Become a Peace Intern!

What is a Peace Intern?

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For nearly fifty years, DPF’s Peace Intern program has provided a vital witness for peace within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. Traditionally, Peace Interns are young adults who provide educational and program support at church camps and other church-related assemblies and events about peace and justice issues, serving as counselors and resource people, and modeling the lifestyle of peacemakers for youth and adults alike. In recent years Peace Interns have also partnered with Disciples Justice Ministries groups to work on specific projects in the name of living out the gospel imperative for peace and justice.

Since 1975, more than 100 young people have served as Peace Interns in hundreds of church camps and conferences. The DPF Peace Intern program has had a lasting impact both on the interns and the youth of our church. Interns have gone on to become pastors, professors, social workers, human rights activists, and other peacemakers in our communities and world. Our youth have been exposed to new ideas and issues and challenged to confront their own responsibility as citizens of a global community.

What is the Intern Experience like?

Interns travel primarily independently and are immersed in new communities of faith across the country, developing their own ideas and passions, practicing relationship-building, workshop/small group planning and facilitation, and accepting hospitality along the way. It is a transformative summer experience unlike any other!

The Peace Intern summer experience begins with Training Week in late May. Peace Interns are trained by denominational leaders, peace and justice experts and other notable teachers to prepare them for their summer experience. Before and during Training Week, each intern also works to develop their own passions into workshops that are taught throughout the summer. After Training Week, Peace Interns travel mostly independently to host events all over the country and spend approximately one week immersed in new and temporary communities (usually DOC church camps). In recent summers Peace Interns have also had “remote work weeks” where they partner with grassroots Disciples Justice Ministries (such as AllianceQ, Refugee & Immigration Ministries, Green Chalice, and Reconciliation Ministries) and ecumenical/interfaith peace groups (such as the Inter-Religious Task Force on Central America and the Fellowship of Reconciliation) to work on specific projects that further the faithful work of these organizations.

Throughout the summer Peace Interns represent Disciples Peace Fellowship and the General Church while facilitating workshops about peace and justice issues as well as participating as a member of the event’s leadership staff (usually as a camp counselor, but sometimes as a leader at a denominational event, chaperone at a mission gathering, facilitators for online events, resource people for justice topics, etc.). The summer also includes a Closing Retreat (in early August) for the interns to come together, share time with peers to decompress and to discuss, examine and evaluate their experiences. This is sacred time to reflect and learn from the internship and a very important part of DPF’s life-changing program

How can I help?

The DPF Intern Program is an important ministry of DPF that needs your support. Encourage young people interested in peace and justice to apply to become a peace intern. Request an intern for your camp, conference or justice ministry, or donate to DPF’s Kirby Page Fund to support the Peace Intern program.

Want to know more?

Fill out the form on this page to get connected with DPF Mission Director, Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, who would love to share more information about our Intern Program!

A Season of Change

Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM) remains dedicated to nurturing and supporting emerging leaders in higher education and ministry preparation. This commitment is once again highlighted as HELM proudly announces the recipients of our 2024-2025 HELM Scholarships.

The recipients, celebrated in this Digest, represent a diverse and talented group of individuals who have shown exceptional promise in their respective areas of interest and academic pursuits. HELM’s mission is to resource and empower diverse leadersproviding financial assistance and mentorship to future leaders, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and make a positive impact in their communities.

As families and HELM’s partner institutions gear up for the upcoming fall term of the 2024-2025 academic year, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement in the air. Students are eager to dive into their studies, armed with the knowledge that they have the support of organizations like HELM behind them every step of the way. The journey towards higher education can be daunting, but with the backing of dedicated mentors and scholarships like the ones offered by HELM, students are encouraged to reach new heights and achieve their full potential.

In addition to providing financial aid and scholarships, HELM also recognizes the importance of practical experience and hands-on leadership training. That is why HELM Leadership Fellows are gearing up for their fall leadership retreat, which is set to take place alongside the Caminantes and the Disciples Border Initiative in Tucson, Arizona. This retreat offers fellows a unique opportunity to engage with real-world issues, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and hone their leadership skills in a supportive environment.

Celebration is in the air as HELM also acknowledges the leadership changes within various educational institutions. It is a time to bid farewell to esteemed leaders who have dedicated their careers to shaping the minds of future generations and to welcome new faces who will carry the torch forward. Dr. Nancy Pittman’s retirement from Phillips Theological Seminary marks the end of an era, while Rev. Gary Kidwell’s appointment as Interim signifies a new chapter for the institution.

Similarly, the installations of Dr. Stephen S. Cady as President of Brite Divinity School, Dr. Lisa W. Davison as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean and the Johnnie Eargle Cadieux Professor of Hebrew Bible of Phillips Theological Seminary, and Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie, the first Black person and woman to serve as Dean at the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University mark the beginning of exciting new ventures in the world of higher education and ministry.

Dr. Nancy Pittman’s legacy at Phillips Theological Seminary is one of innovation, compassion, and dedication to academic excellence. Her leadership has guided countless students on their educational journeys and her presence will be greatly missed. As Rev. Gary Kidwell steps into the role of Interim, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to continuing the mission of the seminary. Under his guidance, Phillips Theological Seminary is poised to thrive and grow, building upon the strong foundation laid down by Dr. Pittman.

Similarly, as Dr. Lisa Davison steps into the role of Dean at Phillips Theological Seminary, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in theological education. Her focus on community engagement and spiritual formation promises to enrich the academic experience for students and faculty alike. As Dean, Dr. Davison will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the seminary and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and spiritual growth.

Meanwhile, at Brite Divinity School, Dr. Stephen Cady’s installation as President heralds a new era of leadership and growth. With a vision for inclusivity, social justice, and academic rigor, Dr. Cady is set to lead Brite Divinity School towards even greater heights of excellence. His passion for education and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders make him a fitting choice to steer the school into the future.

Lastly, at the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University, Rev. Dr. Cherisna Jean-Marie’s appointment as Dean of the Divinity House signals a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to nurturing emerging leaders in ministry. With a background in pastoral care, social justice advocacy, and interfaith dialogue, Rev. Dr. Jean-Marie brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her leadership is sure to inspire students to engage meaningfully with the world around them and to live out their calling with passion and purpose.

As we reflect on these leadership changes and congratulate those who are retiring or taking on new roles, one thing remains clear: the future of higher education and ministry is in good hands. At HELM, we will continue to pave the way “bringing student and resources together” for current and aspiring leaders to thrive, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. With scholarships, mentorship programs, leadership retreats, and a continued commitment to excellence, HELM is shaping the next generation of leaders who will go on to transform the world around them. The road ahead is filled with promise and potential, as emerging leaders step up to “navigate and influence an ever-evolving society with grace, wisdom and compassion” and to meet the challenges of tomorrow with courage and conviction.

Simple Giving with Retirement Assets

For people of faith, giving is a natural response to the bountiful gifts of God. But sometimes it’s hard to give, especially when we are concerned about our future, our health and having “enough” to last our lifetimes.

One of the simplest ways to provide a gift – after our needs have been cared for – is to name a charity such as HELM as the beneficiary of traditional retirement assets. That way you have the funds you may need during lifetime, but provide a meaningful gift that will impact the lives of future Disciples students.

Best of all, a beneficiary designation doesn’t require a lawyer or change in any legal documents. It really is as simple as filling out a form with the institution holding your retirement account.

Afraid of leaving out heirs? Traditional retirement assets often are highly taxed when left to another individual. Those assets will be subject to income tax when your heirs receive distributions and, in the case of most non-spouses, those distributions must take place within 10 years, potentially pushing designated beneficiaries into higher tax brackets. With a gift to HELM, 100 percent of the funds are available to provide Disciples students with scholarships and leadership development opportunities.

Many people have discovered it is often better to leave other types of assets – cash, securities, real estate – to heirs with no or minimal tax impact on them.

You can specify the individuals and charities you want to support and you can also specify the percentage of the assets you want each beneficiary to receive.

Beneficiary designations also are available when giving the following assets:

Life Insurance: Life Insurance policies can also be used as a gift if no longer is needed by others. You can complete and return to the insurance company a form designating HELM for all or a portion of your life insurance policy. Another option: Transfer ownership of the policy to HELM.  Transferring ownership results in an immediate income tax charitable deduction and potential income tax savings in the year of the gift.

Bank Accounts:  You can have your bank pay HELM all or a portion of what remains in a checking or savings account. Your bank can provide you with the appropriate beneficiary designation form.

Investment Accounts: You can instruct your investment company to transfer to HELM some or all investments held in the account at the time of your passing. Your broker or agent can let you know the process for doing this – it may be as simple as adding “T.O.D. to Higher Education & Leadership Ministries” after your name on the account.

If this sounds of interest, please reach out to Jim Cullumber, the Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving at HELM, and he can provide HELM’s legal information that may be needed on the beneficiary form. Jim can be reached at 317-695-8267 or jcullumber@helmdisciples.org. Jim can also discuss with you how you want your future gift used.

Note: HELM does not provide legal or tax advice. Donors should consult with their legal and tax experts.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders

For more than 20 years, HELM has offered the Leadership Fellows program for undergraduate college students. This program – which offers a $2,000 annual scholarship – is designed to cultivate and strengthen participants’ potential for leadership through intentional focus on Christian community, societal transformation, global awareness and leadership engagement. Students entering undergraduate education may apply to the program, which includes the scholarship, annual retreat, and an international cross-cultural experience. In 2024, participants traveled to Japan to visit missionaries. The leadership retreat this fall will focus immigration issues along the US-Mexican border.

The program aims to develop leaders through an intentional focus on the following four major areas: Community; Transformation; Global Awareness; and Mentoring.

“I think what I gained most was confidence,” Class of 2005 alum Krista Johnson Weisckel recalls. “I don’t remember all the church leaders we met, but I do remember feeling heard and respected as a young person in the life of the church. I remember being encouraged to take a leap and volunteer as a Global Mission Intern in Israel/Palestine with Global Ministries, and I continue to be so grateful for that experience.”

Today, Krista is the vice president of administration for Global Ministries/Disciples Overseas Ministries.

Leadership Fellows is also one of HELM’s largest expenses. The overall cost per participant is about $15,000 over their 4-year program participation. This includes the annual scholarship to their college or university, their travel to the annual Leadership Fellow retreat, the global immersion trip after their 3rd year in the program, and other resources and communication tools.

That investment is making a difference. About 20 percent of program graduates are serving today as congregational pastors and another 5 percent are serving in our Disciples general ministries, either as ordained or lay staff. Most Leadership Fellows alumni are serving their local communities as social workers, counselors, business leaders and working in non-profit agencies, and many times serving in lay leadership roles in their congregations. It is hard to imagine the impact this program has had on participants’ lives and their communities.

If you’d like to learn how you can partner with HELM to sustain this program into the future, give Jim Cullumber, Director of Major and Planned Gifts, a call at 317-695-8267. Whether it be an outright gift, a gift of appreciated stock or a planned gift, you can play a significant role in the future of our congregations and communities. Jim also can be reached at jcullumber@helmdisciples.org

Are We Ready?

Are we ready to let a new generation lead? I’ve heard countless quips about youth being “the future of the Church.” I’ve heard the quick counter, “they are not the future – they are the Church today!” Yes, both are true, but are we ready to let a new generation lead? What are we doing to equip them? 

I remember holding my hand up high in a church board meeting as a 15-year-old. I was the youth representative on my congregation’s church board. The idea of having a youth on the board was not new to them. I’m just not sure they were prepared for that youth to speak! I remember holding my hand up, flopping it around, propping it up with the other hand, and wondering when I might get called on. The board chair seemed unsure of calling on me and seemed relieved when another hand went up. Ninfa Floyd was invited to speak, and she said, “I’d like to hear what Lee has to say.” 

Young leaders are chomping at the bit to make a difference in this world. Youth and young adults have visions of what the Church could be, often reminding us of our own dreams and expectations that we rationalized out of sight. If the church were a dog, young people are the nose – always sniffing out what comes next and guiding us into new possibilities – this is why leadership development for our youngest leaders is vital to the Church. 

Beyond the typical gifts of youth and young adults, this particular generation is ready to make their mark and have specific traits worth naming: Gen-Z, “Digital Natives,” are justice minded. They will advocate for the rights of all people, even those who disagree with them. This generation is pragmatic. They are mindful of financial realities, results oriented, and highly value authenticity. They are also used to a world that changes so quickly that you can’t really prepare for what comes next. You can only prepare yourself to be ready for whatever does come next. They have grown up in the midst of violence in places previous generations called safe spaces. They have seen misinformation go unchecked and unquestioned. They have watched the churches in the world be more divisive than uniting. They have watched the generations before them leave the church in frightening numbers. Still, we have young people who are willing and excited to lead. 

Twenty years ago, HELM added the “L” to our name, recognizing the historic role of young leaders in the church, communities, and change movements as well as the potential of our campuses and congregations to shape and equip each new generation. We now have HELM Leadership Fellows alumni who are leaders in the church and in business. They are impacting their community as change agents and as pastors. Many are also giving back, serving as mentors, donors, and expert presenters to help equip the latest cohorts of Leadership Fellows. 

Alongside the great tradition that has grown up around the HELM Leadership Fellows Program, we also welcome the Youth Leadership Symposium to HELM, equipping youth to lead in their local congregation. YLS helps them identify mentors to guide them, support them, or even raise their hand in a board meeting to make sure everyone is heard. YLS students learn how congregational polity works, how to plan and organize, and they dive deep into the challenges of leading in times of exponential change. 

As we begin registering a new cohort for YLS (in January 2025), we welcome our new class of Leadership Fellows who will matriculate on college and university campuses this Fall, ready to impact the world around them. They will all be learning, growing, exploring, and dreaming. We will be preparing them, resourcing them, and equipping them to lead. So, Church, are we ready for them? 

Rev. Lee Yates
Director of Scholarship & Leadership Programs
Higher Education & Leadership Ministries

Cultivating Compassion Level 2

Continue your growth in the Compassion Practice with Cultivating Compassion Level 2. In this course, we will integrate this spiritual practice more fully into our lives in order to promote self-compassion.

During our four sessions on July 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd (6:30-8:30 PM PT), we will draw from the compassion of Jesus as both inspiration and sustaining force of our work. Through weekly meditations, storytelling, and small group conversation, we will learn to deepen our self-compassion while practicing the tools we will need for Cultivating Compassion Level 3: Compassion for Others.

Led by Dale Suggs, MDiv, Certified Facilitator of the Compassion Practice, Certified Spiritual Director, and Co-Founder of the BELOVED Compassion Network.

Clergy from the Pacific Southwest Region of the Christian Church (DOC) can earn .8 CEUs upon completion of this course.

Pricing

This course is offered with a suggested donation of $80-$240 per person. Following the concept of GracEconomics, we invite you to contribute what you can to support this program. Those who contribute at a higher level make it possible for others to participate at their own level.

To inquire about partial scholarships, please contact: Dale Suggs at dale@belovedcompassionnetwork.org.

What to Expect:

  • Compassionate space for sharing
  • Skilled and compassionate leaders
  • Proven self-compassion practices

What Not to Expect:

  • Pressure to share
  • Questioning or judgment
  • Correction or advice

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cultivating-compassion-level-2-cultivating-self-compassion-tickets-928059178987

Japan Global Awareness Immersion Trip Photos

Chapman University Announces New Director of Church Relations

The Fish Interfaith Center is proud to announce that Rev. Jack Veatch will become the Director of Church Relations at Chapman University, beginning July 15, 2024.

Rev. Veatch has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kent State University and a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Chicago. Following college, he was part of Disciples’ National Benevolent Association XPlor program where he worked as a community liaison and homeless services navigator for the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry. He was supported by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in attending the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, the University of Geneva, receiving a certificate in Ecumenical Studies. He has experience in pastoral leadership in Chicago and Colorado. For three years, he was an intern for the Interreligious Task Force on Central America and was a participant in Christian Peacemakers Team in Mina, Columbia. Currently he is the Director of Student and External Relations at the Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago. Additionally, he and his wife, Aneesah, serve as resident heads of an undergraduate dormitory at the University of Chicago.

Rev. Veatch brings a passion for young adults and the foundational role chaplains play in spiritual formation. He is attuned to student loneliness and the need for belonging and connectedness that comes from fostering an environment that supports deep relationships.

If you wish to send Jack a note of welcome, his new email address will be veatch@chapman.edu.

Hiram College Announces New Additions to Leadership Team

Hiram College is pleased to announce the appointment of two key leaders in academic affairs and development who will be instrumental in advancing the College’s mission just ahead of the celebration of 175 years in 2025.
Dr. Jeffrey Swenson named Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
During the recent spring session, the Hiram College Board of Trustees voted to name Jeffrey Swenson, Ph.D., who previously served in an interim capacity, as the College’s vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College.
Dr. Swenson came to the College in 2007 as a professor of English and Director of Writing Across the Curriculum. A scholar of American Literature and Culture, he studies and writes about Midwestern literature, Native American literature, and disability studies—particularly representations of Autism in popular culture. As Director of Writing Across the Curriculum, Dr. Swenson supervised all first-year writing and composition courses at the College, trained faculty in writing pedagogy, and directed Hiram’s Writing Center.
In 2020, Dr. Swenson moved into the associate academic dean position, where he led several key initiatives at the College, including the Coherence Committee, a team that removed barriers between online and on-ground instructional programs. He also led the creation of a Professional Academic Advising Office and coordinated the move that pulled Academic Support, Advising, and Online Learning Support into one centrally located student support center.
Since moving into the interim position in the summer of 2023, Dr. Swenson has focused on developing coordination between Academic and Student Affairs, particularly in looking at efforts to support student retention and to improve the overall student experience. As the chief academic officer, Dr. Swenson will continue to serve as a member of the President’s leadership team and work to identify strategic directions in terms of the College’s academic offerings and commitment to liberal arts education.
Dr. Swenson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Saint John’s University in Minnesota, a Master of Arts in English from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and a Doctor of Philosophy in English from the University of Iowa.
Michelle Blackford named Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
Hiram College is also pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Blackford, CFRE, a strategic and innovative advancement professional, as the College’s new vice president for development and alumni relations.
As the senior administrator for advancement, Blackford will provide oversight for the College’s development, alumni relations, and foundation, corporate, and government relations. She will also serve as a member of the President’s leadership team.
Blackford came to the College in December to serve as executive director of corporate, foundation, and principal gifts, a role in which she focused primarily on fostering and strengthening relationships with public and private foundations, corporations, and individuals. She also led Hiram’s major gift program.
Blackford has more than 20 years of development experience. Before Hiram, she served as a philanthropic strategy advisor for the Cleveland Foundation, where she helped organizations, corporations, and individuals fulfill their charitable goals. Prior to her work with the Cleveland Foundation, Blackford served as the assistant director for the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where she played a significant role in advancing the fundraising efforts of the school.
Blackford is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a certified trainer in Family Philanthropy through 21/64. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Eastern University in St. David’s, Pennsylvania, followed by a graduate certificate in philanthropic studies from the Indiana University Lily Family School of Philanthropy.
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About Hiram College:
Founded in 1850, Hiram College provides students of all backgrounds with an attainable private education that teaches the 21st-century skills needed to thrive professionally and personally in the face of inevitable and constant change. Built on a community that fosters student-faculty collaboration, the College equips all students with the tools necessary to embrace active learning in the classroom, in Ohio, and beyond through technology, internship, study away, research, and other experiential opportunities for growth and development. Recognized by Colleges of Distinction, The Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, and as a top baccalaureate college by Washington Monthly, Hiram enrolls over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in academic programs on its Northeast Ohio campus and online.

Endowing A HELM Scholarship

We have the opportunity to turn mere money into life-changing, and life-giving, ministry, recognizing the value of education in the success of families, communities and the Church. As Thomas Jefferson once said, “Knowledge is power.”

 

Through HELM, the Ann E. Dickerson Scholarship is one such opportunity. This honors the memory of the former vice-moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) whose term started in August 1975. A member of the faculty of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, she died in October 1975, shortly after receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. The Dickerson scholarship, professionally managed at HELM, is specifically awarded to female members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) pursuing a Ph.D. in religion. 

 

We invite you to make a difference in the lives of students from Disciples congregations of the by creating and endowing an ongoing college, university or seminary scholarship. It can be for undergraduate studies as well as higher degrees. Join us in providing students from all walks of life with the tools and resources they need to fearlessly and faithfully face today’s challenges to shape a brighter tomorrow.

 

Educating just one person goes far beyond that individual, making a positive impact on the greater good of the family, community, church and country. Education is a major factor in building stable governance, improving society, reducing poverty, fostering economic growth, and achieving gender equality through a ripple effect. College graduates are significantly more likely to find employment, earn a higher salary and obtain health insurance. The higher education experience also exposes student to a greater variety of cultures, skills, and experiences. 

 

Creating an endowed fund at HELM for a named scholarship requires a minimum gift of $25,000. This will provide an annual stream of income to fund the scholarship forever. We have the flexibility to structure the scholarship to create the impact you desire, whether it be by student geography, area of academic study, etc. It does not have to be institution-specific. Scholarship applications are reviewed and awarded by HELM staff and the Board of Directors scholarship committee.

 

Note: Donors interested in starting an endowed scholarship have the option of reaching the minimum level over a 5-year period.

 

In addition to an outright gift, a scholarship can be funded with a gift of appreciated securities. By transferring the securities directly to HELM, you bypass any capital gain taxes on the appreciation. Please contact me at (317) 695-8267 for instructions.

 

If over age 70 ½ with a traditional IRA, you can make HELM a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA account. This also allows you to avoid claiming that part of the distribution as ordinary income on your taxes. When over 73, the qualified charitable distribution also can serve as the required minimum distribution, again allowing you to claim that as ordinary income on your taxes.

 

Jim Cullumber

Director of Major Gift & Planned Giving