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Disciples Worship Arts Institute!
December 8-10, 2026
Worship was at the center of the Cane Ridge Revival 225 years ago and it has remained a central part of the church experience for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). At Disciples Home Missions, we care deeply about worship, and we are eager to do more to support congregations and individuals in designing and carrying out faithful worship experiences.
Recently, DHM received a grant to harness the wisdom and gifts of Disciples worship leaders across our church, to curate learning space that affirms, and to invigorate cross-pollinated worship planning. The culmination of the work of this grant will be the Disciples Worship Arts Institute that is being held this December.
Disciples Worship Arts Institute is designed for Pastors, Worship Leaders, and Worship Planners to intentionally strengthen their personal pre-planning rituals, saturation of worship themes, and multi-sensory design.
We will gather December 8-10, 2026, at the Renaissance Oceanfront Hotel in Daytona Beach, FL, and the Worship Arts Institute will be held at Daytona Beach Drive-In Christian Church.
The work of the grant and the planning of the Institute is being led by DHM Vice President, Rev. Dr. Monique Crain Spells, along with the planners who have been working collaboratively to bring the best experience possible for all who attend! The key facilitators and presenters are:
Rev. Oscar Banks
C. Anthony Bryant
Rev. Beck Hee Kim
Rev. Dr. Young Lan Kim
Andra Moran
Pastor Rhonda Padilla
Rev. Megan Peglar
Rev. Dr. Samuel Robles
This DHM Christian Education/Faith Formation Event is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment, Inc.
If you haven’t registered already, please do so soon, before space runs out!
| | | CHAPLAINCY & SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES | |
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Welcome, Rev. John M. Von Almen!
We are delighted to warmly welcome Rev. John M. Von Almen as our new Ecclesiastical Endorser for Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries. John brings with him a lifetime of faithful service, having spent his ministry as a congregational pastor of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, now enjoying retirement from both callings. He graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky and was ordained in May 1990.
John served eleven years as full-time pastor in Alabama and Kentucky and joined the Kentucky Air National Guard as a chaplain in 1999. In 2001, he entered extended active duty with the Air Force where he served as pastor for diverse worshiping communities. He deployed four times in support of military requirements, three of which were to combat zones. John retired from both the Air Force and the Christian Church effective August 1, 2025.
John's journey reflects a rare blend of pastoral heart and military discipline, and we are confident that his wisdom, compassion, and steady leadership will be a tremendous blessing to our community. He understands firsthand the challenges and profound moments of grace that come with chaplaincy and specialized ministries, and he steps into this role not as a stranger to this work but as someone who has lived it.
Please join us in welcoming John to this important ministry!
It is with heartfelt appreciation that we recognize Rev. Dr. Jonathan R. Fisher’s service as the Ecclesiastical Endorser for Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries. Though his time in this role was brief, the impact of his contributions, dedication, and thoughtful guidance has been deeply felt. As he moves forward to share his knowledge and experience with students at Georgetown University, we extend our sincere thanks for his care and our best wishes for continued success in this new chapter.
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Stay up to date with the latest news of our Chaplains and Specialized Ministries.
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| | CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY & INNOVATION | |
23rd South Carolina Regional Conference
Grateful for an inspiring time of worship, learning, fellowship, and partnership at the 23rd South Carolina Regional Conference, held October 1–3, 2026, under the theme “Perfecting Unity and Growth in the Body” (Ephesians 4:16).
Disciples Home Missions was honored to be part of this meaningful gathering. Rev. Derrick L. Perkins, Sr., Director for Congregational Vitality & Innovation, facilitated an all-assembly workshop on Evangelism & Community Engagement and served as the conference banquet’s Ambassador and Guest Preacher.
DHM extends its sincere gratitude to Rev. Dr. Freddie Lawton, the Regional Board, and the Regional Conference Planning Committee for inviting the DHM Office for Congregational Vitality & Innovation to partner in resourcing pastors and lay leaders throughout the region. Special thanks to Tanya Williams, Regional Conference Program Coordinator; Elder Barbara Williams, Administrative Assistant, Christian Church in South Carolina; the host congregation, New Galilee Christian Church in Holly Hill, South Carolina; and its pastor, Rev. Dr. Jemal Cobb, for their extraordinary hospitality and leadership in creating such a welcoming, spirit-filled experience.
We are grateful for our covenant partnership with the South Carolina Region and excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to work together to strengthen congregations, cultivate vitality, and serve communities in the name of Jesus Christ.
Learn more about how you can engage Congregational Vitality and Innovation today!
Together, we are building a stronger witness, deeper unity, and a more vibrant future for the Church.
| | JUSTICE & ADVOCACY MINISTRIES | |
Immigration Myth Busters Webinar
Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Jonelle Ocloo will host this interactive webinar on Wednesday, October 28 at 4PM ET to help debunk common misperceptions about the US immigration system and answer questions from participants.
Register Here!
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Watch Weekly Episodes of
"Disciples Advocate Digest!"
Visit our YouTube page to watch the episodes!
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Become a Disciples Advocate
Disciples Advocate is a distribution channel and a connection space that empowers Disciples to bring a coordinated approach to promoting greater justice and mercy in the world.
Learn More and Sign-Up HERE.
| | CHILDREN WORSHIP WONDER & WELCOME | | | |  | |
Seminarians Storyteller Trainings
A transformative training for seminarians called to nurture faith in the youngest among us — children's ministry, worship, and sacred storytelling.
There is still space for the October 24, 2026, Training in Nashville, TN.
Learn More & Register!
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Voting on Behalf of the Earth
Your vote holds power. With it, you can protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, the trees, mountains, creatures great and small, and how prepared your church and local community are for the impacts of our changing climate.
Election Earth helps you to exercise your voting power. It equips you with trusted, nonpartisan tools to vote with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Justice, including climate justice, depends on a democracy where every child of God can vote freely and safely.
CLICK HERE TO PREPARE YOUR VOTING PLAN!
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Sign-Up to Receive the Monthly Green Chalice Newsletter
Stay informed and inspired by subscribing to the monthly Green Chalice newsletter, featuring resources, updates, and opportunities to engage in faithful creation care. 🎉
SIGN-UP TODAY!!!
| | OFFICE OF CHRISTIAN VOCATIONS | | |
Clergy Continuing Education Grants
Now Accepting Applications! Disciples Home Missions (DHM) is pleased to offer Clergy Continuing Education Grants of up to $500 to support ordained and commissioned ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada in their commitment to a process of life-long learning. The application period is open through October 31, 2026, for educational events in 2027.
Additional information can be found online by clicking here.
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Gift a Pin!
Chaplains, Clergy, Elder, Elder Emeritus, Deacon, and Deacon Emeritus pins make great gifts to honor the leaders in your congregation. The cost is $5.50 per pin, plus shipping.
Order Here
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Sign-Up for the Monthly Disciples Interims Newsletter
We are excited to launch the brand-new monthly newsletter for Disciples Interims! Stay connected with resources, updates, and support designed just for you as you serve in this vital ministry.
SIGN-UP TODAY!!!
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YAYA Leadership Lounge
October 28, 2026, at 6pm CT
(and every last Wednesday of the month)
The YAYA Leadership Lounge is a monthly virtual gathering created for pastors, youth directors, young adult ministers, volunteers, mentors, educators, and others who serve alongside youth and young adults. The Lounge will offer a welcoming and inclusive space for leaders to connect, exchange ideas, discuss real ministry challenges, share resources, and encourage one another in the work.
Join us Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Central Time, and every last Wednesday of the month.
REGISTER TODAY!!!
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Want to stay in the loop with Youth & Young Adults Ministries?
Subscribe to the YAYA monthly newsletter for fresh resources, updates, and easy ways to get involved. Perfect for youth and young adults ready to make a difference! 🎉
SIGN-UP TODAY!!!
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Did you miss Disciples Mission Week?
Find these resources (and more!) on the website:
Join the HUB to find out more ways to HELP, UNDERSTAND, and BE!
JOIN the HUB Today!
| | DISCIPLES LEADERSHIP NETWORK | | |
Welcome To Disciples Leadership Network (DLN)
DLN is a new online learning and community platform that brings together courses, cohort-based learning, and collaborative spaces for Disciples. More than an e‑learning site, it’s a shared hub where clergy and laity can move seamlessly between trainings, ministries, and learning communities—all in one place.
You are invited to join Disciples Leadership Network today!
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Date: October 28, 2026 | 6:00pm (CT) | Online
Program: Youth and Young Adults (YAYA)
Date: October 28, 2026 | 4:00pm (ET) | Online
Program: Justice & Advocacy Ministries
Date: November 7, 2026 | 8:00am - 5:00pm (CT)|In-Person with Online Portions
Program: Children Worship Wonder & Welcome
Date: November 19, 2026 | 9:00am - 5:00pm (PT) | Online
Program: Green Chalice
Date: December 8 - 10, 2026 | Daytona Beach, FL | In-Person
Program: Christian Education & Faith Formation
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