From Trauma to Triumph

After the resurrection, John 20:19 recorded the disciples being afraid for their lives. They were fearful of the Jewish leaders and the Roman Empire, neither of whom had any regard for killing an innocent man. One can imagine running through their minds, “If they killed Jesus, what will they do to us?” Their uncertainty and insecurity placed them frozen behind locked doors. Having witnessed the crucifixion and separation from the physical presence of Jesus, they were lost and traumatized. However, their trauma was not the end. How did the disciples move from Easter to Pentecost to experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church? How did the Holy Spirit turn their trauma into triumph?

How do we get from the moments of trauma in our lives to triumph? An individual’s trauma shows up when we experience broken relationships, disease and loss, fear of not measuring up, disappointments and failures, and problems that seem bigger than us. In a community context, trauma shows up in damaging and divisive public discourse, grieving families of victims of mass shootings, and destruction from natural and human disasters that destroy neighborhoods and everything familiar. We experienced a collective sense of trauma during the pandemic that still haunts us as we try to move forward in life and church. Trauma shows up when conflict negatively reshapes regard and respect in congregational communities. However, triumph enters in when we see one another through the eyes of a loving God. Triumph comes in when we are made strong from our struggles. Triumph enters in when we make room for God to reshape our lives in new ways and teach us to honor difference. How do we get from trauma to triumph? 

The disciples experienced Easter and Pentecost as a journey of renewal and transformation. On the way to Emmaus the disciples studied the scriptures, traveled together, and shared their testimony about being with Jesus (Luke 24:13-35). In Acts chapter one, scripture reminds us that Jesus appeared to the disciples several times after the resurrection. The disciples, including women and Jesus’ family, engaged in intentional and daily prayer with one another. They also recognized the importance of cultivating leadership to get ready for the power that they would receive from the Holy Spirit. They were creating an atmosphere for triumph where God’s love became power to enact deeds of courage, change lives, bring communities together, grow new leaders, and proclaim the Gospel. How can we create space for triumph to take place? 

The record of scripture after the resurrection creates a path for us to journey from trauma to triumph. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we should gather and share stories of what the Lord has done in our lives. Find opportunities to gather in small groups and Bible study to reflect on the scriptures about the life, work, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Spend intentional time in constant prayer with others at the church, in your homes, or in public places praying for the unity of Christ’s church. Pray with people who are different than you. Pray with people whose stories don’t sound like yours. Pray with people for whom your political perspective differs. Jesus said that the world would know that he is the one sent by God because of our oneness (John 21:20-22). Lord, make us one!

Not only did the disciples share stories, pray with others, and study scriptures, they recognized the importance of creating space for new leaders. Maybe we need to get out of the way for new leadership to emerge. Who in your community, family, or church can be a leader for a new season of ministry? 

According to scripture recorded in Luke 23 and Acts 1, all these experiences in between Easter and Pentecost created space for the Holy Spirit to move the disciples from trauma to triumph. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we too could journey from trauma to triumph? Spend your days between Easter and Pentecost praying with others, studying scripture, sharing your testimony, and finding leaders. Trust that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us to be the church once again. 

The Holy Spirit says: “You are it. You are God’s plan. In a thirsty world, people need to be refreshed. It is a broken world, and people need to be healed. Now get out there and do it!”

~John Ortberg

Amen!

Rev. Dr. Denise Bell

Disciples Women to Gather April 22 or May 20

Disciples Women in Georgia will be gathering for spring conferences April 22 at St. Andrew Christian Church, Macon, GA. Although registration has closed for this event, women can still register for the May 20 conference at New Hope Christian Church, Lawrenceville, GA. Women will gather for connections, lunch, and worship, with featured keynoter Rev. Nancy Oliver, and musician Rev. Ann Haines, around the theme “Celebrating Women: Honoring Our HERstory Then and Now.” Learn more and register here and download a flier to print or post on social media here. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Georgia Disciples Women Fall Retreat on September 22-24, 2023, at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA.

Register for Camp Christian

Registration for summer camp is now open for campers, counselors, and counselors-in-training for 2023 Summer Camp at Camp Christian. The theme for this year’s summer camp is “Fruit-FULL Faith: A Spirit-Filled Life.” Campers from age Kindergarten (with parent/ adult) through high school will explore how we encounter God through the Fruits of the Spirit described in Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. The Bible is honest about how complicated life can be – the “Fruits of the Spirit” show us we are on the right track as we observe, receive, and embody these virtues. 

As Camp Christian Conference Center celebrates 60 years of camps, activities, and programming in 2023, this summer is a perfect time to return to camp or come to camp for the first time. Learn more here and register at Camper Registration or Director, Counselor & CIT Applications.  

Other Camp News

Even if you can’t volunteer at a camp, there are other ways to help get Camp Christian ready for the Summer 2023 camping season. 

• Help Wanted for Workdays: Dates have been set for camp workday: Saturday, April 22; Saturday, April 29; Saturday, May 6; and Saturday, May 20. Contact Camping Program Directors Marilyn Parks or Pam Van Dusen for more information or to let them know when you’re coming. 
• Kitchen Manager & Lifeguard Needed: Camp Christian needs a Kitchen Manager and a Lifeguard for the summer camping season. Learn more and complete or share job application from our website here. Applications due by May 1, 2023.
• 60 for 60 Campaign: As part of Camp Christian’s 60^th Anniversary in 2023, you are invited to give to the “60 for 60 Fundraising Campaign” here. Read more about Camp Christian’s history, facilities, and mission, and see photos from the 2022 summer camps here. 

Calling All Disciples to Advocate for the Farm Bill

Ray of Hope Christian Church and the Christian Church in Georgia calls on YOU and your church to join them in a special advocacy effort to reauthorize the Farm Bill, which helps provides basic necessities for people who may not have adequate resources to secure healthy food options. The Farm Bill is a packet of federal legislation that is passed every 5 years and expires in 2023. Bread for the World, an advocacy group which partners with faith organizations including the Disciples, has provided this information sheet about the Farm Bill.  

What can you do? You are asked to act swiftly to write Georgia representatives and senators in the U.S. Congress, composing and mailing a hand-written or typed letter, using the template and ideas provided here, asking them to reauthorize the Farm Bill, advocating for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP, alone, lifted roughly 339,000 people from the poverty line in Georgia, including 160,000 children per year between 2013 and 2017 – which is why it is crucial for it to be reinstituted. Other resources for advocacy and information about the Farm Bill can be found here. 

To find your state representatives, click here and type in your zip code. Contact information for Georgia Senator Jon Ossof is here; contact information for Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock is here. 

Media Resources for Georgia Disciples Churches

The Christian Church in Georgia is highlighting a couple of media resources which may fit the needs of your church.

• RightNow Media is a subscription service that gives access to the world’s largest customizable library of Christian content videos (20,000+) including Bible studies, resources on marriage, family, and mental health, small group studies for youth and adults, leadership and professional development resources, and kids programming. With the large number of titles available, there is a wide range of theologies and subjects included which may or may not fit your church. The Christian Church in Georgia has a regional subscription; contact Rev. Kyle Ermoian, Director of New Church and Church Development for more information about free access.  
• The Work of the People is another service described as “a spiritual visual library and virtual sanctuary for a growing community of people from all walks of life.” This service includes short films, film series and studies, visual liturgies, and other resources from voices including René August, Richard Rohr, and Barbara Brown Taylor. Personal or group subscriptions (including streaming options for worship) are available through the website.  

Church News

Golden Rays Technology Training Class: Ray of Hope Christian Church offers a series of Zoom classes on topics including Zoom, Google, Social Media, and computer security for all skill levels and people of all ages on April 22, August 12, and October 21 at 11 am. Learn more and register here. 

Spring Arts and Crafts Fair: New Hope Christian Church, Lawrenceville, GA, hosts a spring arts & crafts fair on April 29 from 10 am to 4 pm, which is a major fundraiser for their Oakland Community Garden. The event includes vendor booths with homemade jams/jellies, boiled peanuts, art, jewelry, baked goods, and so much more! Children’s activities include planting the Children's Garden and decorating flowerpots in time for Mother's Day.

God’s Servants Appreciation Day: Liberty Christian Church will celebrate 176 years of serving God in Newnan, GA on April 30, beginning with worship at 10:55 am, followed by a lunch. 

Caregiver Workshop: Understanding Dementia: Peachtree Christian Church’s Legacy Club, a respite ministry serving adults with dementia and other special needs, is partnering with Piedmont Sixty Plus services to provide a workshop on caregiving resources and understanding dementia. The free workshop will address normal aging vs. dementia, care supports, self-care, and more. Free lunch is also provided, as well as free respite care for those caregivers who bring their loved ones with them. Registration is required.



75^th Anniversary Celebration: Brookhaven Christian Church celebrates 75 years of service on Sunday, May 7, beginning with 11 am worship including several previous ministers as guests, followed by a lunch. For more information, reach out to the church office. 

News & Reminders

• Technology loans: If the wiring in your sanctuary is a safety hazard or its lighting and audio interrupts worship, then your congregation needs an upgrade. Apply for a Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF)’s technology loan, which is at .25% below DCEF’s current rate for loans with comparable terms, and receive up to US $50,000. But hurry, these loans are only available through April 30. Learn more here.  
• General Assembly 2023: It’s been 4 years since the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has gathered in-person in a General Assembly. You won’t want to miss this event on July 29-August 1, 2023 in Louisville, KY. Learn more and register here. 

Learning Opportunities

• Thriving Together – A Workshop Series for Pastors and Congregational Leaders: Lexington Theological Seminary is presenting a 3-part workshop series “The Church After the Pandemic” for congregational teams of 2-7 (including at least one pastor) as part of its Lilly Endowment funded venture, “Thriving Together.” The virtual workshops take place May 4, May 11, and May 18 from 7:30-9 pm ET. Featured speakers include some names familiar to Georgia Disciples, Rev. A.W. Shields, Rev. Dr. Katie Hay, and Rev. Dr. Dan Moseley, whose insights will inspire pastors and congregational leaders alike. For more information about the topic and speakers, download the flier. Register here no later than May 3. 
• Prayer, Uncertainty, and Pastoral Care: Disciples Home Missions is hosting a one-hour webinar led by Boston University Assistant Professor Rev. Eunil David Cho on how we authentically pray with and accompany community members even with the uncertainty of our lives. Learn more and register here. 
• Healthy Boundaries for Clergy: There are still openings available for Healthy Boundaries 301: Money, Sex, and Power (April 28-29, 2023). Learn more about this and other workshops and register here. If it has been five years since you’ve taken a Healthy Boundaries workshop and you have previously completed Healthy Boundaries 101, this new and updated workshop is for you!
• Pro-Reconciliation Anti-Racism (PRAR) Training – This required training for Georgia Disciples clergy is a virtual workshop that has been scheduled for September 29-30, 2023. Disciples clergy in Georgia are required to complete PRAR training every five years to retain standing. Registration will be available soon, but you can learn more here. 

Rev. Dr. Denise Bell’s Upcoming Schedule

In April

• April 13-20 – General Board and College of Regional Ministers Meeting, Cincinnati, OH
• April 30, 4 pm – Installation of Rev. Cornelius J.E. Lloyd to Pastor of First African Baptist Church of East Savannah, Savannah, GA

Looking Ahead

• Every Tuesday from 12-1 pm OR 8-9 pm Dr. Bell invites all regional clergy to gather virtually for one hour to forge paths for stronger ministry by staying connected, being supportive, and sharing resources. A weekly reminder Zoom link is sent to clergy on Mondays.
• Rev. Dr. Denise Bell will convene one-hour Zoom meetings with various clergy groups to connect and encourage during 2023. Mark these dates and groups on your 2023 calendar and watch for Zoom links sent to clergy:
• May 1, 7-8 pm – Clergy Women Connect Again!
• May 18, 7-8 pm – Chaplains & Educators Connect
• August 17, 7-8 pm – Retired Clergy Connect

Prayers & Celebrations

Prayers:

• Prayers of support and thanksgiving for Rev. Monica Ledford, who has been begun her ministry as the new Senior Pastor of Cherry Log Christian Church, Cherry Log, GA. 
• Prayers of support and encouragement for Rev. Matthew Marshall who has begun a new ministry as chaplain for Wellstar Health System.

Celebrations: 

• Prayers of celebration for Rev. Dr. Denise Bell, who was recently awarded the Best PhD Dissertation of 2022 from Eastern University, St. Davids, PA.