Regional Happenings (Page 9)

Regional Happenings (Page 9)

Coming soon…

Update from Ministries Across Generations (3.27.20)

Holy “SPIRIT” Holy “WEEK” (Virtual Holy Week for Individual, Families & Churches!) #HolySPIRITholyWEEK – Find Out More! Updated NEW Resources for COVID-19 Best Safety Practices for Online/Digital/Virtual Interaction With Minors (PDF) Suggestions from Insurance Board (PDF) Lenten Children Worship & Wonder Stories Videos (YouTube) Virtual Ice Breaker Games – Zoom Activities and more! (PDF) More Options: Zoom Youth Group Games Talking about Giving with ALL ages at Home (PDF) Please check out all COVID-19 “School’s Out” Information. Meeting Updates Leaders are getting the hang of this virtual church. (Woot!) While we wanted to provide space at the beginning, we also think many of you need space from your “virtual churches.” These two gatherings are going to keep going so that we can check in with your needs and provide worship for families. ​ Youth, YA and Children Leaders – NEW! EVERY Monday, 2:30 pm (EST) Join Zoom Meeting, Meeting ID: 987 027 306 20 Minute Family Worship & Wonder  EVERY Sunday at 12:45 pm (EST) Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 518 674 137 Getting Ready to Worship and Learn Together — Online You do not have to have anything, but as people who understand and experience worship and learning in multi-sensory ways, we encourage you help get ready for our time together with the following updates and items. Candle (any kind) and a way to light the candle Crayons/Markers/Colored Pencils Drawing Paper Communion/Feast: (Juice, Crackers, etc.) You are also welcome to bring pipe cleaners, play-do, scissors, tape, and other craft supplies. …

Update from Ministries Across Generations (for families)

Please check out all COVID-19 “School’s Out” Information. Three… WAIT 4! … Types of Online/Virtual Faith Gatherings! (Until … ??) Many youth, young adult, children and family ministers (30+) were able to quickly gather online Monday to discuss the best ways to support one another as we continue to respond faithfully to the communities we love. I know a few of you were not able to make it to this safe space, but we are going to continue to offer this resource of connectivity. First… We are moving platforms! After a few encounters in our virtual world, we needed to create a better (and more consistent) home for just us to serve with YOU! We are like a group that has been meeting in another room at the church, and now we get our own space. We knew the need to change platforms to accommodate during this time might happen and we thank you for your patience as we “get comfy” in our new space. (Presence is more important that perfection… right?) We are moving to Zoom and are offering it exclusively for Ministries Across Generations and all we do to serve YOU! If you need to share in this platform, please contact us. There will be 4 “meeting rooms” that will not change access codes: the links below should work for every gathering. (I hope.) Virtual Meeting Countdown…. (Newest first!)  4. Youth, YA and Children Leaders EVERY Monday, 2:30 pm (EST) NEW! We have decided to continue to host a “Leader” gathering for the next few weeks. The ideas, insights, and connection were great! Join Zoom Meeting, https://us04web.zoom.us/j/987027306, Meeting ID: 987 027 306 3. Youth, Young Adults, & Leaders Online Faith Discussion, EVERY Tuesday-Friday, 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm (EST) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/795411254, Meeting ID: 795 411 254 2. Family, Children, & Leaders Activity Online Faith EVERY Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 am – 11:30 am (EST), Join Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/180165166, Meeting ID: 180 165 166  1. 20 Minute Family Worship & Wonder EVERY Sunday at 12:45 pm (EST) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/518674137, Meeting ID: 518 674 137 Getting Ready to Worship and Learn Together — Online You do not have to have anything, but as people who understand and experience worship and learning in multi-sensory ways, we encourage you to help get ready for our time together with the following updates and items. Candle (any kind) and a way to light the candle Crayons/Markers/Colored Pencils Drawing Paper Communion/Feast: (Juice, Crackers, etc.) You are also welcome to bring pipe cleaners, play-do, scissors, tape, and other craft supplies. The great ideas and updates from Monday’s meeting… 1. Based on your feedback, we will be updating the Social Media and Safety Resources. Here is what we have at this time, but more will be prepared and updated by Monday’s meeting. Plus – here is the link to John Roberto’s “Moving Faith Formation Online” from Vibrant Faith. 2. There are larger churches which have staff that are working on “Virtual Easter and Lent” options. While we already have many online ways to engage at home, and many liturgical ways to engage, we will share these aforementioned churches’ “Virtual Easter” bags, updates, and online experiences. (One person is working on a virtual Easter Egg Hunt.) 3. Solo pastors and smaller churches: These online groups are specifically here to help provide something for those in your churches of all ages, and a space to help you reach those ages that sometimes get missed. 4. The Office of Christian Vocations is creating an online map with links to virtual worship experiences provided by local congregations. You can see this map system at: http://www.wellfedspirit.org/virtualworship/index.html Any local congregation who is leading virtual online/Web live worship can email with a link to where their live worships can be found, and I will add these to the map. 5. Stop and take care of yourself: 3-Minute Retreat Online and d365.org. 6. Kristen Jack’s Fun Youtube: @cccwaco  (We will add this to a playlist on the DHM Families and Children YouTube, and continue adding more.) All of us are in this together! Let’s work smarter and not harder – together! (I know… Disciples LOVE to create their own stuff!) … but MAG is here to help you find what you need to reach children, families, young adults, youth, and the intergenerational church at this time…

COVID-19 Best Practice Resources

General principles for talking to Children https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html COVID-19 ‘Best Practice’ Resources Messages from the General Minister and President https://ncdisciples.org/2020/03/14/general-minister-and-president-offers-pastoral-word-in-response-to-covid19-pandemic/ Disciples Resources: https://disciples.org/dns/disciples-and-covid-19/ Week of Compassion Guidelines for Congregations: https://disciples.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Preparedness-for-Pandemics-2-03.03.20.pdf Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html More Links for Talking with kids A comic strip [ncsu.us13.list-manage.com] exploring the coronavirus from NPR A guide for parents [ncsu.us13.list-manage.com] to keeping children both safe and reassured An online interactive game [ncsu.us13.list-manage.com] that children can play to learn more about how germs spread and how to wash your hands World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public Center for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/guidance-community-faith-organizations.html The Insurance Board https://www.insuranceboard.org/safety-resources/ Additional Resources that may be helpful in setting up social media worship platforms: Short tutorial (text) for simple live stream of worship (provided by the Nebraska region) Setting up live streaming (provided by the Christian Church in the Southwest) (March 10, 2020)   Copyright advice from Chalice Press (March 12, 2020) One License offers gratis license to help cope with corona virus arrangements (March 13, 2020) Online giving information from the Center for Faith and Giving (March 11, 2020) Resources to support children and families from Disciples Home Missions’ Ministries Across Generations (March 12, 2020) “A Crisis is a Time for Leadership” from the Center for Faith and Giving (March 12, 2020) Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), “Crises In Your Church: A Guide for Congregational Planning to Handle the Unexpected“…

General Minister and President offers pastoral word in response to COVID19 pandemic

General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens offers this pastoral message, providing practical tips for individuals and congregations, announcing that she is suspending her travel for the foreseeable future, provides pastoral care, and recommends Disciples stay connected with our office and the wider Church through social media and our website, disciples.org. …