-Northwest Florida Christian Missionary Convention
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SAVE THE DATES: JULY 20-23, 2022 |
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Toolkit
for Faith Communities
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We Can Overcome this Together
Black communities have felt COVID-19's impact at disproportionate levels. This is why it’s so important to share vaccine facts and do all we can to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. We can overcome this together.
Click the video on the left to hear faith leaders talk about why it's important that the faith community take time to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and where they can go to get their questions answered. Share this video with your community during church service or via your organization's website, email, or social media to help start a dialogue about COVID-19 vaccines. Click here to access the full toolkit including a Bible study and sermon guide, FAQS, and tips for hosting a virtual event.
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Jarvis Christian College
Ranks 3rd Best HBCU in Texas
Earlier this month, 2021 PLEXUSS Global Rankings recognized Jarvis Christian College as the Third Best Historically Black College or University in Texas. Jarvis Christian College is a historically Black institution that has been affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since it's inception in 1913. We salute and celebrate Jarvis Christian College, and their distinctive leadership in higher education!
Dr. Lester C. Newman, President of Jarvis Christian College, reflects, “Being recognized as the 3rd best HBCU in Texas is truly an honor. I am proud of the faculty and staff who worked diligently to provide our students with an education that is affordable, challenging, and guaranteed. That is the Jarvis Promise. We will continue to provide our students with the tools to succeed.”
Mr. Torry L. Edwards, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, observed, “Jarvis Christian College's top ranking in Texas affirms the institution’s success in preparing Christian leaders in business, education, and government.” Learn more about Jarvis Christian College here.
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Pension Fund is receiving applications from across the U.S. and Canada for the Excellence in Ministry (EIM) program. This program, funded in part by Lilly Endowment, strengthens the ministry of our most outstanding early-career pastors by providing them training in financial literacy and a grant to reduce financial stress.
To be eligible to apply, pastors should be:
- Serving a paid position in congregational ministry (does not need to be a senior pastor); and
- In their first five years since ordination or commissioning; and
- Credentialed Disciples of Christ with standing in the region (ordained or commissioned); and
- Available to attend the learning event with their spouse (expenses paid) on August 5-7, 2021.
2021 Application Deadline - April 30
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Application Deadline Extended to April 16 |
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The Leadership Fellows Program seeks to cultivate and strengthen participants' potential for leadership through intentional focus on Christian community, societal transformation, global awareness, and leadership engagement. Students entering undergraduate education may apply to the program, which includes a scholarship, annual retreat, and an international cross-cultural experience.
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Eligibility Requirements:
• Active membership in a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation
• Entering their first year of Undergraduate studies in the Fall of 2021 (Unfortunately, we cannot accept applicants who are current college students.)
• Demonstrated leadership qualities in school, community, and church contexts
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Journey Toward Wholeness
by Brenda M. Cardwell and
William K. Fox, Sr.
From Convention to Convocation:
No longer "Objects of" Mission but
"Partners In" the Work
With roots stretching to before the Civil War, the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) today serves as the connection between African Americans and the Stone-Campbell Movement. Founders of the African American Convention movement were visionaries, coordinating the opposition to slavery, forced relocation of free African Americans to Africa, and a multitude of social ills. Journey toward Wholeness: A History of Black Disciples of Christ in the Mission of the Christian Church chronicles the predecessors of the National Convocation and the movement's roots and growth through almost three centuries.
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