Disciples Home Missions
Mission • Advocacy • Programs
Disciples Women’s Ministries top ten best practices for women’s circles. Helpful key points that will help your group in it’s creation and sustain.
Amid growing nationwide pressure for the Administration to resume resettlement, 1,051 faith leaders and 175 faith organizations from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and other faith traditions, representing 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, have united in a letter to President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem, expressing their support for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). They issued a strong defense of this crucial program and Reception & Placement (R&P) funding, which assists newly arrived refugees during their initial days in the United States. Resuming refugee resettlement responds to core faith values and aligns with U.S. interests to promote peace and stability in the world.
In the letter, faith leaders and faith organizations urge “members of Congress, President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to ensure that all refugees approved for resettlement have safe harbor from persecution and harm.”
Together, they call upon the Trump Administration to (a) resume refugee resettlement; (b) restore all humanitarian assistance, particularly vital assistance for refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) beneficiaries who have already arrived; and (c) ensure that the faith-based community can continue to serve and welcome refugees and other newcomers according to their faith traditions.
Faith communities have a long legacy of supporting this work and it comes from core understandings of faith teachings. Six of the ten resettlement agencies are faith-based, and include Church World Service, Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration Refugee Service), and Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) who have signed this letter.
On Feb. 10, several refugee resettlement agencies filed a lawsuit alleging that the orders have left approved refugees stranded internationally, denied recent arrivals statutorily mandated support services, and forced layoffs at resettlement institutions.
The complete letter and list of signatories is available here.
Throughout February 2025, NBA’s Older Adult Ministry is presenting the webinar series “Older Adults DO Meditate! A Guide to Contemplation With Older Adults” featuring Rev. Kimberly Weir and Paul Koch.
Over the four-week series, our featured speakers will share from their experiences leading online and in-person contemplative prayer/meditation groups and lead a meditation and prayer to expand and deepen spiritual connections.
In Week 2, Rev. Koch led a discussion on what types of meditations attendees found useful and Rev. Weir discussed a meditation on Patience from the resource “Fruits of The Spirit.”
NOTE: This is not legal advice and does not substitute consultation with a lawyer.
On the first day of the new Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security withdrew a memosetting guidelines that restricted enforcement action in certain locations, including places of worship. While the policy and restrictions on the agency has changed, the rights of the houses of worship have not. Houses of worship have Fourth Amendment rights to protect private spaces in their building from entry by immigration enforcement officers and any other law enforcement.
In 2011, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) created guidance for agents to avoid enforcement actions in or near houses of worship, schools, hospitals and public demonstrations. In 2021, the Biden administration expanded the guidance by issuing a new memo, instructing officers to refrain from taking enforcement actions at or near “Protected Areas,” and establishing as a “bedrock” principle that ICE should avoid enforcement actions that would prevent people from receiving essential services or engaging in essential activities
— see FAQ. This specific guidance has now been withdrawn with no replacement.
Immigrant communities may face a chilling effect – becoming fearful to attend worship, go to a congregation to receive services, seek medical care, take their kids to school, or share their stories at public events and rallies. For this reason, it is important that faith communities take steps to exercise their own rights to make their buildings more protected and inform immigrant members of their own rights.
Faith communities must do the work to ensure ICE is not allowed to enter private spaces of houses of worship, and to let impacted congregants know their rights. The 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals and places of worship from unreasonable search and seizures, which means ICE or any law enforcement may not enter private areas of a church without a judicial warrant signed by a judge, except in certain extenuating circumstances, unless there is expressed consent. See the ACLU Sanctuary Congregation Legal FAQ. Consider hosting educational workshops for your community and adopting resolutions in your congregation to ensure ICE is not allowed on your campus. It is important to have a plan in place in advance, and that leaders in places of worship understand these rights and are prepared to not mistakenly provide consent.
Faith communities in the U.S. have been doing Sanctuary work to provide shelter, safety, and needed services to people seeking refuge from persecution since the 1980s, long before the 2011 “Sensitive Locations” memo and they will continue to do the work of Sanctuary according to the needs of the community. Faith leaders must continue to demand that houses of worship, schools, hospitals, public demonstrations and places that provide essential services, should continue to be safe places.
As in all things, faith communities should be guided by their values. The language used by a DHS spokesperson in a press release rescinding “Sensitive Locations” attempts to criminalize all immigrants in a dehumanizing way. We know that people fighting to stay united with their families have inherent worth and dignity. Let us work to honor our divine obligation to treat immigrants with respect, compassion, and grace.
Yes. Congregations should continue to do their day-to-day ministries, understanding that serving immigrants does not need to be a legal risk and there are ways to steer clear of legal liability issues, such as including that work as part of larger efforts for all people in their communities. See the ACLU Sanctuary Congregation Legal FAQ for additional examples.
Note: It is important to listen to impacted community members and adjust to the needs expressed which may call for current ministries to adapt to the increased climate of fear.
The first litigation regarding the recission of the memo came from a faith community, and different stakeholders from the formerly protected space may seek intervention from the Courts to stop the government from reversing this policy. Even without action by the courts, though, congregations can still exercise their existing rights.
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) provides broad protection for individuals performing religiously motivated actions. RFRA prohibits the government from substantially burdening the sincere exercise of religion unless doing so is necessary to advance a compelling government interest. In several recent cases, courts have held that RFRA protected the right of people of faith to serve migrants without government interference or prosecution. These cases included humanitarian aid workers who left food and water in the desert for migrants and a pastor who ministered at the Southern border.
Throughout February 2025, NBA’s Older Adult Ministry is presenting the webinar series “Older Adults DO Meditate! A Guide to Contemplation With Older Adults,” featuring Rev. Kimberly Weir and Paul Koch.
Over the four-week series, our featured speakers will share from their experiences leading online and in-person contemplative prayer/meditation groups and lead a meditation and prayer to expand and deepen spiritual connections.
In Week 1, Rev. Koch will reflect on meditation history and practice and discuss a meditation from the resource “Looking for God Over Your Shoulder.”
Justice and Advocacy Ministries empowers Disciples to use our voices and our actions to promote greater justice and mercy in the world. Disciples Home Missions seeks to bring a coordinated approach to influencing the church’s work for justice with a focus on three key areas:
Following his inauguration on Monday January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed executive orders that do real damage in each of those three key focus areas.
Seeking to be a source of trusted information/resources for local congregations, Regions, and ministries Justice & Advocacy Ministries offers the following curated list of the articles, explainers, and videos about the executive orders.
Summary: Immigration Executive Actions
A Google Drive Folder containing PDF’s of the Trump Immigration Executive Orders
Summary: Executive Orders on Energy and Environment: A Quick Summary
The Climate Law Blog from the Sabin Center at Columbia University offers a short summary of each EO on the environment along with direct links to the text of each one.
Summary: Executive Orders Targeting Diversity Equity and Inclusion
This LawFlash Post from Morgan Lewis offers a brief summary of two Executive Orders and includes direct links to each one.
DHM: Let’s Talk About Terminology and the U.S. Immigration System
In this video Attorney Jonelle Ocloo (Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel) defines key phrases in the US Immigration system such as “refugee” and “asylee” and “immigrant.”
Immigration Hub: Immigration Messaging Center
Quick Takes on each Executive Order, Topline Take-Aways, Links to Resources
NYT: Trump Admin Ordered Federal Diversity Efforts to Shut Down by Wednesday Night
EarthWorks: What Do Trump’s Executive Orders Mean for Climate and Communities?
NBC5 Chicago: What is a DEI Program and What did Trump Change?
NPR: Trump is Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement (again)
Immigration Hub: Trump’s Immigration Executive Orders – Mass Deportations, Making Children Second Class Citizens and Ending Asylum
Interfaith Immigration Coalition: Faith Communities Across Traditions Tell the Trump Administration to Follow God’s Directives to Welcome Immigrants
Sojourners: What Will We Risk to Defy Unjust Immigration Orders?
Human Rights First: Analysis of Trump’s Initial Immigration Executive Actions
Trump Executive Orders undermine our national security, tarnish our global reputation, and eliminate crucial protections and safe pathways for those fleeing persecution.
National Immigration Law Center: Analysis of Trump Day 1 Executive Orders
The second Trump administration began with a slew of executive orders designed to terrify and devastate immigrants, their families, and communities across the U.S.
Washington Post: Layoffs Loom as Trump Admin Orders Leave for Federal DEI Workers
Democracy Now!: Trump’s Attack on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Provokes a Grassroots Backlash
Resources from the National Urban League:
Sojourners: God Desires Action, Not Just Awareness Months
ecoAmerica: New Administration’s Climate Agenda Defies Majority Consensus
Inside Climate News: Executive Orders on Energy and Climate Have Advocates Across the Nation on Edge
Vox: What did Trump Just Do to the Environment?
CBS News: What Trump’s Executive Orders Mean for the Fight Against Climate Change
Sojourners: The Future of Climate is Bleak, But Don’t Tune Out
TO: Chaplains endorsed for ministry in the Armed Forces – all branches and all components – by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
SUBJECT: Request to participate in General Assembly, Memphis, TN, July 12 – 15, 2025
TO: Chaplains endorsed for Institutional Chaplaincy by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
SUBJECT: Invitation to participate in the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Memphis, TN, July 12 – 15, 2025
This guide, developed in collaboration between the National Immigrant Law Center (NILC) and the National Employment Law Project (NELP), provides practical advice for addressing immigration-related actions in the workplace. It is available in multiple languages, including Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Thai.
In this video from the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Attorney Jonelle Ocloo (Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel) defines/describes key phrases in the US Immigration system such as “refugee” and “asylee” and “immigrant.”
Learn more by visiting https://www.disciplesimmigration.org/
Justice and Advocacy Ministries empowers Disciples to use our voices and our actions to promote greater justice and mercy in the world. Disciples Home Missions seeks to bring a coordinated approach to influencing the church’s work for justice with a focus on three key areas: 1) Refugee & Immigration Ministries; 2) Racial Justice; 3) Environmental Justice.
Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary seek to strengthen Christian congregations through renewal and reflection. Two programs–one national and the other aimed at Indiana congregations–provide opportunities for pastors to step away from the persistent obligations of daily ministry and engage in a period of renewal and reflection. Renewal periods are not vacations but times for intentional exploration and reflection, for drinking again from God’s life-giving waters, for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry.
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2025 Laity Readiness Resource
This season in our churches, homes, and schools feels heavy, but our collective capacity to strengthen one another and our communities is great. We are an extension of our magnificent Creator–one who emboldens, loves, and heals us toward a world that is unlike empire. The Realm of God moves by the Spirit in all living things, cultivating justice and harmony one precious load of anointing at a time.
It is imperative we lift up and carry the power of the Holy Spirit in refreshing ways. Our legions of lay leaders fortify the church for every season, especially those seasons that dare us to follow Jesus. “Weightlifters” provides you with enough development materials for monthly laity training over the next year. Let us lean into intentional conditioning and be well!
Rev. Monique Crain Spells
Vice President for Mission, Advocacy, & Programs
WHAT’S INSIDE?
by Rev. Managerrie Winston
This curriculum brings together Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and faith formation to empower youth to engage deeply with their spirituality while developing the emotional and social skills they need for life’s transitions.
In today’s world, young people are looking for ways to express their faith in ways that are inclusive, compassionate, and just. This curriculum offers a space where everyone no matter their background, experiences, or perspectives can come to the table, be heard, and grow together in faith and love.
Inspired by Jesus’ example of welcoming all, this curriculum builds skills that help youth live out their faith with empathy, resilience, and a commitment to justice. Each lesson is an invitation to explore who they are, understand how they relate to others, and discern how they can make a difference in the world around them.
All people in the United States have certain rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of immigration status. The curated resources listed below can help you and your community stay informed, prepared, and united in support of immigrant neighbors.Please Note: This information is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer.
This guide produced by the Immigration Legal Resource Center provides basic information about important practices to remember during encounters with law or immigration enforcement. You can print the Red Card which can be handed to an officer asserting your rights.
The Red Card available in: Arabic | Chinese | English | Farsi | French | Haitian Creole | Hmong | Korean | Pashto | Punjabi | Russian | Spanish | Tagalog | Tigrinya | Ukrainian | Vietnamese |
How to use your Red Card: Illustrated & Multilingual Guide Book
These know your rights tutorial videos are available in seven languages to help prepare viewers for encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
English | Spanish | Arabic | Mandarin | Haitian Creole | Russian | Urdu
English | Spanish | Arabic | Chinese | Hattian Creole | Farsi | Korean | Russian | Vietnamese
National Immigrant Justice Center: Know Your Rights to Avoid Fraud
English | Spanish
Informed Immigrant:
If ICE comes to your door (English)
If ICE comes to your workplace (English)
American Civil Liberties Union:
English | Spanish | Urdu | Arabic | Haitian Creole | Russian | Mandarin
What to do if ICE questions, detains, or arrests you as a U.S. Citizen?
iAmerica: ICE interactions with U.S. citizens (English)
Informed Immigrant:
How to Prepare For Immigration Raids (English)
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.:
Rapid Response Toolkit to Help Advocates Prepare Their Communities For ICE Raids And Detentions
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition:
A Toolkit for Organizations Responding to Mass Worksite Immigration Raids
A Family Preparedness Plan is a comprehensive plan in case of immigration emergencies, regardless of immigration status. Many organizations provide guides.
Immigrant Legal Resources Center’s Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan:
English | Spanish | Chinese
Informed Immigrant: Making a Family Preparedness Plan (English)
Immigrant Rights Action: Family Preparedness Plan (English)
We Have Rights: Downloadable Emergency Plan Form:
English | Spanish | Haitian Creole
Deportation Defense can include community-led campaigns to stop the deportation of community members using legal interventions and community advocacy to highlight that community member’s contributions to society.
Make the Road New York’s Deportation Defense Manual:
English | Spanish
Visit www.disciplesimmigration.org to connect with the Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel
Visit www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory to connect with the National Immigration Legal Services Directory
Go to www.ailalawyer.org to connect with a lawyer in your area
Trauma Informed care for immigrants and asylum seekers:
Healing Horizons
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
Helpline: 800-950-NAMI (6264)
Email: info@nami.org
Website: https://www.nami.org/
This experience can be adapted for a 1-2 hour session, in-person during a church education hour, retreat, or workshop, or online. Though designed for people of faith, it can be expanded for interfaith or broader community settings.
Facilitator’s Note:
Your role is to create a safe, courageous space for individuals to share, listen, and deepen empathy. Resources like Parker Palmer’s Touchstones for Creating Trustworthy Space can help guide boundary-setting. This resource focuses on spiritual care rather than disaster preparedness. Let participants know if they start to feel anxious or have a trauma response please invite them to step out or raise their hand for support. Tears are welcome in this space. People may begin thinking they are ok and find that memories bring emotions and memories that are a surprise.
Context:
There will be space during this time to turn attention to any variety of traumas, storm, flood, mass violence, fires, collective illness or something
else. If your community has shared a common
trauma, like a hurricane, try to include symbols
or tangible items that have meaning in your community.
Hospitality Considerations:
Materials Needed:
This Toolkit for Congregations includes;
In this video from the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Attorney Jonelle Ocloo (Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel) talks about her work as an immigration attorney, the services she offers Disciples, and her own immigration journey.
Learn more by visiting disciplesimmigration.org.
Justice and Advocacy Ministries empowers Disciples to use our voices and our actions to promote greater justice and mercy in the world. Disciples Home Missions seeks to bring a coordinated approach to influencing the church’s work for justice with a focus on three key areas: 1) Refugee & Immigration Ministries; 2) Racial Justice; 3) Environmental Justice
Helpful tips for the Children Worship and Wonder Room during Flu and Cold Season
Tips for Children Worship and Wonder storytellers, adapted from “Storytelling” by Sonja M. Stewart, Ph.D.
DHM is pleased to offer our 2024 resource for the Advent Season. Take time to sit with reflections from our thoughtful writers (Miseon Choi, David Clifford, James Semmelroth, Darnell Managerrie Winston), listen to a few songs, and say a prayer. Blessed Advent!
From the Theological Manna series — Theopoetics: Black Women’s Poetic Writing as Spiritual Practice with Dr. Oluwatomisin Oredein
From the Theological Manna series — Prayer, Uncertainty, and Pastoral Care with Dr. Eunil David Cho
From the Theological Manna series — Membership Has Its Privileges: Systems and Equity in the Hebrew Bible with Rev. Kimberly D. Russaw
