The Thriving Congregations Initiative will help pastors, lay leaders and the congregations they serve to recognize and respond to changing social and cultural contexts, clarify values, and cultivate Christian practices that strengthen their vitality, faithfulness, and effectiveness.
The program will facilitate four cohorts consisting of 8 to 12 congregational teams comprising pastors and three lay leaders. We envision supporting 50-60 congregations on a journey toward thriving.
Click on the link below to read, download and share the Thriving in Congregations letter from Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn.
The Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention is deeply concerned by the levels of gun violence and the tragic loss of innocent lives in the United States.
We express condolences and offer our prayerful support to families and associates who mourn the painful and irreplaceable loss of their loved ones.
The Gun Violence Archive reports that the shooting at the Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers, is the 213th mass shooting this year. Education Week reports that the shooting at Robb Elementary is the 27th school shooting this year. Everytown For Gun Safety reports that more than 1,530 people have been killed in mass shootings since 2009.
These figures do not speak of the mental, psychological, and emotional trauma that victims and their families experience. They do not tell the stories of social dislocation and horror. The spiritual harm done to the young and old alike cannot be measured.
As the Robb school shooting happened, the nation was still grappling with the racist attack that killed 10 innocent Americans while they did their supermarket shopping in Buffalo, New York, on May 14.
We at Lott Carey call on federal, state, and local authorities to take the necessary steps to stem the level of violence to save the lives of Americans, including innocent, defenseless children.
We implore political leaders to pass the requisite legislations to ensure that lethal weapons do not end up in the hands of the criminally minded.
We call on churches to take actions to prevent gun violence, to provide pastoral care to those who suffer violence, and to engage in initiatives that will bring about peace and reconciliation.
Such actions may include public awareness campaigns on gun violence, sponsoring regular educational conferences on gun violence and its prevention, and liturgies and sermons reflecting the love of the One who rejected violence and vengeance.
We propose that church sanctuaries and other resources be made available as places of refuge and hope for those who suffer violence, and that pastors and congregations offer the Prince of Peace as the Christian alternative to violence and power.
As one nation, under God, the United States is obliged to protect the lives of its citizens and residents, and to value human lives over guns.
Rev. Emmett Dunn Executive Secretary-Treasurer Lott Carey
Women disciples of Jesus and leaders in the church continue to declare that Christ is Risen! We invite you to hear voices of faithful and fruitful women pastoral leaders talk about flourishing in ministry through Lott Carey’s Pilgrimages of Striving and Thriving Podcast. These 30-minute conversations will inform and inspire you in your walk with the risen Christ.
Lott Carey has committed to support communities affected by severe flooding in South Africa.
Hundreds of lives were lost, tens of thousands of persons have been displaced, and entire communities were devastated by the floods that affected the country April 11 and 12.
Devastated areas include parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
Baptist Convention of South Africa General Secretary Dr. Thembelani Jentile told Lott Carey it was “with heavy heart that we inform you of the dark cloud that has befallen our country.”
At the time of writing, he said “443 are confirmed deceased and 48 people are missing or unaccounted for, especially in informal settlements.”
In addition, he said “4,000 homes have been completely destroyed; over 8,300 homes have been partially damaged; 40,000 people have been displaced; more than 600 schools and sixty-six (66) public health care facilities have been damaged.”
Dr. Jentile “pleads for your prayers for the safety of the people of South Africa, particularly the most vulnerable in KwaZulu-Natal. Kindly pray for the families of the deceased, displaced and the missing.”
“I am saddened by the news of yet another natural disaster that has taken the lives of so many,” said Lott Carey Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn. “Having visited these communities a few years ago, I am acutely aware of the economic challenges brought on by many years of Apartheid rule. No doubt, they will need our assistance.”
He said, “The Baptist Convention of South Africa, a longstanding Lott Carey partner, is sounding the Macedonian Call…Let us respond as we have always done, with prayers and financial assistance.”
Rev. Dunn appeals “to churches, institutions, organizations and persons of goodwill to join Lott Carey in bringing relief, comfort, and hope to those in need.”
Donations may be made at https://lottcarey.org/donate.
For additional information, email lottcarey@lottcarey.org.
Join our monthly prayer line, hosted by Lott Carey’s Women in Service Everywhere (W.I.S.E.), with devotion and prayer on the first day of each month @ 6:30am.
Dial-In: 267.807.9611
Access Code: 172051
For more information on how to get involved., visit the W.I.S.E. webpage here.
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