Raise your voice in behalf of children
Children and their families are facing tremendous challenges. An alarming number continue to slip below the poverty-line. Many continue to live without healthcare or adequate educational opportunities. As a people of God are we not called to respond to the needs of children-those in our churches and those beyond our doorsteps?
The children of this nation need a voice-a voice filled with compassion and inspired by a belief in a God of love for all people.
The General Assembly of the National Council of Churches USA, in 2004, adopted a policy statement entitled," The Church and Children: Vision and Goals for the 21st Century. The statement challenges us, ". . . to work together, as families, congregations, denominations and as an ecumenical community . . . to ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop and flourish."
As a way to begin to meet this advocacy challenge, the Committee on Justice for Children and Their Families of the NCCC is planning a series of events in the coming year. The first is a call to witness and prayer in our nation's capitol. We need you and the voices of members of your congregation to be the voices for our children.
Travel to Washington, D.C. July 8, 2006, to join your voice in witness and prayer on behalf of America's children.
Let your voice be heard. Let your voice join the voices of many other faithful people. Let your voice be a witness of compassion to public servants and community leaders across this nation.
Mark your calendars now and plan to be part of this important event in the life of our church and of our nation. Additional information will be available soon.
To read "The Church and Children: Vision and Goals for the 21st Century in its entirety, go to www.ncccusa.org/pdfs/churchandchildren.pdf.
—The Rev. Kaye Edwards, director of Family and Children's Ministries, is a native of Paris, Ky., and a member of Church of The Covenant, Lynchburg, Va.
Mix in '06 happenings
Among the "happenings" at the Mix in '06 is an honoring of Church Secretaries and Professional Assistants for all the work they do - whether on the local, conference/regional, or general level. As co-chairpersons of the committee honoring these professionals, we are writing to request two things:
- A photograph (preferably 5x7) of your honoree including the person's name, church, and location along with a few words describing the honoree's special work habits or endearing qualities; and
- Your help in making sure that she gets registered for the Mix in '06 and has adequate monetary resources to attend. Be sure she checks the box on the registration form marked "Church secretary/administrative professional" so we may let her know how we will honor her at the Mix.
With Secretary's Day coming up in April, why not forego the traditional lunch or flowers and, instead, register her for the Mix in '06? This event promises to be exciting. Discover Your Dreams! Awakento God's Dreams! Live out those Dreams in the World!
It is very important that we hear from you as soon as possible. Even if your assistant cannot attend the Mix in '06, we still need her picture to display in the exhibit area. Make sure that the appropriate information is included with the picture. Please send the picture to one of us by May 1, 2006: Bette Graves Thomas, First Congregational UCC, 105 Courtland Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 or Rev. Betty C. Brewer-Calvert, Christian Church (DOC) in Georgia, 2370 Vineville Avenue, Macon, GA 31204.
You may also send the information via e-mail if the pictures are high resolution: betteboo314@aol.com or betty@gadisciples.org.
Bring a scarf … make a new friend
Start looking for a scarf … now! Hand painted, knitted or even one of the new Disciple Women's scarves will do. The gathering of women is always a time to network, meet new people and make new friends. Historically, there has been an intentional, special time to do this at the past Quadrennial meetings when something special is exchanged, such as a mug. The Mix in '06 will continue this tradition with a "scarf exchange." Women will come together bearing scarves from across the nation, and maybe from around the world. During the exchange, there will be time to have a bit of conversation with your scarf exchange partner. So, start looking now for a scarf. |
