Grace Shines Through Town and Rural Churches
Pastors and lay members from small-town and rural churches gathered at Grace UMC in Dixon for the annual Town and Rural Church Festival, themed “Glimpses of God’s Grace.” The event…
Disciples Nurturing Actions (DNA) ministry
rolling out in early 2024
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. I Thes. 5:23 New Living Testament
The Discipleship Task Force Disciples Nurturing Action (DNA) ministry will provide support groups for clergy and lay to support each other in attending to their health. Together they will engage in biblically informed and prayerful discussions about resources, tools, training, and encouragement. Multiple groups, lead by different health-educated laity, will meet via Zoom, in person, or in a hybrid setting. It will provide an opportunity to share godly principles by learning, discussing, and engaging in healthy body, mind, and spirit practices.
The DNA Leadership Team will also share resources and opportunities through the NIC eNews and social media channels.
During the rest of 2023 year, the DNA Leadership Team will research, discuss, and strategize in structuring this ministry. The team plans to visit each district to share information, determine interest, and solicit input.
You can share your views by taking the survey available here.
By the beginning of 2024, support groups will begin meeting with a Discussion Leader for each group.
If you have questions, please contact DNA Chair, Katherine Howell, at howellkvh@gmail.com or 712-830-4261.
Sample questions that may be used in support group discussions are:
- What are you grateful for?
- What have you struggled with this week regarding your physical health?
- Can we pray with you about this?
- Do you feel inspired to make any changes?
- Is there a Bible verse, story, or testimony you would like to share related to this?
- And of course, how is it with your soul?
Disclaimer: The Disciples Nurturing Action support group leader (SGL) is not a professional provider (physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist or counselor, nurse practitioner, etc.). Participants must agree and acknowledge that the leaders and groups are not providing health care, medical, nutritional therapy services, counseling, or spiritual advice. We will not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional issue, disease, or condition and will not give advice on exercise. The SGL will not give advice about medication, and specific medications will not be discussed in the group setting. Leaders will not provide counseling. The group members are advised to seek professional services from their pastors, licensed physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists or counselors, and health care professionals, if and when necessary.