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.

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 3^rd 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 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

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.

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

Graphic art is impacting mission and outreach. Youth are reorganizing for evangelism. Parking lots can be the front door to the Church. These are just a few of the things that inspired us from the 2024 Youth Leadership Symposium’s “Show and Tell” event on June 1st. A dozen youth presented the projects they have designed. Some were complete. Some are still unfolding. Others are going to take some time, because this cohort has been thinking big! 

Youth Leaderships Symposium has three full cohort gatherings each year, and the last one has come to be known as “Show and Tell,” where participants present their main project and share how it is impacting their local congregation. Those who are done can celebrate. Those still working can get support and some feedback. Those with events further out can share their plan and invite input from their peers and the adult mentors. If you need something to revive your hope for the Church’s future, this is the place to be! 

Sam Dolan, a member of First Christian Church in Findley, OH worked with his congregation to design a pollinator garden along the landscaping. Since their church rents space from a United Church of Christ congregation, he had to work with their Church Council as well. Along the way, Sam noted that the building’s brick structure needed some tuckpointing done. By the end of his project, the building and its grounds had both received a facelift. 

“I just want to thank everyone who helped make this possible,” said Sam during is presentation, “YLS has been a great experience and I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received.”

Other projects included pancake suppers, mentoring picnics, intergenerational art projects to support local nonprofits, upgrading hospitality and marketing efforts, installing a basketball court for a church’s neighborhood, minimizing a church’s carbon footprint, and providing a festival for local children. As projects are completed, we will share their stories through the HELM newsletter and post them at www.YouthLeadershipSymposium.org. You can already find reports from the 2023 cohort on the website. 

Registration for YLS 2025 is now open. Every congregation can register one youth and one adult for free. Anyone who would like to host an in-person “pod” so youth in their area can zoom in together should contact YLS Director, Lee Yates, so we can add them to the registration form. You can reach Lee at LYates@HELMdisciples.org.

The journey to another culture is not merely a physical voyage; it is a mental and emotional exploration creating a deeper connection with diverse peoples, historical complexities, and pressing social issues. Such global immersion experiences have the power to shape individuals, broaden perspectives, foster empathy, and ignite a passion for positive change. As part of our Leadership Fellows program, our students participate in a global immersion experience when they are in their third year of the program. This year’s cohort recently concluded their immersion trip to Japan, leaving them with memories to last a lifetime.

As we reflect on the experiences of our students in Japan, it reinforces the fact that these encounters are not just educational outings but life-altering opportunities that mold future leaders with a profound understanding of the world around them. Experience like this would not be possible without partners across the life of the Church. Let me take this opportunity to thank Derek Duncan, Area Executive for East Asia and the Pacific and Fiyori Kidane, People-to-People Coordinator for tireless work and expertise in leading our HELM Fellows. We could not be more grateful to our Common Global Ministries and Week of Compassion for unwavering support as we endeavor to educate Disciples young adults in mission and ministry. Thank you!

Immersive experiences such as this go beyond textbooks and lectures; they provide a tangible connection to real-world issues, allowing students to witness the impact of their learning firsthand. By engaging with local communities, organizations, and individuals, HELM Fellows gained invaluable insights that cannot be replicated within the confines of a classroom. They learned about the intricate balance between tradition and modernity, the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the power of unity in striving for a better future.

Key highlights of this learning experience included participation in the Asian Rural Institute focusing on sustainable agriculture. We thank the Director of ARI, Ms. Tomoko Arakawa, ARI Ecumenical Relations, Mr. Jack Lichten and Mr. Ruyipo Vero, Caretaker of Nasu Seminar House. At ARI, students learned about sustainable agriculture in the context of a robust and international community.

Further, we thank Ms. Terumi Kataoka, Director of the Aizu Radiation Information Center (ARIC) and Rev. Hideharu Fuda, Director of the Izumi Project in the Tohoku District who taught us about the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster recovery process. Impactfully, we learned about the continuing 100-year impact of radiation in the soil and water as well as its effects on the environment and the people in this region.

Traveling to Tokyo, our students met with Mr. David Gibson McIntosh, Co-Director of the Center for Minority Issues and Mission (CMIM) as well as Rev. Aminaka Shoko, General Secretary of The United Church of Christ Japan (UUCJ) and Rev. Oshima Kaori, General Secretary of the National Church Council in Japan (NCCJ), both inaugural women in these leadership positions. Additionally, the students had the opportunity to share a meal and discussion with Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek, Global Ministries Mission Co-Worker and Chaplain at Wasdea University in Tokyo. In each of these conversations, our students gained a deeper sense of the role of religion in promoting social justice, compassion, and human dignity in this context. Experiences and meaningful interactions like this challenge preconceptions opening the door toward new relationships, perspectives, and fostering a sense of empathy and solidarity with individuals whose lives are shaped by different beliefs and values.

Students also grappled with the painful legacy of the “Comfort Women” visiting the Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace in Tokyo. Through these encounters, they were confronted with the harsh realities of war, exploitation, and human suffering, prompting them to reflect on the importance of remembrance, reconciliation, and advocacy for justice. The impact of these experiences will linger long after they return home, fueling a commitment to honor the memory of the victims and work towards a more just and inclusive society.

From Tokyo, our students traveled to Kyoto. Visiting the Bazzare Café, Fellows gained an understanding of the active efforts of the church in Kyoto to reach and serve individuals in who struggle from the personal and social challenges of overcoming addiction. By engaging with the staff and patrons of the cafe, the students learned valuable lessons about the strength of human connection, the importance of empathy and compassion, and the potential for positive change when communities come together with a shared purpose. We offer our sincere thanks to Ms. Chie Matsuura, Social Worker at the Bazzare Café as well as Ms. Martha Mensendiek, Global Ministries Co-Worker Associate Professor at Doshisha University for their time and work in preparing for our visit. We also thank Dr. Kanan Kitani, Associate Professor of the History of Christianity in Japan and Mr. Hitoshi Sasaki, a current Graduate Student at Doshisha University School of Theology for arranging time for our students to learn some of this rich history and to engage other college-age students for fun and relationship building. 

A concluding and poignant moment of the journey was the visit to Hiroshima Museum and Peace Park Memorial of 100,000+ Cranes – a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear warfare and a tribute to the innocent lives lost in the atomic bombing. Standing amidst the solemn monuments and hearing the stories of survivors, the students were humbled by the determination of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy. This experience instilled in them a sense of urgency to work towards a world free from violence, hatred, and division, inspiring them to become advocates for peace. Particuarly poignant, in this moment, was reframing current conflicts in light of the aftermath of war. The cranes bore witness of voices from around the world calling, no yearning, for peace. We remain grateful to Ms. Miwako Sawada of the Hiroshima Peace and Culture Foundation for guiding us through the memorial grounds and to Rev. Taisaku Obata, Chairman of the General Assembly Western-Chugoku District of the UCCJ for conversation regarding the peace efforts.

The power of global immersion experiences lies in their ability to transcend boundaries, bridge differences, and cultivate a sense of shared humanity among individuals from diverse backgrounds. By immersing themselves in unfamiliar cultures, confronting difficult issues, and engaging with local communities, HELM Fellows develop a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the world we live in. These experiences equip students with the skills, knowledge, and empathy needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected and interdependent global landscape, preparing them to become compassionate, ethical, and effective leaders in their respective fields.

Higher Education & Leadership Ministries remains dedicated to fostering such deep presence and partnership in leadership development, we reaffirm our commitment to providing students with transformative opportunities that enrich their academic pursuits and nurture their personal growth. Global immersion experiences are not an optional add-on to traditional education; they are essential components of a holistic learning journey that empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the world around them. 

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries