Winter 2019-2020 Volume 19 Number 1

Great Expectations! For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, Advocate is Going Digital saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Thank you for supporting The Disciples Advocate. Please be advised that future issues of the Advocate will be in digital form. Jeremiah 29:11

The Advocate will continue to offer news about the exciting ministries Read the Bible in a Year 3 of Disciples Home Missions and our broader church and partners. Suicide Rates 3 Thank you kindly for your support! Sotello V. Long Preaching Conference 4 President New Exec. Dir. & Min. Named to Disciples Home Missions LGBTQ+ 5

Higher Education 5,10,14,21,25,29 Sustaining Transformative Ministry Street Named in Honor of Minister 6 Effective pastoral ministry is like given: Prayer, devotional time in scrip- 2020 Experience 7 a chef using an expensive knife. To ture, and discernment, for instance. Global Ministries 8,9,17 even a skilled chef, that knife, carefully But we should also participate in hand-crafted by a master bladesmith practices involving artistic creativity, Woman-to-Woman Worldwide to great precision, can become a hin- as well as intentional ways of bringing Delegation 12 derance, even dangerous, over time. everyday parts of our lives into spiri- Mission Centers 16,17,18,23, 28 Used extensively tual context, and and not taken care ongoing practices HELM 19 of, dulling and nicks that instill deep joy Light A Candle 23 in the cutting edge and gratitude in can bring ruin to life that transcends DPF 24 what is attempted regular moments of by even a great cu- stress, frustration, Have you considered linary expert. and toil. making a gift to Every clergy A resource for person regularly discovering and experiences stress- deepening such ors and resistance. Such can dull and practice is the Well-fed Spirit Website, nick abilities of ministry into eventual at: www.wellfedspirit.org. in your will? ineffectual and even damaging effort. Ultimately, though, it is not If so, please contact Each clergy person must counter such enough to hone one’s own life of prac- Rev. Sotello V. Long wear-and-tear, with ongoing care and tice for the sake of personal growth, at repair. alone. Rather, for clergy the call is to (317) 713-2684 Prospering in the ministries to hone one’s own spirituality, in order to DHM Equipping Disciples which God calls us requires an ongo- help others also learn how to nourish for Christ ing honing of our capacities for min- their own lives. istry. This includes developing a body of personal spiritual practices that are Rev. Warren Lynn chosen based on one’s own personal- Executive Minister for Christian Vocations Donate ity, needful edges, and more. Some Disciples Home Missions to DHM more-classical Christian practices are click on ad The Disciples’ Advocate Sotello’s Inspirations & Insights!

Dear Disciples and readers, would draw near to God must believe that God exists and that God rewards those who seek God. Hebrews 11:6 The foundational biblical text for this edition of the (3) I believe that by the grace of the Trinity – God, the Advocate is Jeremiah 29:11! Great I AM; the Holy Spirit and Jesus, our Great High For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Priest - all things work together for the good of those the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an who love, seek and serve God. We seek God through expected end. prayer in aligning ourselves with God’s will. Through this I off er three basic beliefs for believers in Christ to have act of submissive obedience we open ourselves to God’s great expectations! activity in and through our lives and circumstances. The (1) I believe that God loves us; (2) I believe that we Holy Spirit divinely connects us with God through Jesus. live by faith; and, (3) I believe that by the grace of the Refl ect on the following texts: Likewise the Spirit helps us in Trinity – God, the Great I AM; the Holy Spirit and Jesus, our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, our Great High Priest - all things but the Spirit [directly] intercedes for us work together for the good of those 1) I believe that God loves us; with groanings too deep for words. And who love, seek and serve God 2) I believe that we live by faith; and, [the Spirit] who searches hearts knows (1) I believe that God loves us. 3) I believe that by the grace of the what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Being made in God’s divine image I Trinity – God, the Great I AM; the Holy Spirit intercedes for the saints according believe that there is a depth of life and Spirit and Jesus, our Great High Priest - to the will of God. And we know that for love that can only be fi lled by God those who love God all things work all things work together for the good of and enlivened in our love for God, together for good, for those who are humanity and all creation. This is those who love, seek and serve God. called according to [God’s] purpose. evidenced in the new commandment Romans 8:26-28 from the Lord to the disciples: A new commandment I give The former priests were many in number, because they to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you were prevented by death from continuing in offi ce, but he holds also are to love one another (John 13:34) his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Con- and the profound salvifi c text: sequently, he is able to save to the utt ermost those who draw For God so loved the world, that God gave God’s only be- near to God through him, since he always lives to make gott en Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, intercession for them. Hebrew 7:23-25 but have everlasting life. John 3:16 So live with great expectations because God loves us; (2) I believe that we live by faith. For me, faith to live we live by faith and things work together for the good of by is the capacity to act on God’s word. It is our positive those who love, seek and serve God. Be encouraged “and response to God’s grace - to what grace has already made let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we available. Salvation, for example, is available to eveyone shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9!) by grace. It is appropriated through faith. Each one of us Seize the day and join the opportunities to walk by has the gift of the measure of faith. That’s wonderful to faith as God leads you to participate in the ministry or know since the Bible says that without faith it is impos- ministries shared in this edition that resonate with you! sible to please God. Refl ect on the following texts and seek God’s wisdom for living by faith. God’s love, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 We walk by faith not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:2-3 Sotello V. Long Now it is evident that no one is justifi ed before God by the President law, for “The righteous/just shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:11 Disciples Home Missions And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever 2 The Disciples’ Advocate Increasing Suicide Rates Demand Informed “Soul Safe” Faith Community Leadership Did you know that 60 percent of our nation’s deaths by gun violence are the result of suicide? Suicide, like gun violence itself, is a growing problem in our communities. Where and how can faith leaders respond? The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is now seeking to equip faith leaders to creatively respond to suicidality by off ering Soul Shop™ suicide prevention training in many of it’s chapters. This one-day training provides core guidance for faith leaders to respond to suicidality and other impacts of desperation in their communities. This training is appro- priate for those who lead a faith community (e.g. Pastor, Rabbi, Imam, Deacon, Minister) or those who are in a leadership or teaching role with members of a faith community (e.g. youth minister, spiritual teacher). It is appropriate for several leaders in a single faith community to att end. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org) off ers a variety of resources for individuals, families, and now, faith leaders as well. You can fi nd an AFPS chapter near you on the www.AFPS. org website or fi nd more information about Soul Shop at soulshopmovement.org.

Rev.. Dr. Kate Epperly Minister of Justice and Advocacy for Families and Children

“Faith Comes by Hearing and Hearing by the Word of God” Feed your faith and starve your doubts by building up your spirit in the Word of God. Here is a Bible reading/listening guide with daily chapters for fueling your faith throughout the year. A useful spiritual practice is entering the fi ve texts assigned each day in a Bible app or website reader that allows you to listen to the Word. Commit to refl ecting on the Word that speaks to your heart as you listen or read! Enjoy the journey and share with others as the Lord leads you!

Go to Pages 30- 38 or click on ad

3 The Disciples’ Advocate The Lord’s Doing and it is Marvelous in Our Eyes Every now and then God blows the fresh to improve their preaching. And how can we help people improve wind of grace upon a project or an idea and their preaching? By exposure and clarifi cation of preaching method. does the incredible. Such was the case in the The conference was designed to expose preachers to three methods September 9-12, 2019 Mixed Methods Preach- (mixed methods), receive instruction on method from PhD students, ing Conference. While the team prepped and and then preach a sermon with feedback from instructor and class to prepared, we had hope for an eff ective confer- gauge progress with method. Improving method is a prime way to ence. What we got was a movement of the Holy improve one’s preaching. Spirit upon our best eff orts and my response is What happened was God overwhelming gratitude. First, let me tell you breathed on the conference what we were trying to do, our vision for the with such a clarity of speech conference, then tell you what happened and and inspiration. The preacher/ how God blessed, and fi nally, my thoughts lecturers, Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., and refl ections as to the path forward. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, and Dr. The vision starts with the PhD program Charlie E. Dates were simply in African American Preaching at Christian off the chain. Our ten PhD Theological Seminary where our mission is to students led preaching labs and archive, expose, and teach the genius of black the response was overwhelm- preaching in order to generate a preaching ingly and over flowingly renaissance to revive American Christianity Dr. Frank A. Thomas, Dr. Teresa L. Fry positive to their teaching and in the 21st century. If we are going to generate Brown and Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. instruction. The hospitality a preaching renaissance, we cannot simply and logistics facilitated by the teach students that come to us in the seminary. vision of Aimée Laramore off ered a tangible experience of all that we By and large, many preachers do not go to believe. Expectations were exceeded. We modeled a culture of gener- seminary. If we would generate a preach- osity with intentionality and guests openly celebrated the encounter ing renaissance, then we must teach in the with gratitude, generosity and grace. God breathed upon our eff orts community to any and everyone who wants Continue on page 13. See Conference. Incarnation “. . . the Word was God . . . and the Word became 15:12, 13:34-35). fl esh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1,14). This Biblically And, fi nally, incarnation is a concept that affi rms that based concept of incarnation affi rms that Jesus is the de- God’s presence in, with, and through Christ continues in cisive human revelation of God for those of us who call each and every one of us. Christ is “the image of the invis- ourselves Christians: that the very God of the universe is ible God” (Colossians 1:15) in which every human being somehow intimately and intensely related to and aff ected was created (Genesis 1:27). All Christians are part of God’s by the life of the Jesus who was born in a barn among new creation through the power of the Holy Spirit and the animals, taught his liberating understanding of Torah, waters of baptism (2 Corinthians 5:17). And, as “temples of brought health and wholeness to those who needed it, the Holy Spirit” (2 Corinthians 5:17) all believers are called challenged the religious and political authorities of his and empowered to do the things that Jesus did, except in time, was condemned to execution as one among many more numerous and comprehensive ways: “and you shall victims of injustice, and then rose from the grave to dem- do greater things than these” (John 14:12). This is especially onstrate for faith the power of love, justice, and peace the case when we incarnate the love of God in both our over the death-dealing forces of this world. personal and our institutional relationships with all God’s But the concept of incarnation is not limited to the children, especially “the least of these” (Matt hew 25:40-45). historical individual named Jesus: It also extends to the Our forbearers in the faith proclaimed that the Incarna- mystical Body of Christ, the Church. God is still very tion, in all of its fullness, ends in glory. But this season, we much present to us in the Risen Christ whenever two or faithfully celebrate the fact that it began with the glorious three believers are gathered in the name of Jesus; God birth of a child known as Emmanuel or “God with us” is recognized with and through Jesus in the breaking (Matt hew 1:23). of the bread; and God is powerfully present to us as we participate fully and faithfully in that liberating commu- Rev. Dr. Ken Brooker Langston nity in which we are to hold all things in common (Acts Executive Director, Disciples Center for Public Witness 2:44; 4:32) and love one another as Christ loved us (John Director, Disciples Justice Action Network (DJAN) 4 The Disciples’ Advocate Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance Welcomes New Executive Director and Minister Following its commitment to building a just and racism/pro-reconciliation and intersectional justice work. inclusive Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where She will also guide the Alliance as it seeks to improve its all are welcome, the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance has ability and the church’s ability to respond to the pastoral called Rev. Melissa Guthrie Loy as Executive Director needs of those who are LGBTQ+. and Minister. AllianceQ is excited to announce this ex- Robin Knauerhase, Moderator of the AllianceQ Coun- panded leadership role and to introduce Loy. cil, notes that, “We conducted a thorough nationwide Melissa follows the long-term leadership of Rev. search for this next phase of the Alliance. There were Dr. Mark Johnston who has retired from the position several excellent candidates but Melissa’s experience, of Executive Director of the Open & Affi rming Ministry abilities, and personality clearly stood out. The Council Program and remains involved as the Open & Affi rm- is confi dent that we’ve discerned God’s will for this call.” ing Ministries Trainer. Loy stepped into the new role Melissa joins AllianceQ after serving as the Direc- on October 1. tor of Congregational Life at First Christian Church in In the expanded role of Executive Director and Min- Greensboro, North Carolina, and serving as the Found- ister, she will maintain the Alliance’s relationships with ing Director of Salvage Garden, a faith-based nonprofi t congregations and organizations within the Christian which strives to reclaim the value of all individuals. She Church and with ecumenical partners and increase and facilitates conversations with faith communities and part- deepen the Alliance’s long-standing commitment to anti- Continue on page 12. See Loy.

Education centered around Connection

Nestled within 1,300 beautiful acres of rolling West Virginia countryside, Bethany College provides the perfect setting for students to experience an education with connections at the core.

From students’ first walk through the Oglebay Gates to the final walk at graduation, students form immediate connections with each other, faculty, and the world thanks to the College’s commitment to intentional learning.

SINCE 1840

APPLY NOW BETHANYWV.EDU click on ad

5 The Disciples’ Advocate Street Named in Honor of Disciples Minister Last summer, The Reverend Anne Porter Paris, was prison system, and sleeping under bridges at night, she honored by the City of Buff alo, New York, by naming a also preached 800 social justice sermons to them at Har- street after her. Paris is the founder and executive director riett Tubman Christian Church. of Paradise House in Buff alo, a home for addicted women In nearly a quarter a century at Paradise House, Paris and women coming out of prison. att ended 75 or more funerals of men and women of the She is, what do you say? Yes! Beyond psy- inner city who were killed or died of drugs. Dur- chology. You cannot put her in any social class, ing this time, she co-authored Clinton’s Ditch: race, ethic group, upper or lower status, or any the Story of the Building of the Erie Canal. And sort of classifi cation except being a lover of those helped establish the Erie Canal Drama Theatre. who suff er and one of those who answered This theatre company has produced Clinton’s the call of ministry to the disadvantaged of Ditch 17 times at Canalside and towns along the world. the Erie Canal. As a Disciples of Christ and United Church For 25 years Anne’s deepest desire was to of Christ minister, she has dedicated her life to help the women of the East Side of Buff alo. Her bringing wholeness to a broken and fragmented intent was to build an institution that would world, which is the Disciples’ denominations Anne Porter Paris treat everyone as human beings. Her dream was identity statement. to have it last a long time after her retirement. Don’t ask her about her education. Her diplomas sit in That was the legacy she wanted to leave. Today, it is harder an old box somewhere. But you might ask about the televi- and harder to keep Paradise House going fi nancially. For sion program on Access Television where she interviewed a quarter of a century she has given her blood, tears and hundreds of recovering addicts and those struggling in the much more to it. Sometimes they say that angels still exist. inner city. Putt ing a face on each one. You could inquire The old hymn Angels We Have Heard on High has been about her play, “East Side Mommas.” The Buff alo News sung for hundreds of years. We hear angels on plains and reviewer noted “it’s analysis of poverty in Buff alo and mountain tops. And sometimes, they say, their voices can called it packed with chilling pieces of dialogue that ring be heard on a litt le street in the inner city of Buff alo, New frighteningly true, just the kind of statements whether York. I believe it is called Mills Street. you agree with them or not, that a local playwright ought Paris retired last October. to be making.” While she was helping over 2,500 women try to over- The Reverend Hugh Pratt come addition, recover from years of the brutality of the Buff alo, New York

click on ad

6 The Disciples’ Advocate

click on ad

7 The Disciples’ Advocate People-to-People Pilgrimages: More than Great Expectations Last fall, twelve Disciples pilgrims from Heartbreak to hope the Indiana Region traveled to San Luis Potosí, Repentance to forgiveness Mexico with great expectations of listening, Death to dignity learning, and sharing in the work and witness Eyes opened to stereotypes shut down of partners in the region. However, their reality Tears to laughter exceeded these great expectations. In Mexico, Youth leaders to saints of the Church they encountered extravagant hospitality and Three expressions to one Joint Table kindness, people that quickly became family, Sheep to sacrifi cial lamb a prophetic Church in the face of many chal- Filled to full lenges, inspiring and courageous women, Worldly pain to women’s projects migrants willing to share with strangers, and a Migrant House to greenhouse proud country rich in ethnicity, heritage, and Farm to faith culture. They were profoundly transformed, Prayer to praise challenged, inspired, encouraged, and sur- Courage to compassion prised by how much a pilgrimage could sur- Unknowing to some understanding pass expectations. As beautifully writt en in a Wander to wonder poem by Rev. Sarah Renfro, the group went… Twelve Disciples to united pilgrims “From… Friends to familia Indiana to Mexico People to People Desert to discernment Mexico to Indiana Language barriers to walls broken down Grateful for the journey from here to there Burdens to blessings and back.” Sermons to stories Child’s play to serious issues For information on People-to-People Brokenness to beauty opportunities, contact Lorna Hernández at Deported to determined [email protected], (317) 713-2565

8 The Disciples’ Advocate Congregations Rejoice with Great Expectations Through Disciples Mission Fund As we begin a new year, we have much to ministries can and do accomplish. However, rejoice in across the life of our Church. with great rejoicing comes great expecta- A study by the Christian Church Foun- tions. We know that we can do this life-giving dation found that Disciples are becoming work only when we work together to make it more generous as individuals than they were possible. Disciples know that by sharing the 30 years ago1. Just recently a national study work, we accomplish what, by God’s design, showed that an ecumenical sampling of con- we cannot do alone. gregations across the United States showed This year let us meet our own great ex- more congregations are growing in both pectations for our Church with joyful gifts to participants and funds raised2. Disciples Mission Fund, the shared funding This generosity of spirit shows up across system that makes all this collective work pos- the expressions of our Church. sible. Together we can sustain the work our We can give thanks for the many ways ministries do around the world, in the name our regional ministries support congrega- of Jesus Christ. tional life through coordinating conferences Find more stories from our ministries and click on DMF Logo and assemblies, fostering faith development, worship resources at disciplesmissionfund. and assisting congregations in calling new org. ministers. We rejoice in all the resources provided Emily Martin, Communication and Disciples by our general ministries, like stewardship Mission Fund Coordinator consulting, ecumenical and interfaith repre- Offi ce of the General Minister and President sentation, and worship materials for Disciples of every generation. ¹GA-1904: h� ps://ga.disciples.org/reports/2019/ga- We celebrate the opportunities provided 1904/ to Disciples students by our affi liated higher education programs, through scholarships, 22019 Na� onal Study of Congrega� ons’ Economic professional discernment, and leadership Prac� ces (NSCEP): h� ps://www.nscep.org/wp-con- development. tent/uploads/2019/09/Lake_NSCEP_09162019-F-LR. Together, we rejoice in all that our shared pdf The Evidence of Great Expectations Abi Hernandez is a Global Mission Intern currently waiting for her visa to travel to her placement at the Asian Rural Institute in Japan. She will be traveling in December to begin her one-year placement supporting the ministry of the United Church of Christ in Japan. We can all recall the feeling of getting ready. We make plans, anticipate obstacles, and prepare our- selves mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually for the future. The greater the expectation, the more extensive the ‘getting ready’ checklist is. If we have a party to throw, we make sure everything is clean, there is food on the table, and festive decorations. If a baby is expected, there is a host of clothes and furniture to buy, besides baby-proofi ng the house. Our actions in getting ready for the future are an outward expression of the hope and expectation we feel on the inside, big or small. Getting ready to serve reminds me of Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In preparing to serve, my actions serve as the evidence of what I am hoping for. As I get ready, besides packing the travel toothbrush and the extra socks, I feel the need to pray for the people I will meet, the opportunities I will have, and the things that I will learn. God calls us all to serve, and has good plans for us. What is to come is exciting, but in this moment we have the opportunity to practice faith, to build it, and to anticipate all that God can do. Abi Hernandez

9 The Disciples’ Advocate Year Book Season is Here! The Year Book & Directory is more than just These answers are confi dential and will only numbers. It is, above all, a touchstone for our be shared in aggregate form. covenantal relationships across the expres- Year book reports are due by March 15. sions of the Church. General ministry reports, Look through your congregation’s mail for General Assembly resolutions, regional and a postcard you should receive in early Janu- congregational information, and more appear ary that has your PIN number. You will fi nd in these pages that illustrate our connections. instructional videos, downloadable instruc- The year book is also a document of record. tions, other ways to locate your PIN number, Not only does it show trends in membership as well as the link to start your congregation’s and giving, but it also serves as the docu- report on disciples.org/yearbook. Your re- mentation for congregations’ 501c3 nonprofi t gional offi ce can also help answer questions status with the Internal Revenue Service in about your report. the United States. Thanks in advance for affi rming your con- NEW THIS YEAR: The Christian Church nection to the Christian Church (Disciples of (Disciples of Christ) is participating in the Christ) by making sure your congregation is Faith Communities Today 2020 Census. This represented in the 2020 Year Book & Directory. click here decennial survey helps researchers to get a snapshot of life in our local faith communi- Cherilyn Williams ties. So, for those of you who faithfully fi ll Assistant Vice President of Marketing and out the year book form each year, some of the Communications questions may look unfamiliar. Please note: Offi ce of the General Minister and President Doctor of Ministry Program at Brite “To be a pastor in these challenging also appreciates that everyone works respect- times—nothing is more helpful than Brite’s fully with those who have diff erent opinions. D. Min. program. I am so grateful to God to “There is a spirit of respect. Everyone is heard. be at Brite.” My voice is important. I have a So says Sary Rosario-Fer- secure space to learn and share reira, a Disciples of Christ with others. Faculty and stu- pastor in Puerto Rico enrolled dents alike are affi rming. I am in Brite’s Doctor of Ministry comfortable to be myself and program. Sary has long been share my ideas.” involved in environmental/eco- When Sary began her en- logical justice work in Puerto vironmental/ecological justice Rico, where communities are work at Brite, she had no idea deeply affected by environ- how much more dire these mental problems. She came to problems would be. Hurricane Brite specifi cally to study eco Maria hit Puerto Rico and these theology and justice, and her issues reached crisis-level status. fi nal project addresses ecologi- Brite D. Min. classes began about Sary Rosario-Ferreira cal justice in her community and two weeks after the hurricane, how churches can help commu- yet she managed to make it to Fort Worth for nities struggling with environmental issues. the session. “The D. Min. program is an amazing ex- “No words can express how kind and perience,” she states. “Every class enlightens supportive everyone was at Brite. I couldn’t and gives insights, and what I like is the focus have begun to imagine the compassion and on practical theology. Insights merge with the affi rmation they shared. They prayed for me. issues you face every day.” They gathered supplies I could take back to Sary appreciates the refl ections and ideas the people of Puerto Rico. They touched my that come from the classes at Brite, and she spirit in a way I will never forget.”

10 The Disciples’ Advocate Great Expectations A 12-woman Woman-to-Woman Worldwide expectations of a bett er life for themselves and their families (W2WW) delegation returned from Morocco in October only to discover a host of new challenges waiting there for of 2019. While there, they learned of the great expecta- them. Only 1 in 100 who att empt to cross actually make tions of sub-Saharan Africans to migrate to Europe. it. Many die in the water and many are captured. While migration is a historically common movement of There is Good News! Our Global Ministries partners people from one part of the earth to another, there are in Morocco are doing amazing work to improve the care many reasons for the people of this region to want to for the newcomers once they arrive in Morocco. They are migrate to Europe. These are only a few: working to provide immediate support and to help them • Africa is adding people at a rate never before seen learn skills and make connections so they can work toward on any continent. The population of sub-Saharan their own self-sustaining futures. The partners there are Africa alone, now about a billion people, will more doing heart-breaking, bone-wearying work and all the than double to 2.2 billion people by mid-century while off ering smiles, hope, and specifi c forms of help according to offi cial United Nations estimates. Sub- to show that the love of God comes in both tangible and Saharan Africa already has high unemployment rates intangible ways. Our great expectations thrive because of and low wages. those who are serving God in Morocco and their call to do • If you are a woman in South Sudan, your odds of all they can do to help our brothers and sisters who are in dying in childbirth are one-in-60. deep need of hope, faith, and love. • Many women are expected by their families to You can check www.discipleswomen.org for the names become second wives to men against their own of those who traveled together on this journey if you would preferences. Many are raped then shamed because like to hear more about what is happening there and how they have been victimized. you can help. • Because of political instability and confl ict, many migrants are refugees seeking asylum in Europe. Rev. Dr. Pat Donahoo • Many people are sold as slaves or held in jail-like Executive Director facilities. Disciples Women In hopes of a bett er, healthier, safer way of life, many Africans are migrating north to make the crossing to Europe from Morocco. Spain is only 20 miles across the water from the city of Tangier…what would be about a 7-hour ferry ride assuming you had the opportunity to legally make the crossing. When migrants enter Morocco, their papers are taken from them so they have no legal status until they can go through a long process of regain- ing them… which requires their ability to fund that stay in Morocco as well as the process. Without these papers, it is also diffi cult for them to fi nd work. Additionally, racism against people from southern Africa is evident. Many migrant women are raped along their journey and arrive in Morocco with not only the need to care for themselves but also the child they now carry. These travelers journey toward Morocco with great

click on ad

11 The Disciples’ Advocate

Loy Continue from page 5. ner organizations about inclusion and provides context- versation about building a bigger table, not just making specifi c tools to meet the needs of individuals who have room at the table.” been “othered.” She is creator of “The Banquet: A Sensory The Mission of the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance is: Worship Experience” which emphasizes that We, the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance, are all are welcome at God’s banquet table. “The members of the Christian Church (Disciples Banquet” has received national recognition and of Christ), called to join in God’s work of is tailored by many churches to meet the unique transforming the Christian Church (Disciples needs of those of us with disabilities. Melissa is of Christ) into a just and inclusive church that trained in faith-based nonprofi t management welcomes persons of all gender expressions by Wake Forest University School of Business and sexual identities into the full life and and School of Divinity. She is a lecturer and leadership of the church. adjunct professor in the area of disability and With a 40-year history, the Alliance has theology at Wake Forest. been and continues to be a prophetic presence “I’m eager to join the leadership and mem- in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). bers of the Alliance so that we can loudly and Under Dr. Johnston’s leadership, the Alliance lovingly proclaim the welcome of people who has trained hundreds of pastors and lay lead- ers in building inclusive congregations and are LGBTQ+. A loud proclamation can be a Melissa Guthrie Loy loving gesture, one that is heard not by what has grown its Open & Affi rming Ministry we speak but rather by what we do,” Melissa says. “Sett ing Program to include 200 churches, ministries, seminaries, a place at the table for all has always been a part of my call. and regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Perhaps because I was asked to leave a leadership position The Alliance worked for the adoption of two resolutions at in a church when I came out as gay. Perhaps because my the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples son and I were unwelcome in a diff erent church because of Christ) calling for explicit welcome to gay, lesbian, bi- of his disabilities. Perhaps because I understand God as sexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming people an embodied God whose image is in every body. I didn’t (GA-1327: Becoming a People of Grace and Welcome to spell ‘everybody’ wrong; I am intentional about affi rming All and GA-1929: An Invitation to Education for Welcom- every single body.” ing and Receiving the Gifts of Transgender and Gender- Melissa off ers a greeting in a lett er titled “Bridges.” She Diverse People.”). speaks of building and repairing bridges so that AllianceQ can work in intersection with other justice-seeking and Rev. Mark C. Johnston, anti-racist organizations within and beyond the Christian Open & Affi rming Trainer Church. “Sooner than later we will be facilitating con- Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance

2020 CW&W 2020 Woman-to-Woman Worldwide Trainings The application for the 2020 February 21-22 Woman-to-Woman Worldwide jour- Friday (6p-9p) and Saturday (9am-5pm) ney to Southern Asia is now available Overland Park, KS on the Disciples Women website at Lisa Engelken is the trainer this link: Location: Overland Park Christian www.discipleshomemissions.org/ Church congregations/disciples-women/wom- February 28-29 an-to-woman-worldwide Friday (6p-9p) and Saturday (9am-5pm) W. Palm Beach, FL Mary Beth Harper is the trainer Location: First Christian Church- West Deadline to apply is February 15, 2020. Palm Beach click on ad click on ad

12 The Disciples’ Advocate

click on ad

Conference Continued from page 4. and people felt loved by the att ention to detail. We thank breathes on teaching, it reaches the soul. We do homiletic Light of the World Christian Church of Indianapolis, theory and method and we lay hands on people. Indiana for hosting, volunteering, and serving at an un- Where do we go from here? I hope that you have ex- paralleled level of generosity and kindness. Our family perienced rest and respite, and I want to encourage you of supporters continues to grow. to complete the survey that was distributed. We are busy, It is really impossible to capture each of the very spe- appreciating all that God has done and discerning next cial moments that shaped this inaugural Mixed Methods steps. We remain grateful for each of our early MMPC Preaching Conference experience. The tone for the confer- donors, the many scholarship sponsors, brand ambassa- ence was set at the pre-conference lunch dors, Shelton Solutions, Inc., the Oreon as the powerful social justice preacher Scott Foundation and Disciples Home and activist: Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, Mission. I am engaged in listening. I III, masterfully delivered “Jesus and Jus- am listening to all parties, the families tice: An Open Lett er to John McArthur.” of Light of the World Christian Church, The established conference values and Christian Theological Seminary, the norms resonated throughout each day volunteers, the preacher/lecturers, the and each experience. Rev. Dr. Brianna survey respondents, the team, as well as Parker delivered a powerful sermon to God in prayer and the Bible so that I at the Wednesday chapel service and may interpret the divine presence and lingered amongst participants and leading such that it might be known what students, earning the title: accessible we do next. I invite you to pray with me. brilliance. The moments continue to Your many questions about continu- shape a movement. ing the momentum have been heard. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III One particular moment sums up Additional information about confer- the conference for me. This moment demonstrates what ence highlights and access to the conference sermons, the God did best throughout the conference and when we professional photographs, the methods for donating and met at Christian Theological Seminary on Wednesday, “what next” will soon follow. Sincere expressions of grati- September 11th (the 18th anniversary of the 9-11 att ack). In tude linger from the eff orts of the entire CTS Admissions our devotional moment, as we sought to remember 9-11, Department to the smallest of unseen gestures of grace a fi reman, a fi rst responder to the tragedy of 9-11, was in by complete strangers. Thank you for your investment in the room and cried out and “groaned in his spirit.” He making this possible. wept unashamedly, openly and profusely. In response, Finally, I say this: “This is the Lord’s doing and it is the room wept with him as the sights and sounds of those marvelous in our eyes.” (Ps. 118:25) planes hitt ing those buildings was manifest in our brother. Let us journey together, One of our fi rst PhD students, Alise D. Barrymore, was leading the devotion. She had the members of the inau- Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas, Conference Host gural PhD cohort lay hands upon our brother and we all Director PhD Program African American Preaching and extended our arms to him and prayed together over him Sacred Rhetoric and for him. God breathed on the moment. We do teach Christian Theological Seminary preaching and minister to the souls of people. When God 13 The Disciples’ Advocate

Ministers Week 2020 February 17-19, 2020 Fort Worth, Texas

Registration is open for Ministers Week 2020. Register now for three days of inspiring worship, thought-provoking lectures, enriching workshops and an uplifting organ recital and hymn sing.

Grace Imathiu - Wells Sermons Nancy Ramsay and Michael Yandell - “Military Moral Injury - A Challenge for Clergy and Faith Communities” Richard McCullen - “Can The Mainline Church Be Saved?” Eugene Boring - “Hear, O Israel: Deuteronomic Theology and Sarah’s Laughter” Sheryl Sebo- Organ Recital and Hymn Sing

Information and registration at www.brite.edu/mw

Offered by

click on ad 14 The Disciples’ Advocate

You Want to Change the World. So Do We. Check out the these inspiring new releases from your denominational publishing house. New for Lent 2020

For the Beauty of the Earth A Lenten Devotional This nature-theme daily devotional includes a bonus section: 50 Ways to Honor the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day!

DIG IN DEEPER Disciples: Who We Are and What Holds Us Together What does it mean to be part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) today? A denomination that intentionally unites Christians who have different ideas about what it means to be a Christian is bound to struggle to agree on its core values and beliefs — but respected Disciples Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn believe unity is possible through reforming worship, relationships, and mission. A timely update of their landmark book, Disciples identifi es common ground and continues the conversation started by Stone and Campbell two centuries ago on the American frontier.

ChalicePress.com Save 20% on all titles, everyday, chalice press 800-366-3383 at ChalicePress.com click on ad

15 The Disciples’ Advocate

click here April 24 - 27, 2020 Washington, DC Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) is a movement of mental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its last report the ecumenical Christian community, and its recognized issued a call for urgent, scaled up, global and local action. partners and allies, grounded in biblical witness and Churches continue to actively respond to the climate our shared traditions of justice, peace and the integrity crisis with disaster relief to support low-income commu- of creation. Our goal, through worship, theological re- nities and ecosystems most impacted by climate-related fl ection and opportunities for learning and witness, is disasters. They are also working to build resilient and to strengthen our Christian voice and to mobilize for sustainable communities and economies that can create advocacy on a wide variety of U.S. domestic and inter- jobs and prevent future disasters. Churches are partnering national policy issues. with youth, indigenous communities, civil and human Imagine! God’s Earth and People Restored rights organizations, the international community, and Around the world, the most marginalized commu- others to address inequality and strengthen the move- nities disproportionately aff ected by hunger, poverty, ment for climate justice. and the structural history of colonialism and racism 2020 will be a pivotal year for the United States, and are experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis most the world, with a U.S. general election that will set the profoundly. Women and children in these communities course for many years ahead. As people of faith, we see suff er the most. the political reality of this time. Yet we also hold hope for Earth and its people are groaning and calling for us a time yet to come when all people, regardless of race, to respond in hope. We are all aff ected. Temperatures gender, economic status, ability, or age will realize the are rising dramatically and dangerously everywhere, full vision of God’s desire for a just community and a disrupting ecological systems and every type of human fl ourishing Earth. activity. The generations of tomorrow depend on what To advance this vision, we are called to speak out for we do today. justice – climate justice and economic justice. Join us at EAD 2020 will explore the intersection of climate EAD 2020 to imagine and advocate for an Earth and its change and economic injustice. This will galvanize our people restored. advocacy on behalf of policies and programs to chip away “This territory is not ours, it’s not mine, it’s not yours. at the systems of oppression that keep people in poverty It belongs to the generation yet to come.” ~ Maritz a Naforo, and push all life on earth to the brink of destruction. Huitoto indigenous leader, Colombia In his encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis recognized “We look for — and speed the coming of — the new the double injustice of climate change and poverty. He heavens and a new earth, where justice is at home” (2 is part of a growing chorus of various faith leaders who Pet. 3:12,13). are raising their voices. The United Nations’ Intergovern- For more information and register, go here. click on story Great Expectations for the Blue Theology Mission Station The Blue Theology Mission Station has become a favorite destination for church youth groups looking for a learning/serving mission experience. This year, the Blue Theology Mission Station became an af- fi liate of Disciples Home Missions and a partner with Creation Justice Ministries. We were also awarded the fi rst “Aquamarine Chalice” by Green Chalice Ministries. We are excited about the possibilities these shared ministries as they develop. The Blue Theology Mission Station was represented at the DHM booth at the General Assembly. Lots of information and concerns were shared with Assembly delegates. It is clear that now is a critical time to educate our youth about the crisis status of ocean conservation and to inspire our youth to become ocean advocates. As we often hear on the Monterey Coast, we need to be “fi shing for solutions” to the contamination of the great waters (especially plastics) and the continued unbridled exploitation of sea life. We have great expectations of our learning/ serving students – that they will modify their impact on the ocean at home, at school and at church. The Blue Theology Mission Station is currently accepting registrations for the 2020 season. Visit www.bluetheology.com for more information. 16 The Disciples’ Advocate Great Expectations People are fl ocking to Thailand, the “Land of the Free” (the literal translation). The baht (the offi cial currency of Thailand) is growing stronger—in fact, Thailand is among the world’s top 35 economies. Bloomberg rates Thailand as the “Lowest Misery Index Country” for 2019. Bangkok ranks currently as the world’s most-desired destination city for tourists. There are issues, of course. We come in second in the world in overall traffi c fatalities; second in the world for traffi c congestion. Thailand is also the world’s top user of agricultural chemicals. Life in paradise. But every place in the world has its ups and downs. One of the most famous Thai sayings, often attributed to one of the kings of old, is “In the water there is fi sh; in the fi elds there is rice.” In many ways, life is gentle in the tropics. But the human heart is the same around the world. People want peace, prosperity, and a future. Everyone longs for a sense of wholeness, for justice, and mercy. We all long for life to mean something. This is the setting in which lovers of Jesus hope to make a diff erence. Believing we are related to other human beings and to all created things, lovers of Jesus preach Good News to the poor, release to the captives, Rev. Anne Gregory recovery of sight to those who have not seen what is true and good, lib- Global Ministries Service erty to the oppressed, and God’s Future beginning now. We’re all in this Worker together. Bangkok, Thailand

The Los Angeles Food Policy Council hosted the 9th Annual Food Day at LA City Hall on October 25, 2019. The theme was Currents of Food: Changing the Food System Through Art and Culture.

American Friends Service Committee’s Roots for Peace and All Peoples Community Cen- ter were selected as Councilmember Price’s Good Food Champion and presented with certifi - cates during the event. Mayor Garcetti attended the event and spoke about “LA’s Green New Deal” - a sustainability plan to continue and accelerate the city’s eff orts to combat climate change.

17 The Disciples’ Advocate Kansas Christian Home

Kansas Christian Home is a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other of choice and the encouragement Continuing Care Retirement Com- dementia diagnoses, a mini kitchen of independence are among the fo- munity tucked into the Rolling Hills was included, specialized activity cal- cuses of our care team. Providing Homeowner’s Association in South endar developed, and our care-team 5-star quality care to our residents Newton. Kansas Christian Home was trained as universal care workers. continues with the help of a series of has Independent Living Homes, In- A garden specifi cally for this area is all-staff trainings, leadership oppor- dependent Living Plus apartments in the process of being built and will tunities, employee-driven programs, with supportive services, Health Care, feature raised gardens, a gazebo, and and other curriculums. Continued Memory Care, and Post-Acute Short- other amenities. improvements are always a priority term Rehabilitation. Built in the 1960’s One of the goals of Kansas Chris- for Kansas Christian Home. KCH with the mission of providing care for tian Home Healthcare is to focus welcomes visitors and is always look- those who cannot aff ord it, KCH has on person-centered care. The idea ing for volunteers to join our team! continued this mission by accepting Medicaid and providing chari- table care through our Legacy of John Fund. In 2018, KCH re- modeled the Therapy Room to encourage the independence of our residents both in the Health Center and on campus. Later that year, the Garden Path wing was opened specifi cally for Short-term stays such as rehabilitation. This wing has a fully functioning kitchen, dining and living room as well as private rooms with bathrooms. Earlier this year, KCH remodeled a sec- tion of our Health Care center to accommodate a Special Care Unit specializing in memory care needs. Building it with an open fl oor plan promotes engagement of residents and staff . In an eff ort to create an environment geared towards those with a click on ad 18 The Disciples’ Advocate HELM Leadership Fellows Visit the Bay Area! HELM’s Leadership Fellows Program (LFP), a lead- Seminary Foundation, and Rev. Michelle Scott -Huff man, ership training program for undergraduate students, Campus Minister at Missouri State University. HELM seeks to cultivate and strengthen participants’ potential board members and students from Disciples Seminary for leadership through intentional focus on four areas: Foundation also helped with the retreat and engaged Christian community, societal transformation, global with the HELM scholars. awareness, and leadership development. One aspect of HELM also welcomed the program involves a yearly retreat, usually taking Toni Reynolds as Program place in one of the U.S.’s large urban sett ings, that brings Coordinator for the Lead- together all current Fellows for a weekend of learning, ership Fellows Program. mentoring and fellowship. Reynolds, a graduate of This year, thirty-two scholars gathered in the San Ottawa University (KS) Francisco Bay area from October 31 through November and Union Theological 3. One focus of their time together was learning about Seminary in New York, chronic homelessness through engagement with indi- participated in last year’s viduals and organizations working to address this issue. Fellows retreat in New Toni Reynolds Rev. Sandhya Jha, founder and director of the Oakland York. A former Global Mis- Peace Center, addressed a plenary session. Fellows also sion Intern who served in the Dominican Republic, she visited Oakland City Church, which is involved in com- also accompanied third year students on their Global munity organizing, youth mentoring, supporting at-risk Awareness visit to Colombia in May. Considering the students, and addressing issues related to sex traffi cking. importance of mentoring students in the Fellows program, Other participants included Week of Compassion Execu- Reynolds said, “It is clear to me that as an adult I am ac- tive Director Vy Nguyen, who addressed the group and countable to the generations coming after me. Working shared his perspective on the way the ministry works with the Leadership Fellows gives me the chance to learn with partners throughout the world to alleviate suff er- more about the concerns young adults have in today’s ing and promote compassion, as well as Rev. Laura Jean world and off ers me the chance to play a meaningful role Torgerson, a Ph.D. student at Graduate Theological Union in helping them think through the ways in which they and Director of Education and Mission for the Disciples want to show up.” Having served the wider church in a number of capacities, she also noted: “I am deeply grateful for the chance to sculpt our future world by supporting this select group of scholars of faith as they continue to evolve into tomor- row’s leaders for the church and larger society.” To learn more about the Leader- ship Fellows Program and the work of HELM, visit www.helmdisciples.org.

Jonathan Barnes, Director for Higher Education and Communications, Higher Education and Leadership Ministries

Leadership Fellows Retreat 2019 The Advocate is Going Digital 19 The Disciples’ Advocate

click on ad Pacifi c Southwest Congregation Honored for Homeless Ministry Work Since 2002, Vista La Mesa Christian Church, in east with a local Methodist congregation that off ers similar San Diego County, Calif,, has opened their doors to services on the last Saturdays of each month. neighbors struggling with homelessness for two weeks This celebration service included four of the ministry’s or more each year, through the Interfaith Shelter Network regular guests as in their community. speakers. Karen Through this program, guests are provided with Cliffe, who has semi-private rooms overnight, three meals a day, linens, coordinated the and anything else they need during their stay, while they ministry since its work with a case manager to fi nd permanent housing. inception, was Vista La Mesa is deeply committ ed to the ministry and honored with grateful for numerous partners from outside the congre- a framed photo gation who help make it happen every year. from the most On Oct. 12, the congregation was honored with the recent Welcome Spirit of Service Award for their role as a Host Congrega- Saturday, sur- tion for the Interfaith Shelter Network, at the Network’s rounded by notes annual Celestial Nights Gala. of gratitude from Vista La Mesa also recently celebrated the third year guests and church Pictured accepting the Spirit of Service Award are Pastor Rebecca Litt lejohn, of another community ministry on Oct. 20. Its newest members. Chair of the Elders Michael Kinnamon, ministry for neighbors living without shelter, Welcome and Outreach Chair Julie Germain. Saturday is hosted every second Saturday of the month. Rev. Rebecca The congregation provides showers – towels, clean clothes Litt lejohn and toiletries included – hot breakfast with all-you-can-eat Vista La Mesa Christian Church bacon, packed lunches with sandwiches made to order, San Diego, California and sincere friendship. The ministry is a partnership 20 The Disciples’ Advocate

click on ad Wilson Invited to United Nations The Rev. Nathan Day Wilson, Director of Communications at Christian Theological Seminary, was an invited participant in recent conversations about racism and racial justice at the United Nations (UN). Organized by the UN Special Rapporteur on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenopho- bia and Related Intolerance, Wilson and eight colleagues representing faith based and non- governmental organizations listened to the address of the Special Rapporteur on Racism, Prof. Tendayi Achiume, and dialogued with Dr. Ahmed Reid, Chair of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent; Craig Mokhiber, Director of the New York Offi ce of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; Justin Hansford, Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center; and Dominique Day, Co-chair of the Working Group and international human rights lawyer. The primary topics discussed and about which the group will write include the eff ects of negative racial ste- reotyping, reparations for discrimination rooted in slavery and colonialism, policies promoting racial equity, and the decolonization of international human rights law. World Council of Churches staff will help coordinate the contributions and plan to circulate the products to member churches including the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). When asked about learnings and future directions, Wilson said, “There’s such a need for church people in the US – like me – to honestly reckon with the history and horror of enslavement. Then how racism has been repeated and is being repeated now largely, I think, because of the false narratives created and still perpetuated. The connections with mass incarceration, and I’m quite engaged now with discussions around reparations in terms broader than only fi nancial. Finally, we must, must name white privilege.”

Nathan Day Wilson Director of Communications Christian Theological Seminary

click on ad

21 The Disciples’ Advocate

hat could be KEEP UP YOUR Weasier? Disciples DISCIPLES CONNECTION Mission Fund enables (and your 501c3 nonpro t status) congregations and Submitting a year book form online between individuals to channel JANUARY and MARCH 15, 2020. resources simply – to • Reminder be shared across the

2021 2019 Year Book & Directory GENERAL 2019 Year Book & Directory life of the Church. Your ongoing core ASSEMBLY postcard will JULY 31— Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) AUGUST 4 arrive with in the United States and Canada Louisville support of DMF ensures your region and , KY PIN number in general ministries have consistent income. January 2023 GENERAL ASSEMBLY JULY 8—12 • Go to disciples. Special day offerings are supplements Memphis, TN org/yearbook to 2020 Year Book directed to specifi c ministries at Easter, fi ll out the form & Directory Pentecost, Thanksgiving and Christmas. STAY CONNECTEDbefore March 15 BETWEEN ASSEMBLIES! Including General Ministry reports for the • Subscribe to Disciples News Service, a weekly e-letter 2018 calendar year • Follow us on Facebook — /ChristianChurchDOC /groups/DisciplesLocalImpact | /groups/DOCGeneralAssembly • Order your| copy For more information, go to /groups/DisciplesExchange • Follow us on Twitter — @DisciplesNews | @DisciplesGA | e are Disciples of Christ, a movement • Use disciples.org to fi nd informationof the and links yearto all our ministries book Wfor wholeness in a fragmented world. • Support Disciples Mission Fund and fi nd more information at As part of the one body of Christ, we disciplesmissionfund.org disciplesmissionfund.org by May 15 for welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us. —Disciples identity statement delivery in the summer To change supply orders for special day o„ ering materials, e-mail [email protected]

CONNECTED! STAY SAVE THE DATE 2021 GENERAL ASSEMBLY • SUBSCRIBE to Disciples News Service JULY 31—AUGUST 4 Louisville, KY weekly e-letters at disciples.org/dns

• ORGANIZE an identity study with materials on disciples.org/our-identity

• INCLUDE Disciples Mission Fund in your congregation’s budget

Follow our Facebook pages Disciples (christianchurchdoc) Disciples Local Impact (ministry stories) Disciples Exchange (program ideas/resources) Join the whole Church in Louisville, KY for the Follow us @DisciplesNews 2021 General Assembly

22 The Disciples’ Advocate Light a Candle WITH Children, 2019 “The Hearts and Voices of our Young People” Children and teenagers from the Christian in the church in 10 years and if so, why? I encouraged them to think Church (Disciples of Christ) were asked why about the things in the church they loved, and draw pictures along they would be in the church in 10 years. The with their words. National While there is much hope, there is also push back. There were those Study of who quickly walked away from my question and felt challenged. They Youth are already heading out of faith communities in their current forms. and Re- There were those who had a lots of, “I will be in the church… if.” ligion The question I have for those adults in the church is what are we found doing alongside our faith community to have the tough conversations? that al- How are we establishing relationships with the younger people and most 60% their families so that by the age of 14, they see the importance of be- of emerg- ing faithful for life? ing adults I would argue that most made churches start too late listening to their fi rst commitment to live their lives for the hearts and voices of our young God before the age of fourteen. (Faith Forma- people, and many have walked tion with a New Generation by Lisa Brown, away. If you have not looked at Tanya Eustace Campen, Lynn Barger Elliot, all the responses on the blog, take and Lee Yates and National Study of Youth time to fi nd who you are walk- and Religion) ing “with,” and hear their voice. Think about it… By the time a person is 14, Here are a few of their responses they prett y much already know if their faith is to begin your journey WITH our going to be a part of their lives in the future. young people. I decided to test this by asking children and “I will still be in the church in ten years because without my teenagers from the Christian Church (Disciples church community I will struggle to reach my goals of helping others of Christ) whether they thought they would be Continue on page 26. See Light A Candle. Last Journey

Dates: July 15 – July 21, 2020 Visit: www.yakamamission.org Contact: (509) 969-2093 or [email protected]

Interested in a trip that will challenge your worldview: spiritually, emotionally, intellectually? Consider joining seven likeminded folk following Sitting Bulls last journey from Little Bighorn to exile at Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan to his fi nal days at Fort Yates, Standing Rock. To enhance spiritual refl ection of this landscape, each participant will choose a background of study: e.g., Geology, Law, Christian Theology, Art, Business, Government, or Astronomy, to shar e and explore during the journey. click on ad

23 The Disciples’ Advocate click on ad Creation Justice Ministries is excited to announce the 2020 theme for our annual Earth Day resource. This upcoming year, we will be focusing on "The Fierce Urgency of Now." Our Christian education and action resources will feature stories of congre- gations taking climate action, liturgical resources, and faith-rooted interpretation of recently released dire Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. The resource will be available for download starting in January 2020. We encourage those interested in receiving a copy to check out www.earthdaysunday.org for more information. DPF Celebrates 2019 Peace Awards Disciples Peace Fellowship is overjoyed to celebrate the faithful witness of three remark- able women who received 2019 DPF Peace Awards: Minta Colburn, Rita Nakashima Brock, and Nia Sullivan. At the Disciples Peace Fellowship Breakfast at the 2019 General Assembly in Des Moines, Minta Colburn and Rita Nakashima Brock received Will Witt kamper Awards for life- time commitments to peace and justice. That same morning Nia Sullivan received the Todd Brakovich Award given to a young Disciple whose work and eff orts embody actions for peace and justice. For years Minta Colburn has been a leader in justice ministries at her home church (Eu- reka Christian Church) and beyond. Minta has been active in peace movements supporting a nuclear freeze, promoting justice in Central America and Palestine, and resisting the global war on terror. Rita Nakashima Brock off ers a continuing and active presence for peace and justice in the world. She serves as Senior Vice President and Director of the Shay Moral Injury Center at Volunteers of America. Rita is the co-author of “Soul Repair: Recovering from Moral Injury after War” and co-founder of the Soul Repair Center at Brite Divinity School. Nia Sullivan has spent the last several years as a Global Ministries Intern in Sierra Leone and other African nations working on the rights of women and children. Nia is an innovative risk taker, a champion of oppressed women, and proven humanitarian. Congratulations to these wonderful peace- makers. Your words, your actions, your faith, and your witness inspire us all!

24 The Disciples’ Advocate Midway University is Growing ENROLLMENT GROWTH - This year marked the fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth for the University. The Fall 2019 census included 1,702 students enrolled in all programs–traditional under- graduate, evening/online undergraduate, and graduate programs, as well as high school students in dual credit. Daytime undergraduate enrollment continues to grow, nearly tripling since transitioning to full coeducation in Fall 2016. RANKINGS - Midway University has received several recent positive rankings. The 2020 U.S. News and World Report rankings showed Midway University in the Top 75 Regional Universities-South category, placing 73rd. In addition, the University was ranked 3rd in a new category – Top Performer in Social Mobility. This category recognizes how well colleges serve low-income students. CAMPUS GROWTH - Through fundraising, Midway University has funded several construction projects to catch up with its growth. • Pinkerton Hall, the oldest building on campus, was returned to student housing this fall add- ing 58 beds for residential students. • Marrs Hall recently got an exterior facelift with roofi ng repairs and the iconic clock tower has been freshened with a new coat of paint. Inside, the 2nd fl oor is becoming a Welcome Center and will include Admissions, Business, and Financial Aid offi ces as a one stop shop for prospective students. • The new 20,000 square foot Hunter Field House is set to be completed in 2020 and will add much-needed space for Midway’s athletics programs. • The baseball team has begun practicing on their new homefi eld this fall at the Tracy Farmer - Don Ball Stadium. click on story American Climate Leadership Summit Ambition  Restoration  Justice March 25-26 | Washington DC click on ad The realities of climate change are being felt intensely in communities across the country, and the 2020 elections are poised to determine our fate. Advocacy is increasing, but opposition remains formidable. How can we make climate a winning issue in 2020, and make certain our leaders implement policies that ensure a healthy, just and prosperous future? htt ps://web.cvent.com/ ecoAmerica is hosting the 9th annual American Climate Leadership Summit (ACLS event/5b81798a-40e8- 2020) on March 25-26 in Washington DC. It will be bigger and bolder than ever, 4872-adfc-e14958de2914/ designed to build political will for climate solutions and a broader, more inclusive summary movement. Join over 500 attendees, 50%+ CEOs, from all sectors of America’s society. Read our ACLS19 Recommendations Report here (https://ecoamerica.org/summits-forums/) and watch plenaries from ACLS 19 here (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYbm8qPg1eZBgVvRV1BIDwb3crsgaA5v)

25 The Disciples’ Advocate The Advocate is Going Digital

Light A Candle Continue from page 23. who struggle mentally or with mental “When I grow up I want to be a part of health.” the church because I love God and God Loves “I will be in church in 10 years be- me. Unbreakable.” cause sermons will be relevant, youth Thus, I (Olivia) will be in the church in 10 will be involved, and everyone will be years... if these young people are still in the welcome to worship.” church and we have not failed them. “ Want to be just like my dad going around the world church to The Light a Candle Prayer Vigil uses a church. So when I want to be a pastor I just know to diff erent focus scripture each follow my dad’s footsteps.” week related to the overall “I want to make a diff erence in people’s lives- in a theme as churches prepare for Christian way. God put us in this world to teach the Children’s Sabbath. You may gospel and love each other so that is what I want to do. follow along each day with us I have a purpose and I want to express that. I want to online as daily refl ections are be able to change the way people view life and faith. I posted. The devotions began want to make a diff erence!” Monday, September 23, 2019. “Church off ers safety, love, and life lessons to use Other Resources for organiz- throughout your life.” ing worship and awareness “Jesus connects to us and I want to worship him. Also, of Children’s Sabbath can be because God has done everything for us. I love God.” found at the Children’s Defense “I want to be in church when I grow up. I say want because I’m Fund website. not sure if I will or not, but I do want to. Here are some reasons: The Lightacandle.blogspot.com (to see all people you meet. The relationship with God. The worship. The music. responses) To make sure my future children are faithful. Spending time with Docfamiliesandchildren.org older and younger generations to learn experiences.” Rev. Dr. Olivia Bryan Updegrove “I will be in church in 10 years because I want to be more con- Minister for Ministries Across Generations at nected with God, I want to be saved and given a chance to recover Disciples Home Missions, Christian Church from my past. Everyone has a story or a chapter they don’t read out (Disciples of Christ) loud but I feel like God will help me become a bett er Christian and to have bett er faith in him.” 26 The Disciples’ Advocate click on ad Winter Talk Dates: February 3-5, 2020 Visit: https://yakamamission.org Contact: (509) 969-2093 or [email protected]

Join folks at Phillips Theological Seminary for this years Winter Talk. Keynoting this a based on the Doc- trine of Discovery is Jon Ghahate (Laguna a& Zuni). Jon is the museum educator at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jon will “give a voice of resilience for those who have come before us and for future generations of Pueblo peoples.”

Immigration Legal Updates Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel provides timely updates on changes to immigration law and policies that impact Disciples congregations and families. Sign up

click on ad

click on ad

27 The Disciples’ Advocate All Peoples Celebrates 77 Years All Peoples Community Center celebrated 77 years All Peoples is thankful for the 200 guests in att endance of service to its historic South Los Angeles neighborhood at the event. Because of their commitment to enriching the with its Annual Gala “Sowing the Seeds of a Change” last lives of the South Los Angeles Community, All Peoples September. The festivities included dinner, awards and a raised a total of $71,535 from the Gala! silent auction. All Peoples is also thankful for The evening was fi lled with the presence or acknowledgement excitement as we honored the by the political representatives who following: Sam Joo, Director of presented all the honorees with Magnolia Community Initiative certificates of appreciation and (MCI), received the Dan B. Genung encouragement: Visionary Leadership Award. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal Pastor Eddie Anderson of Mc- Allard, 40th District; State Sena- Carty Memorial Christian Church tor Holly Mitchell, 30th District; received the Joe Ide Spirit of Com- Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcett i; munity Award. Four of our All Assembly Member Reggie Jones Peoples youth were selected and Olivia Mitchell, Mistress of Ceremonies; Sinnai Avila, Sawyer 59th District; and Coun- acknowledged during the Gala as Field Deputy for Congresswomen Lucille Roybal- cilmember Curren Price, New 9th Geri Morgan Scholarship Fund re- Allard, 40th District Representative; State Senator District. cipients: Miguel Romero Cruz, UC Holly Mitchell, 30th District; Sam Joo; Pastor Eddie Anderson; and Councilmember Curren Price, New 9th Irvine, Steve Cayetano, Middlebury District. Saundra Bryant, Executive Director College, Anahi Garcia, Cal State LA, All Peoples Community Center, Anthony Mendoza, UC Santa Barbara. Los Angeles, California Changing Mission Twenty years ago, a conversation circulated with folk a Disciple model of providing “Learning and Serving” op- who hosted reservation workgroups (mission groups, portunities. Learning being the primary focus of a visiting youth groups). The question to the conversation was, group. Groups who want to visit the Yakima reservation “Should groups be invited onto reservations any longer?” continue to access this model. However, a strictly learn- Embedded within were worries of culture and fi nances. ing opportunity, favoring justice focused conversations, After all, any work a group could do local folks could do has been available for a number of years. The success of as well or bett er. For every roof shingled by a workgroup the justice only model has led to two unique opportuni- a local person lost a job. Arguments traveled one of two ties in 2020. paths. “If outside Christian groups really want to help, The fi rst is for youth. Partnered with the Upper Mid- they would take the thousands they spend traveling and West Region, eight youth have the opportunity to spend send it for local supplies and local labor. We could help one week on the Standing Rock reservation speaking with many more people.” Others argued, “If you don’t have local people, visiting historical sites, and conversing on them come, they will not send money but use it to take a how to engage in Indigenous justice. vacation or go somewhere else for their charitable fi x. In The second is for adults. Partnered with the Center for either case, justice will not be served. Instead, have them Indigenous Ministries (DOC), eight adults have a week- come, provide some work, and then intentionally teach long opportunity to travel Sitt ing Bulls journey from Litt le about the how and why they have come and lead them Bighorn to Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan to Fort Yates, into an understanding of justice.” Standing Rock Reservation. Each participant will enhance Twenty years later the conversation continues, though the journey by choosing a background study: e.g., Geol- slightly diff erent. As existing hosts moved toward develop- ogy, Law, Christian Theology, Art, Business, Government, ing leaders of justice, other Christian groups arrived and Astronomy. replaced the gap with a traditional “Christian reservation” If you are interested, or know a youth or adult whose model focusing on charity and conversion. Today, it is not inclination is toward Indigenous justice, more information surprising, each spring, to read a reservation newspaper is available at: yakamamission.org. article about the coming summer saying enough is enough: “Take no more charity, it isn’t worth it,” “Don’t let them Rev. David B. Bell into your homes, they just want to convert you.” Minister for Indigenous Justice For twenty years Yakama Christian Mission has used 28 The Disciples’ Advocate Bethany Scholarship Program Engages its Alumni A Bethany College scholarship program forward to explore the world-class educational is giving alumni a voice in the future of the opportunities and careers a Bethany education college. can provide.” In its fourth year, the Alumni Referral Dr. Arthur Keys ’67, a Bethany trustee, re- Award invites Bethany graduates to nominate ferred freshman Ian Nelson for the scholarship. up to three graduating high school students “The fact that Dr. Keys, the alumni, had each year. The referred students will be eligible chosen me meant a great deal to me, that he to receive a $1,000 scholarship each year they saw the potential and wanted to help,” Nel- att end Bethany, up to $4,000. son said. The goal the Alumni Referral Reward is Alumni are encouraged to submit their to provide proud Bethanians an avenue to referrals to the Offi ce of Enrollment by Feb. continue their involvement with the college 1. To refer a student, visit bethanywv.edu/ and to share their own stories with prospec- referral. tive students. For more information about the Alumni “The Alumni Referral program is a power- Referral Award, contact Stephanie Beall, ful testament to how Bethany College gradu- enrollment counselor and alumni recruiting ates can help secure a prospective student’s liaison, at [email protected]. educational future,” said Chris Lambert, vice president of advancement and alumni rela- Shannon E. Kolkedy tions. “The benefi ts of making a referral are not Communications Specialist limited to the amount of fi nancial assistance Bethany College provided to the student, it helps propel them Bethany, West Virginia

Bethany College Adds New Scholarship for DOC Students Bethany College is strengthening its long- Landmark in 1994. The Disciples of Christ standing ties to the Disciples of Christ with Historical Society opened on the grounds of a new scholarship to be awarded beginning Campbell Mansion in 2016. in Fall 2020. To be eligible for the Disciples Regional The Disciples Regional Minister Nomina- Minister Nomination Award, a student must tion Award allows DOC regional ministers to apply and be admitt ed to Bethany. nominate a student from their respective areas The deadline for nominating students is for a Bethany College scholarship of $3,000 Feb. 1. The new scholarship can be combined per year for up to four years. with other Bethany awards with the exception “This new award further solidifi es Beth- of the Presidential Scholarship, which covers any College’s commitment to the Disciples full tuition. of Christ Church and to the DOC students For more information about how to nomi- searching for their college home,” said Karen nate a student, contact Dan Adams, assistant Hunt, Bethany’s vice president for enrollment director of enrollment for DOC recruitment, and marketing. at [email protected] or 304.829.7605. Alexander Campbell, one of the principal founders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), founded Bethany College in 1840 Shannon E. Kolkedy and was its fi rst president. Communications Specialist The nearby Campbell Mansion was added Bethany College to the National Register of Historic Places in Bethany, West Virginia 1970 and registered as a National Historic 29 The Disciples’ Advocate Read the Bible in a Year Bible Reading Guide Leap Year (366 Days in the year) Day Month OT OT (2) Psalm Proverbs NT Day 1 January (31) 1 Genesis (50) 1 2 Chronicles (36) 1 Psalm (150) 1 Proverbs (31) 1 Matthew (28) 1 2 January 2 Genesis 2 2 Chronicles 2 Psalm 2 Proverbs 2 Matthew 2 3 January 3 Genesis 3 2 Chronicles 3 Psalm 3 Proverbs 3 Matthew 3 4 January 4 Genesis 4 2 Chronicles 4 Psalm 4 Proverbs 4 Matthew 4 5 January 5 Genesis 5 2 Chronicles 5 Psalm 5 Proverbs 5 Matthew 5 6 January 6 Genesis 6 2 Chronicles 6 Psalm 6 Proverbs 6 Matthew 6 7 January 7 Genesis 7 2 Chronicles 7 Psalm 7 Proverbs 7 Matthew 7 8 January 8 Genesis 8 2 Chronicles 8 Psalm 8 Proverbs 8 Matthew 8 9 January 9 Genesis 9 2 Chronicles 9 Psalm 9 Proverbs 9 Matthew 9 10 January 10 Genesis 10 2 Chronicles 10 Psalm 10 Proverbs 10 Matthew 10 11 January 11 Genesis 11 2 Chronicles 11 Psalm 11 Proverbs 11 Matthew 11 12 January 12 Genesis 12 2 Chronicles 12 Psalm 12 Proverbs 12 Matthew 12 13 January 13 Genesis 13 2 Chronicles 13 Psalm 13 Proverbs 13 Matthew 13 14 January 14 Genesis 14 2 Chronicles 14 Psalm 14 Proverbs 14 Matthew 14 15 January 15 Genesis 15 2 Chronicles 15 Psalm 15 Proverbs 15 Matthew 15 16 January 16 Genesis 16 2 Chronicles 16 Psalm 16 Proverbs 16 Matthew 16 17 January 17 Genesis 17 2 Chronicles 17 Psalm 17 Proverbs 17 Matthew 17 18 January 18 Genesis 18 2 Chronicles 18 Psalm 18 Proverbs 18 Matthew 18 19 January 19 Genesis 19 2 Chronicles 19 Psalm 19 Proverbs 19 Matthew 19 20 January 20 Genesis 20 2 Chronicles 20 Psalm 20 Proverbs 20 Matthew 20 21 January 21 Genesis 21 2 Chronicles 21 Psalm 21 Proverbs 21 Matthew 21 22 January 22 Genesis 22 2 Chronicles 22 Psalm 22 Proverbs 22 Matthew 22 23 January 23 Genesis 23 2 Chronicles 23 Psalm 23 Proverbs 23 Matthew 23 24 January 24 Genesis 24 2 Chronicles 24 Psalm 24 Proverbs 24 Matthew 24 25 January 25 Genesis 25 2 Chronicles 25 Psalm 25 Proverbs 25 Matthew 25 26 January 26 Genesis 26 2 Chronicles 26 Psalm 26 Proverbs 26 Matthew 26 27 January 27 Genesis 27 2 Chronicles 27 Psalm 27 Proverbs 27 Matthew 27 28 January 28 Genesis 28 2 Chronicles 28 Psalm 28 Proverbs 28 Matthew 28 29 January 29 Genesis 29 2 Chronicles 29 Psalm 29 Proverbs 29 Mark (16) 1 30 January 30 Genesis 30 2 Chronicles 30 Psalm 30 Proverbs 30 Mark 2 31 January 31 Genesis 31 2 Chronicles 31 Psalm 31 Proverbs 31 Mark 3 32 February (28) 1 Genesis 32 2 Chronicles 32 Psalm 32 Proverbs (31) 1 Mark 4 33 February 2 Genesis 33 2 Chronicles 33 Psalm 33 Proverbs 2 Mark 5 34 February 3 Genesis 34 2 Chronicles 34 Psalm 34 Proverbs 3 Mark 6 35 February 4 Genesis 35 2 Chronicles 35 Psalm 35 Proverbs 4 Mark 7 36 February 5 Genesis 36 2 Chronicles 36 Psalm 36 Proverbs 5 Mark 8 37 February 6 Genesis 37 Ezra (10) 1 Psalm 37 Proverbs 6 Mark 9 38 February 7 Genesis 38 Ezra 2 Psalm 38 Proverbs 7 Mark 10

Continue on page 31. see Bible Reading. 30 The Disciples’ Advocate

Bible Reading Continued from page 30. 39 February 8 Genesis 39 Ezra 3 Psalm 39 Proverbs 8 Mark 11 40 February 9 Genesis 40 Ezra 4 Psalm 40 Proverbs 9 Mark 12 41 February 10 Genesis 41 Ezra 5 Psalm 41 Proverbs 10 Mark 13 42 February 11 Genesis 42 Ezra 6 Psalm 42 Proverbs 11 Mark 14 43 February 12 Genesis 43 Ezra 7 Psalm 43 Proverbs 12 Mark 15 44 February 13 Genesis 44 Ezra 8 Psalm 44 Proverbs 13 Mark 16 45 February 14 Genesis 45 Ezra 9 Psalm 45 Proverbs 14 Luke (24) 1 46 February 15 Genesis 46 Ezra 10 Psalm 46 Proverbs 15 Luke 2 47 February 16 Genesis 47 Nehemiah (13) 1 Psalm 47 Proverbs 16 Luke 3 48 February 17 Genesis 48 Nehemiah 2 Psalm 48 Proverbs 17 Luke 4 Day 49 February 18 Genesis 49 Nehemiah 3 Psalm 49 Proverbs 18 Luke 5 50 February 19 Genesis 50 Nehemiah 4 Psalm 50 Proverbs 19 Luke 6 51 February 20 Exodus (40) 1 Nehemiah 5 Psalm 51 Proverbs 20 Luke 7 52 February 21 Exodus 2 Nehemiah 6 Psalm 52 Proverbs 21 Luke 8 53 February 22 Exodus 3 Nehemiah 7 Psalm 53 Proverbs 22 Luke 9 54 February 23 Exodus 4 Nehemiah 8 Psalm 54 Proverbs 23 Luke 10 55 February 24 Exodus 5 Nehemiah 9 Psalm 55 Proverbs 24 Luke 11 56 February 25 Exodus 6 Nehemiah 10 Psalm 56 Proverbs 25 Luke 12 57 February 26 Exodus 7 Nehemiah 11 Psalm 57 Proverbs 26 Luke 13 58 February 27 Exodus 8 Nehemiah 12 Psalm 58 Proverbs 27 Luke 14 59 February 28 Exodus 9 Nehemiah 13 Psalm 59 Proverbs 28, 29 Luke 15 60 February 29 Exodus 10 Esther (10) 1 Psalm 60 Proverbs 30, 31 Luke 16 61 March (31) 1 Exodus 11 Esther 2 Psalm 61 Proverbs (31) 1 Luke 17 62 March 2 Exodus 12 Esther 3 Psalm 62 Proverbs 2 Luke 18 63 March 3 Exodus 13 Esther 4 Psalm 63 Proverbs 3 Luke 19 64 March 4 Exodus 14 Esther 5 Psalm 64 Proverbs 4 Luke 20 65 March 5 Exodus 15 Esther 6 Psalm 65 Proverbs 5 Luke 21 66 March 6 Exodus 16 Esther 7 Psalm 66 Proverbs 6 Luke 22 67 March 7 Exodus 17 Esther 8 Psalm 67 Proverbs 7 Luke 23 68 March 8 Exodus 18 Esther 9 Psalm 68 Proverbs 8 Luke 24 69 March 9 Exodus 19 Esther 10 Psalm 69 Proverbs 9 John (21) 1 70 March 10 Exodus 20 Job (42) 1 Psalm 70 Proverbs 10 John 2 71 March 11 Exodus 21 Job 2 Psalm 71 Proverbs 11 John 3 72 March 12 Exodus 22 Job 3 Psalm 72 Proverbs 12 John 4 73 March 13 Exodus 23 Job 4 Psalm 73 Proverbs 13 John 5 74 March 14 Exodus 24 Job 5 Psalm 74 Proverbs 14 John 6 75 March 15 Exodus 25 Job 6 Psalm 75 Proverbs 15 John 7 76 March 16 Exodus 26 Job 7 Psalm 76 Proverbs 16 John 8 77 March 17 Exodus 27 Job 8 Psalm 77 Proverbs 17 John 9 78 March 18 Exodus 28 Job 9 Psalm 78 Proverbs 18 John 10 79 March 19 Exodus 29 Job 10 Psalm 79 Proverbs 19 John 11 80 March 20 Exodus 30 Job 11 Psalm 80 Proverbs 20 John 12 Continue on page 32. see Bible Reading. 31 The Disciples’ Advocate

Bible Reading Continued from page 31. 81 March 21 Exodus 31 Job 12 Psalm 81 Proverbs 21 John 13 82 March 22 Exodus 32 Job 13 Psalm 82 Proverbs 22 John 14 83 March 23 Exodus 33 Job 14 Psalm 83 Proverbs 23 John 15 84 March 24 Exodus 34 Job 15 Psalm 84 Proverbs 24 John 16 85 March 25 Exodus 35 Job 16 Psalm 85 Proverbs 25 John 17 86 March 26 Exodus 36 Job 17 Psalm 86 Proverbs 26 John 18 87 March 27 Exodus 37 Job 18 Psalm 87 Proverbs 27 John 19 88 March 28 Exodus 38 Job 19 Psalm 88 Proverbs 28 John 20 89 March 29 Exodus 39 Job 20 Psalm 89 Proverbs 29 John 21 90 March 30 Exodus 40 Job 21 Psalm 90 Proverbs 30 Acts (28) 1 91 March 31 Leviticus (27) 1 Job 22 Psalm 91 Proverbs 31 Acts 2 92 April (30) 1 Leviticus 2 Job 23 Psalm 92 Proverbs (31) 1 Acts 3 93 April 2 Leviticus 3 Job 24 Psalm 93 Proverbs 2 Acts 4 94 April 3 Leviticus 4 Job 25 Psalm 94 Proverbs 3 Acts 5 95 April 4 Leviticus 5 Job 26 Psalm 95 Proverbs 4 Acts 6 96 April 5 Leviticus 6 Job 27 Psalm 96 Proverbs 5 Acts 7 97 April 6 Leviticus 7 Job 28 Psalm 97 Proverbs 6 Acts 8 98 April 7 Leviticus 8 Job 29 Psalm 98 Proverbs 7 Acts 9 Day 99 April 8 Leviticus 9 Job 30 Psalm 99 Proverbs 8 Acts 10 100 April 9 Leviticus 10 Job 31 Psalm 100 Proverbs 9 Acts 11 101 April 10 Leviticus 11 Job 32 Psalm 101 Proverbs 10 Acts 12 102 April 11 Leviticus 12 Job 33 Psalm 102 Proverbs 11 Acts 13 103 April 12 Leviticus 13 Job 34 Psalm 103 Proverbs 12 Acts 14 104 April 13 Leviticus 14 Job 35 Psalm 104 Proverbs 13 Acts 15 105 April 14 Leviticus 15 Job 36 Psalm 105 Proverbs 14 Acts 16 106 April 15 Leviticus 16 Job 37 Psalm 106 Proverbs 15 Acts 17 107 April 16 Leviticus 17 Job 38 Psalm 107 Proverbs 16 Acts 18 108 April 17 Leviticus 18 Job 39 Psalm 108 Proverbs 17 Acts 19 109 April 18 Leviticus 19 Job 40 Psalm 109 Proverbs 18 Acts 20 110 April 19 Leviticus 20 Job 41 Psalm 110 Proverbs 19 Acts 21 111 April 20 Leviticus 21 Job 42 Psalm 111 Proverbs 20 Acts 22 112 April 21 Leviticus 22 Ecclesiastes (12) 1-2 Psalm 112 Proverbs 21 Acts 23 113 April 22 Leviticus 23 Ecclesiastes 3-4 Psalm 113 Proverbs 22 Acts 24 114 April 23 Leviticus 24 Ecclesiastes 5-6 Psalm 114 Proverbs 23 Acts 25 115 April 24 Leviticus 25 Ecclesiastes 7-8 Psalm 115 Proverbs 24 Acts 26 116 April 25 Leviticus 26 Ecclesiastes 9-10 Psalm 116 Proverbs 25 Acts 27 117 April 26 Leviticus 27 Ecclesiastes 11-12 Psalm 117 Proverbs 26 Acts 28 118 April 27 Numbers (36) 1 Song of Solomon (8) 1 Psalm 118 Proverbs 27 Romans (16) 1 119 April 28 Numbers 2 Song of Solomon 2 Psalm 119 Proverbs 28 Romans 2 120 April 29 Numbers 3 Song of Solomon 3 Psalm 120 Proverbs 29 Romans 3 121 April 30 Numbers 4 Song of Solomon 4 Psalm 121 Proverbs 30-31 Romans 4 122 May (31) 1 Numbers 5 Song of Solomon 5 Psalm 122 Proverbs (31) 1 Romans 5

Continue on page 33. see Bible Reading. 32 The Disciples’ Advocate

Bible Reading Continued from page 32. 123 May 2 Numbers 6 Song of Solomon 6 Psalm 123 Proverbs 2 Romans 6 124 May 3 Numbers 7 Song of Solomon 7 Psalm 124 Proverbs 3 Romans 7 125 May 4 Numbers 8 Song of Solomon 8 Psalm 125 Proverbs 4 Romans 8 126 May 5 Numbers 9 Isaiah (66) 1 Psalm 126 Proverbs 5 Romans 9 127 May 6 Numbers 10 Isaiah 2 Psalm 127 Proverbs 6 Romans 10 128 May 7 Numbers 11 Isaiah 3 Psalm 128 Proverbs 7 Romans 11 129 May 8 Numbers 12 Isaiah 4 Psalm 129 Proverbs 8 Romans 12 130 May 9 Numbers 13 Isaiah 5 Psalm 130 Proverbs 9 Romans 13 131 May 10 Numbers 14 Isaiah 6 Psalm 131 Proverbs 10 Romans 14 132 May 11 Numbers 15 Isaiah 7 Psalm 132 Proverbs 11 Romans 15 133 May 12 Numbers 16 Isaiah 8 Psalm 133 Proverbs 12 Romans 16 134 May 13 Numbers 17 Isaiah 9 Psalm 134 Proverbs 13 1 Corinthians (16) 1 135 May 14 Numbers 18 Isaiah 10 Psalm 135 Proverbs 14 1 Corinthians 2 136 May 15 Numbers 19 Isaiah 11 Psalm 136 Proverbs 15 1 Corinthians 3 137 May 16 Numbers 20 Isaiah 12 Psalm 137 Proverbs 16 1 Corinthians 4 138 May 17 Numbers 21 Isaiah 13 Psalm 138 Proverbs 17 1 Corinthians 5 139 May 18 Numbers 22 Isaiah 14 Psalm 139 Proverbs 18 1 Corinthians 6 140 May 19 Numbers 23 Isaiah 15 Psalm 140 Proverbs 19 1 Corinthians 7 141 May 20 Numbers 24 Isaiah 16 Psalm 141 Proverbs 20 1 Corinthians 8 142 May 21 Numbers 25 Isaiah 17 Psalm 142 Proverbs 21 1 Corinthians 9 143 May 22 Numbers 26 Isaiah 18 Psalm 143 Proverbs 22 1 Corinthians 10 144 May 23 Numbers 27 Isaiah 19 Psalm 144 Proverbs 23 1 Corinthians 11 145 May 24 Numbers 28 Isaiah 20 Psalm 145 Proverbs 24 1 Corinthians 12 146 May 25 Numbers 29 Isaiah 21 Psalm 146 Proverbs 25 1 Corinthians 13 147 May 26 Numbers 30 Isaiah 22 Psalm 147 Proverbs 26 1 Corinthians 14 148 May 27 Numbers 31 Isaiah 23 Psalm 148 Proverbs 27 1 Corinthians 15 Day 149 May 28 Numbers 32 Isaiah 24 Psalm 149 Proverbs 28 1 Corinthians 16 150 May 29 Numbers 33 Isaiah 25 Psalm 150 Proverbs 29 2 Corinthians (13) 1 151 May 30 Numbers 34 Isaiah 26 Psalm (150) 1 Proverbs 30 2 Corinthians 2 152 May 31 Numbers 35 Isaiah 27 Psalm 2 Proverbs 31 2 Corinthians 3 153 June (30) 1 Numbers 36 Isaiah 28 Psalm 3 Proverbs (31) 1 2 Corinthians 4 154 June 2 Deuteronomy (34) 1 Isaiah 29 Psalm 4 Proverbs 2 2 Corinthians 5 155 June 3 Deuteronomy 2 Isaiah 30 Psalm 5 Proverbs 3 2 Corinthians 6 156 June 4 Deuteronomy 3 Isaiah 31 Psalm 6 Proverbs 4 2 Corinthians 7 157 June 5 Deuteronomy 4 Isaiah 32 Psalm 7 Proverbs 5 2 Corinthians 8 158 June 6 Deuteronomy 5 Isaiah 33 Psalm 8 Proverbs 6 2 Corinthians 9 159 June 7 Deuteronomy 6 Isaiah 34 Psalm 9 Proverbs 7 2 Corinthians 10 160 June 8 Deuteronomy 7 Isaiah 35 Psalm 10 Proverbs 8 2 Corinthians 11 161 June 9 Deuteronomy 8 Isaiah 36 Psalm 11 Proverbs 9 2 Corinthians 12 162 June 10 Deuteronomy 9 Isaiah 37 Psalm 12 Proverbs 10 2 Corinthians 13 163 June 11 Deuteronomy 10 Isaiah 38 Psalm 13 Proverbs 11 Galatians (6) 1 164 June 12 Deuteronomy 11 Isaiah 39 Psalm 14 Proverbs 12 Galatians 2 Continue on page 34. see Bible Reading. 33 The Disciples’ Advocate

Bible Reading Continued from page 33. 165 June 13 Deuteronomy 12 Isaiah 40 Psalm 15 Proverbs 13 Galatians 3 166 June 14 Deuteronomy 13 Isaiah 41 Psalm 16 Proverbs 14 Galatians 4 167 June 15 Deuteronomy 14 Isaiah 42 Psalm 17 Proverbs 15 Galatians 5 168 June 16 Deuteronomy 15 Isaiah 43 Psalm 18 Proverbs 16 Galatians 6 169 June 17 Deuteronomy 16 Isaiah 44 Psalm 19 Proverbs 17 Ephesians (6) 1 170 June 18 Deuteronomy 17 Isaiah 45 Psalm 20 Proverbs 18 Ephesians 2 171 June 19 Deuteronomy 18 Isaiah 46 Psalm 21 Proverbs 19 Ephesians 3 172 June 20 Deuteronomy 19 Isaiah 47 Psalm 22 Proverbs 20 Ephesians 4 173 June 21 Deuteronomy 20 Isaiah 48 Psalm 23 Proverbs 21 Ephesians 5 174 June 22 Deuteronomy 21 Isaiah 49 Psalm 24 Proverbs 22 Ephesians 6 175 June 23 Deuteronomy 22 Isaiah 50 Psalm 25 Proverbs 23 Philippians (4) 1 176 June 24 Deuteronomy 23 Isaiah 51 Psalm 26 Proverbs 24 Philippians 2 177 June 25 Deuteronomy 24 Isaiah 52 Psalm 27 Proverbs 25 Philippians 3 178 June 26 Deuteronomy 25 Isaiah 53 Psalm 28 Proverbs 26 Philippians 4 179 June 27 Deuteronomy 26 Isaiah 54 Psalm 29 Proverbs 27 Colossians (4) 1 180 June 28 Deuteronomy 27 Isaiah 55 Psalm 30 Proverbs 28 Colossians 2 181 June 29 Deuteronomy 28 Isaiah 56 Psalm 31 Proverbs 29 Colossians 3 182 June 30 Deuteronomy 29 Isaiah 57 Psalm 32 Proverbs 30-31 Colossians 4 183 July (31) 1 Deuteronomy 30 Isaiah 58 Psalm 33 Proverbs (31) 1 1 Thessalonians (5) 1 184 July 2 Deuteronomy 31 Isaiah 59 Psalm 34 Proverbs 2 1 Thessalonians 2 185 July 3 Deuteronomy 32 Isaiah 60 Psalm 35 Proverbs 3 1 Thessalonians 3 186 July 4 Deuteronomy 33 Isaiah 61 Psalm 36 Proverbs 4 1 Thessalonians 4 187 July 5 Deuteronomy 34 Isaiah 62 Psalm 37 Proverbs 5 1 Thessalonians 5 188 July 6 Joshua (24) 1 Isaiah 63 Psalm 38 Proverbs 6 2 Thessalonians (3) 1 189 July 7 Joshua 2 Isaiah 64 Psalm 39 Proverbs 7 2 Thessalonians 2 190 July 8 Joshua 3 Isaiah 65 Psalm 40 Proverbs 8 2 Thessalonians 3 191 July 9 Joshua 4 Isaiah 66 Psalm 41 Proverbs 9 1 Timothy (6) 1 192 July 10 Joshua 5 Jeremiah (52) 1 Psalm 42 Proverbs 10 1 Timothy 2 193 July 11 Joshua 6 Jeremiah 2 Psalm 43 Proverbs 11 1 Timothy 3 194 July 12 Joshua 7 Jeremiah 3 Psalm 44 Proverbs 12 1 Timothy 4 195 July 13 Joshua 8 Jeremiah 4 Psalm 45 Proverbs 13 1 Timothy 5 196 July 14 Joshua 9 Jeremiah 5 Psalm 46 Proverbs 14 1 Timothy 6 197 July 15 Joshua 10 Jeremiah 6 Psalm 47 Proverbs 15 2 Timothy (4) 1 198 July 16 Joshua 11 Jeremiah 7 Psalm 48 Proverbs 16 2 Timothy 2 Day 199 July 17 Joshua 12 Jeremiah 8 Psalm 49 Proverbs 17 2 Timothy 3 200 July 18 Joshua 13 Jeremiah 9 Psalm 50 Proverbs 18 2 Timothy 4 201 July 19 Joshua 14 Jeremiah 10 Psalm 51 Proverbs 19 Titus (3) 1 202 July 20 Joshua 15 Jeremiah 11 Psalm 52 Proverbs 20 Titus 2 203 July 21 Joshua 16 Jeremiah 12 Psalm 53 Proverbs 21 Titus 3 204 July 22 Joshua 17 Jeremiah 13 Psalm 54 Proverbs 22 Philemon (1) 1 205 July 23 Joshua 18 Jeremiah 14 Psalm 55 Proverbs 23 Hebrews (13) 1 206 July 24 Joshua 19 Jeremiah 15 Psalm 56 Proverbs 24 Hebrews 2 Continue on page 35. see Bible Reading. 34 The Disciples’ Advocate

Bible Reading Continued from page 34. 207 July 25 Joshua 20 Jeremiah 16 Psalm 57 Proverbs 25 Hebrews 3 208 July 26 Joshua 21 Jeremiah 17 Psalm 58 Proverbs 26 Hebrews 4 209 July 27 Joshua 22 Jeremiah 18 Psalm 59 Proverbs 27 Hebrews 5 210 July 28 Joshua 23 Jeremiah 19 Psalm 60 Proverbs 28 Hebrews 6 211 July 29 Joshua 24 Jeremiah 20 Psalm 61 Proverbs 29 Hebrews 7 212 July 30 Judges (21) 1 Jeremiah 21 Psalm 62 Proverbs 30 Hebrews 8 213 July 31 Judges 2 Jeremiah 22 Psalm 63 Proverbs 31 Hebrews 9 214 August (31) 1 Judges 3 Jeremiah 23 Psalm 64 Proverbs (31) 1 Hebrews 10 215 August 2 Judges 4 Jeremiah 24 Psalm 65 Proverbs 2 Hebrews 11 216 August 3 Judges 5 Jeremiah 25 Psalm 66 Proverbs 3 Hebrews 12 217 August 4 Judges 6 Jeremiah 26 Psalm 67 Proverbs 4 Hebrews 13 218 August 5 Judges 7 Jeremiah 27 Psalm 68 Proverbs 5 James (5) 1 219 August 6 Judges 8 Jeremiah 28 Psalm 69 Proverbs 6 James 2 220 August 7 Judges 9 Jeremiah 29 Psalm 70 Proverbs 7 James 3 221 August 8 Judges 10 Jeremiah 30 Psalm 71 Proverbs 8 James 4 222 August 9 Judges 11 Jeremiah 31 Psalm 72 Proverbs 9 James 5 223 August 10 Judges 12 Jeremiah 32 Psalm 73 Proverbs 10 1 Peter (5) 1 224 August 11 Judges 13 Jeremiah 33 Psalm 74 Proverbs 11 1 Peter 2 225 August 12 Judges 14 Jeremiah 34 Psalm 75 Proverbs 12 1 Peter 3 226 August 13 Judges 15 Jeremiah 35 Psalm 76 Proverbs 13 1 Peter 4 227 August 14 Judges 16 Jeremiah 36 Psalm 77 Proverbs 14 1 Peter 5 228 August 15 Judges 17 Jeremiah 37 Psalm 78 Proverbs 15 2 Peter (3) 1 229 August 16 Judges 18 Jeremiah 38 Psalm 79 Proverbs 16 2 Peter 2 230 August 17 Judges 19 Jeremiah 39 Psalm 80 Proverbs 17 2 Peter 3 231 August 18 Judges 20 Jeremiah 40 Psalm 81 Proverbs 18 1 John (5) 1 232 August 19 Judges 21 Jeremiah 41 Psalm 82 Proverbs 19 1 John 2 233 August 20 Ruth (4) 1 Jeremiah 42 Psalm 83 Proverbs 20 1 John 3 234 August 21 Ruth 2 Jeremiah 43 Psalm 84 Proverbs 21 1 John 4 235 August 22 Ruth 3 Jeremiah 44 Psalm 85 Proverbs 22 1 John 5 236 August 23 Ruth 4 Jeremiah 45 Psalm 86 Proverbs 23 2 John (1) 1 237 August 24 1 Samuel (31) 1 Jeremiah 46 Psalm 87 Proverbs 24 3 John (1) 1 238 August 25 1 Samuel 2 Jeremiah 47 Psalm 88 Proverbs 25 Jude (1) 1 239 August 26 1 Samuel 3 Jeremiah 48 Psalm 89 Proverbs 26 Revelation (22) 1 240 August 27 1 Samuel 4 Jeremiah 49 Psalm 90 Proverbs 27 Revelation 2 241 August 28 1 Samuel 5 Jeremiah 50 Psalm 91 Proverbs 28 Revelation 3 242 August 29 1 Samuel 6 Jeremiah 51 Psalm 92 Proverbs 29 Revelation 4 243 August 30 1 Samuel 7 Jeremiah 52 Psalm 93 Proverbs 30 Revelation 5 244 August 31 1 Samuel 8 Lamentations (5) 1 Psalm 94 Proverbs 31 Revelation 6 245 September (30) 1 1 Samuel 9 Lamentations 2 Psalm 95 Proverbs (31) 1 Revelation 7 246 September 2 1 Samuel 10 Lamentations 3 Psalm 96 Proverbs 2 Revelation 8 247 September 3 1 Samuel 11 Lamentations 4 Psalm 97 Proverbs 3 Revelation 9 248 September 4 1 Samuel 12 Lamentations 5 Psalm 98 Proverbs 4 Revelation 10

Continue on page 36. see Bible Reading. 35 The Disciples’ Advocate

Bible Reading Continued from page 35. Day 249 September 5 1 Samuel 13 Ezekiel (48) 1 Psalm 99 Proverbs 5 Revelation 11 250 September 6 1 Samuel 14 Ezekiel 2 Psalm 100 Proverbs 6 Revelation 12 251 September 7 1 Samuel 15 Ezekiel 3 Psalm 101 Proverbs 7 Revelation 13 252 September 8 1 Samuel 16 Ezekiel 4 Psalm 102 Proverbs 8 Revelation 14 253 September 9 1 Samuel 17 Ezekiel 5 Psalm 103 Proverbs 9 Revelation 15 254 September 10 1 Samuel 18 Ezekiel 6 Psalm 104 Proverbs 10 Revelation 16 255 September 11 1 Samuel 19 Ezekiel 7 Psalm 105 Proverbs 11 Revelation 17 256 September 12 1 Samuel 20 Ezekiel 8 Psalm 106 Proverbs 12 Revelation 18 257 September 13 1 Samuel 21 Ezekiel 9 Psalm 107 Proverbs 13 Revelation 19 258 September 14 1 Samuel 22 Ezekiel 10 Psalm 108 Proverbs 14 Revelation 20 259 September 15 1 Samuel 23 Ezekiel 11 Psalm 109 Proverbs 15 Revelation 21 260 September 16 1 Samuel 24 Ezekiel 12 Psalm 110 Proverbs 16 Revelation 22 261 September 17 1 Samuel 25 Ezekiel 13 Psalm 111 Proverbs 17 Matthew (28) 1 262 September 18 1 Samuel 26 Ezekiel 14 Psalm 112 Proverbs 18 Matthew 2 263 September 19 1 Samuel 27 Ezekiel 15 Psalm 113 Proverbs 19 Matthew 3 264 September 20 1 Samuel 28 Ezekiel 16 Psalm 114 Proverbs 20 Matthew 4 265 September 21 1 Samuel 29 Ezekiel 17 Psalm 115 Proverbs 21 Matthew 5 266 September 22 1 Samuel 30 Ezekiel 18 Psalm 116 Proverbs 22 Matthew 6 267 September 23 1 Samuel 31 Ezekiel 19 Psalm 117 Proverbs 23 Matthew 7 268 September 24 2 Samuel (24) 1 Ezekiel 20 Psalm 118 Proverbs 24 Matthew 8 269 September 25 2 Samuel 2 Ezekiel 21 Psalm 119 Proverbs 25 Matthew 9 270 September 26 2 Samuel 3 Ezekiel 22 Psalm 120 Proverbs 26 Matthew 10 271 September 27 2 Samuel 4 Ezekiel 23 Psalm 121 Proverbs 27 Matthew 11 272 September 28 2 Samuel 5 Ezekiel 24 Psalm 122 Proverbs 28 Matthew 12 273 September 29 2 Samuel 6 Ezekiel 25 Psalm 123 Proverbs 29 Matthew 13 274 September 30 2 Samuel 7 Ezekiel 26 Psalm 124 Proverbs 30 - 31 Matthew 14 275 October (31) 1 2 Samuel 8 Ezekiel 27 Psalm 125 Proverbs (31) 1 Matthew 15 276 October 2 2 Samuel 9 Ezekiel 28 Psalm 126 Proverbs 2 Matthew 16 277 October 3 2 Samuel 10 Ezekiel 29 Psalm 127 Proverbs 3 Matthew 17 278 October 4 2 Samuel 11 Ezekiel 30 Psalm 128 Proverbs 4 Matthew 18 279 October 5 2 Samuel 12 Ezekiel 31 Psalm 129 Proverbs 5 Matthew 19 280 October 6 2 Samuel 13 Ezekiel 32 Psalm 130 Proverbs 6 Matthew 20 281 October 7 2 Samuel 14 Ezekiel 33 Psalm 131 Proverbs 7 Matthew 21 282 October 8 2 Samuel 15 Ezekiel 34 Psalm 132 Proverbs 8 Matthew 22 283 October 9 2 Samuel 16 Ezekiel 35 Psalm 133 Proverbs 9 Matthew 23 284 October 10 2 Samuel 17 Ezekiel 36 Psalm 134 Proverbs 10 Matthew 24 285 October 11 2 Samuel 18 Ezekiel 37 Psalm 135 Proverbs 11 Matthew 25 286 October 12 2 Samuel 19 Ezekiel 38 Psalm 136 Proverbs 12 Matthew 26 287 October 13 2 Samuel 20 Ezekiel 39 Psalm 137 Proverbs 13 Matthew 27 288 October 14 2 Samuel 21 Ezekiel 40 Psalm 138 Proverbs 14 Matthew 28 289 October 15 2 Samuel 22 Ezekiel 41 Psalm 139 Proverbs 15 Mark (16) 1 290 October 16 2 Samuel 23 Ezekiel 42 Psalm 140 Proverbs 16 Mark 2

Continue on page 37. see Bible Reading. 36 The Disciples’ Advocate

Bible Reading Continued from page 36. 291 October 17 2 Samuel 24 Ezekiel 43 Psalm 141 Proverbs 17 Mark 3 292 October 18 1 Kings (22) 1 Ezekiel 44 Psalm 142 Proverbs 18 Mark 4 293 October 19 1 Kings 2 Ezekiel 45 Psalm 143 Proverbs 19 Mark 5 294 October 20 1 Kings 3 Ezekiel 46 Psalm 144 Proverbs 20 Mark 6 295 October 21 1 Kings 4 Ezekiel 47 Psalm 145 Proverbs 21 Mark 7 296 October 22 1 Kings 5 Ezekiel 48 Psalm 146 Proverbs 22 Mark 8 297 October 23 1 Kings 6 Daniel (12) 1 Psalm 147 Proverbs 23 Mark 9 298 October 24 1 Kings 7 Daniel 2-3 Psalm 148 Proverbs 24 Mark 10 Day 299 October 25 1 Kings 8 Daniel 4-5 Psalm 149 Proverbs 25 Mark 11 300 October 26 1 Kings 9 Daniel 6-7 Psalm 150 Proverbs 26 Mark 12 301 October 27 1 Kings 10 Daniel 8-9 Psalm (150) 1 Proverbs 27 Mark 13 302 October 28 1 Kings 11 Daniel 10-11 Psalm 2 Proverbs 28 Mark 14 303 October 29 1 Kings 12 Daniel 12 Psalm 3 Proverbs 29 Mark 15 304 October 30 1 Kings 13 Hosea (14) 1 Psalm 4 Proverbs 30 Mark 16 305 October 31 1 Kings 14 Hosea 2 Psalm 5 Proverbs 31 Luke (24) 1 306 November (30) 1 1 Kings 15 Hosea 3 Psalm 6 Proverbs (31) 1 Luke 2 307 November 2 1 Kings 16 Hosea 4 Psalm 7 Proverbs 2 Luke 3 308 November 3 1 Kings 17 Hosea 5 Psalm 8 Proverbs 3 Luke 4 309 November 4 1 Kings 18 Hosea 6 Psalm 9 Proverbs 4 Luke 5 310 November 5 1 Kings 19 Hosea 7 Psalm 10 Proverbs 5 Luke 6 311 November 6 1 Kings 20 Hosea 8 Psalm 11 Proverbs 6 Luke 7 312 November 7 1 Kings 21 Hosea 9 Psalm 12 Proverbs 7 Luke 8 313 November 8 1 Kings 22 Hosea 10 Psalm 13 Proverbs 8 Luke 9 314 November 9 2 Kings (25) 1 Hosea 11 Psalm 14 Proverbs 9 Luke 10 315 November 10 2 Kings 2 Hosea 12 Psalm 15 Proverbs 10 Luke 11 316 November 11 2 Kings 3 Hosea 13 Psalm 16 Proverbs 11 Luke 12 317 November 12 2 Kings 4 Hosea 14 Psalm 17 Proverbs 12 Luke 13 318 November 13 2 Kings 5 Joel (3) 1 Psalm 18 Proverbs 13 Luke 14 319 November 14 2 Kings 6 Joel 2 Psalm 19 Proverbs 14 Luke 15 320 November 15 2 Kings 7 Joel 3 Psalm 20 Proverbs 15 Luke 16 321 November 16 2 Kings 8 Amos (9) 1 Psalm 21 Proverbs 16 Luke 17 322 November 17 2 Kings 9 Amos 2 Psalm 22 Proverbs 17 Luke 18 323 November 18 2 Kings 10 Amos 3 Psalm 23 Proverbs 18 Luke 19 324 November 19 2 Kings 11 Amos 4 Psalm 24 Proverbs 19 Luke 20 325 November 20 2 Kings 12 Amos 5 Psalm 25 Proverbs 20 Luke 21 326 November 21 2 Kings 13 Amos 6 Psalm 26 Proverbs 21 Luke 22 327 November 22 2 Kings 14 Amos 7 Psalm 27 Proverbs 22 Luke 23 328 November 23 2 Kings 15 Amos 8 Psalm 28 Proverbs 23 Luke 24 329 November 24 2 Kings 16 Amos 9 Psalm 29 Proverbs 24 John 1 330 November 25 2 Kings 17 Obadiah (1) 1 Psalm 30 Proverbs 25 John 2 331 November 26 2 Kings 18 Jonah (4) 1-2 Psalm 31 Proverbs 26 John 3 332 November 27 2 Kings 19 Jonah 3-4 Psalm 32 Proverbs 27 John 4

Continue on page 38. see Bible Reading. 37 The Disciples’ Advocate

Bible Reading Continued from page 37. 333 November 28 2 Kings 20 Micah (7) 1 Psalm 33 Proverbs 28 John 5 334 November 29 2 Kings 21 Micah 2 Psalm 34 Proverbs 29 John 6 335 November 30 2 Kings 22 Micah 3 Psalm 35 Proverbs 30 -31 Matthew 1 336 December (31) 1 2 Kings 23 Micah 4 Psalm 36 Proverbs (31) 1 Matthew 2 337 December 2 2 Kings 24 Micah 5 Psalm 37 Proverbs 2 Matthew 3 338 December 3 2 Kings 25 Micah 6 Psalm 38 Proverbs 3 Matthew 4 339 December 4 1 Chronicles (29) 1 Micah 7 Psalm 39 Proverbs 4 Matthew 5 340 December 5 1 Chronicles 2 Nahum (3) 1 Psalm 40 Proverbs 5 Luke 1 341 December 6 1 Chronicles 3 Nahum 2 Psalm 41 Proverbs 6 Luke 2 342 December 7 1 Chronicles 4 Nahum 3 Psalm 42 Proverbs 7 Luke 3 343 December 8 1 Chronicles 5 Habakkuk (3) 1 Psalm 43 Proverbs 8 John 1 344 December 9 1 Chronicles 6 Habakkuk 2 Psalm 44 Proverbs 9 Matthew 1 345 December 10 1 Chronicles 7 Habakkuk 3 Psalm 45 Proverbs 10 Matthew 2 346 December 11 1 Chronicles 8 Zephaniah (3) 1 Psalm 46 Proverbs 11 Matthew 3 347 December 12 1 Chronicles 9 Zephaniah 2 Psalm 47 Proverbs 12 Luke 1 348 December 13 1 Chronicles 10 Zephaniah 3 Psalm 48 Proverbs 13 Luke 2 Day 349 December 14 1 Chronicles 11 Haggai (2) 1 Psalm 49 Proverbs 14 Luke 3 350 December 15 1 Chronicles 12 Haggai 2 Psalm 50 Proverbs 15 Genesis 12 351 December 16 1 Chronicles 13 Zechariah (14) 1 Psalm 51 Proverbs 16 Genesis 49 352 December 17 1 Chronicles 14 Zechariah 2 Psalm 52 Proverbs 17 2 Samuel 7 353 December 18 1 Chronicles 15 Zechariah 3 Psalm 53 Proverbs 18 Isaiah 11 354 December 19 1 Chronicles 16 Zechariah 4 Psalm 54 Proverbs 19 Jeremiah 23 355 December 20 1 Chronicles 17 Zechariah 5 Psalm 55 Proverbs 20 Isaiah 7 356 December 21 1 Chronicles 18 Zechariah 6 Psalm 56 Proverbs 21 Micah 5 357 December 22 1 Chronicles 19 Zechariah 7 Psalm 57 Proverbs 22 Luke 1 358 December 23 1 Chronicles 20 Zechariah 8 Psalm 58 Proverbs 23 Matthew 1 359 December 24 1 Chronicles 21 Zechariah 9 Psalm 59 Proverbs 24 Luke 2 360 December 25 1 Chronicles 22 Zechariah 10 Psalm 60 Proverbs 25 Matthew 2 361 December 26 1 Chronicles 23 Zechariah 11 Psalm 61 Proverbs 26 Luke 3 362 December 27 1 Chronicles 24 Zechariah 12 Psalm 62 Proverbs 27 Matthew 3 363 December 28 1 Chronicles 25 Zechariah 13 Psalm 63 Proverbs 28 Mark 1 364 December 29 1 Chronicles 26 Zechariah 14 Psalm 64 Proverbs 29 Luke 1 365 December 30 1 Chronicles 27 Malachi (4) 1-2 Psalm 65 Proverbs 30 John 1 366 December 31 1 Chronicles 28-29 Malachi 3-4 Psalm 66 Proverbs 31 John 3 Note: 1st Sunday of Advent (fi rst candle of Prophecy/Hope/Expectation) 2nd Sunday of Advent = (second candle of Preparation/Peace/Bethlehem) 3rd Sunday of Advent = (third candle of Joy/Shepherd) 4th Sunday of Advent = (fourth candle of Love/Angel) 5th Christmas Sunday = (Christ or Christmas Candle)

38 The Disciples’ Advocate What Are the Top 5 Ways Disciples Congregations & Individuals Can Support DACA Recipients in This Critical Time? 1. Read and share these voices from the many DACA recipients in our “Disciples Family”: Read refl ections from Disciples DACA Recipient Tania Diaz on the Question, “What Would Happen if DACA Ended?” (www.discipleshomemissions.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/daca-lett er..pdf) Read refl ections from Disciples Immigrant Response Specialist, Valeria Bejar, a DACA Recipient who imagines what might happen to her life and family if DACA were to end. (www.discipleshomemissions. org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Valeria-What-If-lett er.pdf) Read also to understand more deeply the experiences of family members who are living in mixed status families, and facing fears of deportation. Again, these perspectives are off ered by Disciples Immigrant Response Specialist, Valeria Bejar, a DACA Recipient. (www.discipleshomemissions.org/wp-content/ uploads/2019/11/Valeria-Her-Story.pdf) 2. Support a Permanent Solution for DACA, TPS, DED Recipients by TAKING THIS ACTION: Call your SENATORS through the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 NOW, and urge their support for the Dream Act of 2019 (S.874) and the SECURE Act (S.879), which would provide a pathway to citizenship Tania Diaz for people eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), as well as persons who hold Temporary Protected Status, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status. Similar legislation has already passed the House of Representatives. 3. Invite Interested DACA Recipients to Share their Wisdom and stories with your community and con- gregation. Coordinate to invite guest speakers through your local immigrant rights group, or contact UnitedWeDream (unitedwedream.org/about) for suggestions for ways your congregation can off er support. 4. Raise Your Faith Voice Publicly in Support of DACA Recipients. Learn more about DACA and faith com- munities in this #Faith4DACA powerpoint: IIC DACA 2019 Presentation (www.discipleshomemissions. Valeria Bejar org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IIC-DACA-2019-Presentation.pdf). See this #Faith4DACAToolkit (htt ps:// docs.google.com/document/d/11npNcXokygbv5Wg3HJ6WIYRDk_OBX-KfuHKBG4d8r-E/edit?usp=sharing) for pages of suggestions and resources about how your faith voice can help infl uence permanent solutions and join the #Faith4DACA campaign! 5. View These Film Resources on DACA, and Help Lead Conversations in Your Community About DACA: • Looking to help your congregation learn more about the benefi ts off ered by DACA recipients, and also the chal- lenges and fears faced by DACA recipient families? Consider showing The Unafraid video, about DACA recipients in Georgia. Reserve the DVD through Valeria Bejar at: [email protected] • Sign up here to host a screening of the fi lm “Stories Beyond Borders” to promote action for immigrant justice in your community: htt p://www.workingfi lms.org/stories-beyond-borders/host/

For more information and Ignite the Light resources about Disciples “Ignite the Light” a six part Refugee & Immigration devotional series for 2019 Advent Ministries, go online at and Ephiphany on Immigration. discipleshomemissions.org/ missions-advocacy/refugee- To download this resource immigration-ministries go to: https://www. or contact Rev. Sharon discipleshomemissions.org/ Stanley-Rea at 202-957- missions-advocacy/refugee- 7826 (cell) or sstanley@ immigration-ministries/bible-study/ dhm.disciples.org

The Disciples’ Advocate is published three times annually by the Division of Homeland Ministries, Inc.; doing ministry as Disciples Home Missions, PO Box 1986, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206; phone (317) 713-2639; e-mail wshuffi tt@ dhm.disciples.org. The Disciples’ Advocate welcomes letters to the editor, stories, photos, advertisements and notices from Disciples (and UCC) related institutions and congregations listed in the Yearbook and Directory of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. All letters sent to the Disciples’ Advocate will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to the Disciples’ Advocate’s unrestricted right to edit or comment editorially. Specifi cations for advertising insertions are available on request. There is no charge for advertising from covenantal Disciples organizations. Insertions and notices are freely accepted subject to space.

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.discipleshomemissions.org Available as a free download from the DHM web site. To received notifi cation when a new issue has been posted go here (discipleshomemissions.org/about-us/disciples-advocate) and facebook.com/discipleshomemissions complete the subscription form or phone 317-713-2639. Donations welcome. twitter.com/DHMDisciples

39 Division of Homeland Ministries of the Christian Church P.O. Box 1986 Indianapolis, IN 46206-1986

Address Service Requested

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. Luke 1:35

The Advocate is Going Digital