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We Need Web Designers to Help Us Give This Site an Overhaul  The Kentucky Council of Churches
is seeking a new look for this site. The current site spans 150MB
in 2,294 files in 211 folders. Are you a graphic designer with
a calling to help Churches in Kentucky communicate with one another
more effectively? Do you have the skills to create a unified
web presence that will enhance our ministry together now and
into the future? Are you willing to donate your time and talent
to further the important work that we do together? Give us a
call at 859-269-7715 or e-mail wcbs at kycouncilofchurches dot
org.Join the Healthcare Reform Movement in Kentucky Attend or host an important workshop that will introduce faith-based communities to wonderful free resources designed to help citizens understand the crisis in American health care, the moral dimensions of the crisis, and how we can change the system for the better. Pondering Unity in Our Hearts As we enjoy this Christmas season, when we read about how Mary received news and then pondered it in her heart, it is appropriate to learn more about contemplative living. Contemplatives have offered the Church many insights about the unity we have as a gift from God. Resources can be found at www.mertoninstitute.org. Register to Attend the 2009 National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Conference  The clock is ticking on early
registration for the annual National Coalition to Abolish the
Death Penalty Conference, " Training for the Long Run --
Building Bridges to Wider Audiences," to be held in Louisville
at the world famous Seelbach Hotel, Jan 14-17, 2010. Click here for more information.
H1N1 Update: Level Raised September 18, 2009 Panel Discussion on Religion and the Environment
Read Dr. Kemper's Sermon from the 61st KCC Annual Assembly The The 61st Annual Assembly
of the Kentucky Council of Churches was held on October 16 -
17, 2008 at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church (at 1050 US Hwy
421 South) in Frankfort, KY. The Rev. Dr. Nancy Jo Kemper delivered
the sermon that can be read here. Tenth Annual Healthy Foods Local Farms Conference November 6-7  Join us for this year's Healthy
Foods, Local Farms Conference on the U of L campus. This year's
theme: Growing Community Through Food. Whether you're a farmer,
teacher or concerned eater, don't miss the latest on organic,
antibiotic-free “slow food.” Registration: $40. Sign-up
online at www.healthyfoodslocalfarmsconference.org.Recycle Your Cell Phone
Fight Poverty Click here to learn more about some 2009 Bread for the World "Offering of Letters" opportunities. What Religious Groups Are Largest in Kentucky? The Glenmary Research Center publishes information about Religious Congregations & Membership in the United States. See what this data reveals about Kentucky in this pdf file. Read The Statements About Full Communion by His Holiness Benedict XVI  "I would like to thank the
Lord who has blessed us with his mercy and instilled in us sincere
willingness to make his prayer our own: ut unum sint.
He has thus made us increasingly aware of the importance of moving
forward towards full communion.... Duc in altum! Let us
go forward with hope.... I feel strongly the need to reassert
the irreversible commitment taken by the Second Vatican Council
and pursued in recent years, also thanks to the activity of the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. The path to
the full communion desired by Jesus for his disciples entails,
with true docility to what the Spirit says to the Churches, courage,
gentleness, firmness and hope, in order to reach our goal. Above
all, it requires persistent prayer and with one heart, in order
to obtain from the Good Shepherd the gift of unity for his flock....
I ask you all to join with me in setting an example of that spiritual
ecumenism which, through prayer, can bring about our communion
without obstacles." Read the Pope's first statement to Delegates
of the Orthodox Churches, of the Oriental Orthodox Churches and
of the Ecclesial Communities of the West here.
You may read his second statement, in Cologne,Germany, Aug. 19,
2005 here.it out, then visit here to learn how to subscribe for an RSS feed! Crisis and Connections  On October 18, 2007, the Kentucky Council of
Churches assembly was meeting at Third Baptist Church in Owensboro
when severe weather forced everyone to take refuge in the basement.
After hearing terrible noises, those who had taken refuge emerged
to find extensive damage. On August 9, the congregation hosted
a worship service to celebrate what God has done through their
restoration. Click here
to learn more and see a photo of the new bell tower.Information about Booster Seats  Kentucky's new booster
seat law has
been in effect since last year but until now most law enforcement
agencies have only issued warnings to offenders. Full enforcement
with citations began July 1, 2009. Kentucky's law requires children
between 40 and 50 inches tall and who are younger than 7 to be
properly restrained in a child booster seat. For optimal protection,
children should remain in a booster seat until the seat belt
fits them correctly, or approximately 4'9" tall and about
8 or 9 years of age. A high backed or backless booster may be
used, but with a lap AND shoulder belt together. Click here for more information in English
and Spanish.An Exciting Future for the Ministries and Mission of the KY Council of Churches
Dr. Taylor is also on the board of the Overseas Ministries Study Center, serves as adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Ministry program at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, and chairs the Evangelism Committee of the congregation she attends. Her earned doctorate is in political science from Harvard University. She then worked for the Ford Foundation for more than five years as a grant-making officer serving both Mexico and Central America. After responding to God's call to seminary education she was ordained and focused her church work on participation in world mission. In demand as a lecturer, preacher and facilitator of mission-focused group retreats, Dr. Taylor is also a mezzo-soprano church soloist and member of the Louisville Choral Arts Society. For more information about Dr. Taylor and her new role, click here. Click Here for Flu Resources for Your Congregations
AND THE WINNER IS...
New Course on Ecumenism
Catholic Bishops Announce New Director of Catholic Conference of KY  The
Roman Catholic Bishops of Kentucky have appointed Robert J. Castagna
as the Executive Director of Catholic Conference of Kentucky.
Bob succeeds Edward Monahan who resigned in August to become
Kentucky’s Public Advocate. To read the entire press release,
please click here.
We are pleased to welcome Bob to KY!Compassion Sunday  National
leaders of religious communions came to Kentucky to call for
unity in our response to the victims of hurricane Katrina. THE
INTERNET WEBCAST OF THIS EVENT IS NOW AVAILABLE HERE. Please schedule a viewing of these clips from
these speakers with your congregation. This event was featured
on a national broadcast of the PBS show Religion and Ethics Newsweekly.The Needs of Returning Veterans
Plan to Attend the Panel Discussion on Religion and the Environment
Psychiatric Issues in Pastoral Care Plan now to attend one of two free conferences at Lexington Theological Seminary on October 20, 2008 from 9:00 – 4:00 or Louisville Presbyterian Seminary on October 28. 2008 from 9:00 – 3:00. Topics include Post Traumatic Disorder, Eating Disorders, When to Refer to a Psychiatrist, Suicide, Boundary Issues, Depression and Anxiety. Registration is free, as well as a free lunch. Educational materials will be distributed. Fast From Media Violence October 12-18, 2008
Giving and
Forgiving Parish Nursing Conference Join with other health ministers from Kentucky for networking, idea sharing, fellowship, and Continuing Education Credit provided by Bluegrass Community Technical College. Click here to learn more.
Fear
and Intimidation in KY According to a Western Kentucky Public Radio reporter, the KKK in the last few weeks has been leaving business-type cards in front of residents’ properties near their mailboxes saying, “I was watching over your neighborhood last night while you slept.” Yesterday, a recipient of one of the cards called the KCHR to report that on one street block, residents believed only individuals recognized as supporting civil rights work and black families received the cards. The caller expressed feelings of fear and intimidation. In response to these incidents, KCHR Executive Director John Johnson states: “The KKK has historically promoted hatred and divisiveness, and this type of organization is a dying breed. The overwhelming majority of Kentucky’s people are striving for understanding, tolerance and unity, and our state’s young people deserve better than the legacy a group like the Ku Klux Klan would attempt to force upon them.” Executive Director Johnson urges anyone who feels he or she is a victim of fear and intimidation to contact local law authorities immediately for protection. He further advises that if residents receive this type material inside their mailboxes or directly on their properties, to contact the FBI to report possible violations of federal law. “If you believe
you may be a victim of illegal discrimination because of your
race, color, gender, age, disability, national origin or religion,”
Mr. Johnson continues, “please contact the Kentucky Commission
on Human Rights at 800.292.5566 or your local human rights commission
partners in your area to file a complaint.”  9th
HFLF Conference
Mark your calendar now
for the 9th Annual Healthy Foods, Local Farms Conference "The
Politics of Food" that will be held on September 6, 2008
from 9 AM to 5:30 PM at the University of Louisville in Louisville,
Kentucky. The featured speaker is Daniel Imhoff, author of Food
Fight: The Citizen’s Guide to a Food and Farm Bill and of
Farming with the Wild: Enhancing Biodiversity on Farms and Ranches.
Speakers include Wendell Berry, Christopher Cook, Judy Wick and
more! To register click here. Healthy Food, Local Farms  Please click here
and distribute this flier. The Healthy Foods, Local Farms Conference
is Sept. 29 at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY. If you
register by July 13, you save $5 (off the $40 registration fee).
There are some scholarships available for the Saturday Conference.
On Friday night there will be a pre-conference social event,
Kentucky Harvest Festival. The charge for this event is $30.
There will be food prepared by several area chefs using local
food. There will be music and a chance to meet speakers, including
Alice Waters, and others attending the Conference on Sat. Waldeck
is a working farm, so there will be lots to see. Shuttles and
car pooling will be available from the conference hotel. Come
find out how local food and local food economies protect our
health, our environment, our economies, and our children's future.Pharmaceutical Research Companies Offering Assistance  Montel Williams is coming to Kentucky on July 20, 2007. Click here to find out why.
Festival of Homiletics  Nashville, May 21-25, 2007 with
Barbara Brown Taylor, Fred Craddock, Walter Brueggemann, Thomas
Long, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Joseph Lowery, Anna Carter Florence,
Frank Thomas, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Gordon Lathrop, Brian
McLaren, Safiyah Fosua, Calvin Miller, Grace Imathiu, Will Campbell,
James Forbes, Jim Wallis, Cindy Rigby, Yvette Flunder, William
Willimon, and the Dwight Andrews Quintet. Click here for more information.
CUIC Enters New Phase Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC), a relationship among nine Christian communions, has made major decisions regarding an active pursuit of establishing "full communion" by 2010. At a meeting held earlier this year in Atlanta, GA, CUIC's Coordinating Council received reports on the work being done to promote mutual recognition and reconciliation of ministries. The group also talked about seeking a new interim director for CUIC, and a new program that promotes racial justice. For further information click here. Helping with Research A pastor in Temple Terrace Florida is doing research on ways congregations who are committed to peace with justice, ecojustice, and human rights are getting their message out, beyond those who physically participate in Sunday services. If you can contribute feedback about best (and worst) practices, contact Dr. Warren Clark at 813-246-2741 or flhist at aol.com between now and March 2007. 2007 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Resources Now Available May 20-26 Click here for more information about the May 20-26 week of prayers for immigration reform: http://www.kycouncilofchurches.org/2007_Immigration_Reform.html Get into the Games The 2007 Summer National Senior Games - The Senior Olympics presented by Humana will take place this summer June 22 - July 7. They anticipate hosting 12,000 senior athletes and 15,000-20,000 spectators. The athletes will compete in 18 different sports and there will be over 800 events contested over 16 days. To volunteer for the Senior Games, visit http://www.2007seniorgames.com/volunteers.html. They need approximately 4,000 volunteers to make the event successful. Click here for a flier. Celebrate the World Day of Prayer  March 2, 2007
is the World Day of Prayer. World Day of Prayer events in the
past have been coordinated by Church Women United. For more information
about other CWU celebrations visit http://www.churchwomen.org/celebrations2007.asp. For information about the World
day of Prayer, please visit http://www.wdpusa.org/.Whirling Dervish Cultural Event Coming to Kentucky  The Interfaith
Dialogue Organization of the University of Kentucky is bringing
one of the wonders of Turkey to Lexington: “The Whirling
Dervishes of Konya”. They will be coming to only seven U.S.
cities. For more information about this evnt that will occur
at the Singletary Center for Arts Concert Hall on Monday, February
12, 2007, click here.Brunch Lexington's NorthEast Christian Church Prison Ministry would like to invite everyone to a Spring Brunch for those who are interested in serving in prison ministry. Click here for more information. Raniero Cantalamesa Coming to Kentucky
Calling All 7th through 12th Graders!  UNITY TREK is here. Click here if you live near Lexington to
learn how you can attend the first Unity Trek that will be held
December 27-28, 2006. If you live in other areas of the state,
click here to learn how you can bring a
Unity Trek to your community. Festival of Faiths  The Festival of Faiths is an
annual event held in Louisville, Kentucky, sponsored by the Center
for Interfaith Relations. This year’s festival is “Death
and Transformation.” From November 9-11 events will focus
on the death of the environment. The main event, an ecological
symposium, held in the Undercroft of the Cathedral of the Assumption,
will be held on Saturday, November 11. Click here
to learn more.Living Wage Days  The Let Justice Roll Living Wage
Campaign, a fast-growing partnership of more than 80 faith, and
community groups working to raise the minimum wage at the state
and federal level, invites you to hold specific Worship Services
October 7-8 and 14-15. Click here
to learn more.Alexander Named CC(DoC)KY General Minister  The staff and Executive Board
of the Kentucky Council of Churches congratulate The Rev. J.
Gregory Alexander. At the annual spring meeting on May 19, 2006
the Regional Board of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
in KY voted to call Rev. Alexander as General Minister. Click
here
to read more. Rev. Alexander will be installed on September 16
at the Clarion Hotel in Louisville.
KCC Joins Faith United to Reduce Tobacco Use  The Executive Board of the Kentucky
Council of Churches voted to adopt this resolution on May 16, 2006.
Click here
to read a statement from the KCC Executive Director. Click here
to read about the press conference that was held in Frankfort
on May 31, 2006.
Faith and Reason  Bill
Moyers on Faith & Reason, premiering Friday, June 23 at 9
p.m. on PBS (check local listings), features provocative conversations
with unique voices drawn from the group assembled at the PEN
World Voices Festival in New York: Margaret Atwood, Mary Gordon,
Martin Amis, Richard Rodriguez, and others. For more information,
click here.
News from Churches Uniting in Christ  Patrice Rosner has been named
to lead CUIC. Click here
to read more.Dr. Kemper Spoke at Statewide Rally for Working Families March 7  Thousands of Kentuckians attended a rally
on the Capital steps on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 in Frankfort,
KY to support the passage of of HB378 (without amendments). The Rev.
Dr. Nancy Jo Kemper spoke about the KCC policy statement Living and Minimum Wage that was adopted by the Annual Assembly of the
KY Council of Churches in October 2005. For additional questions
phone 502-875-3332. Click here
to read the text of her remarks. Christian Leaders Speak to Governor Fletcher about Expanded Gambling A contingent of over 35 Christian religious leaders from across the state of Kentucky, and representing the majority of churches and denominations in the Commonwealth, convened in the Capitol Rotunda at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, January 26, prior to a meeting with Governor Ernie Fletcher at 4:00 p.m. Click here for more information about the most diverse gathering of KY Christian church leaders in recent memory. Need Help With Medicare D Options, Or Know Someone Who Does? The United Methodist Association is partnering with CARxE to help you sort through choices or to become trained to help people. For more information visit http://www.carxe.org. Much Occurred During the 58th KCC Annual Assembly  The Kentucky Council of Churches
adopted policy statements about nuclear weapons, livable and minimum wage, and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Click here to read more details about the
event.Speaking of Faith
Attend Cooperative Games Training September 21  Learn Cooperative Games to take
back o your congregation and your family. A training by the Peace
Education Program will be held on September 31 from 10am until
2pm Eastern Time at 318 W. Kentucky Street in Louisville. The
cost of $55 to attend includes lunch, resources, written materials,
and hands-on training. For more information, please call (502)
589-6583.Prison Ministry Conference September 30, 2006  Please plan to attend this event
to support and increase ministry to the incarcerated. At this
event, those doing prison ministry will provide support to those
doing this ministry, communicate the importance of the ministry,
and invite the involvement of interested Christians who want
to explore beginning prison ministry. To print a registration form and view an agenda
for the event, please click here. The registration deadline is September 15.Adopt a Minefield  Your Church can adopt a minefield
and help save lives by raising funds for mine clearance and survivor
assistance. The United Nations Association of the USA urges your
congregation or judicatory to "adopt" minefields identified
by the United Nations as being in urgent need of clearance. Your
group could raise raise funds to clear your adopted minefields
and return land to productive use. Every dollar raised is forwarded
to the United Nations for mine clearance operations. Since its
official launch in March 1999, this campaign has received over
$4 million in payments, pledges, and grants for the removal of
minefields in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia,
Croatia, Mozambique and Vietnam. For more information visit http://www.landmines.org.Interfaith Alliance Honors KCC Executive Director TIA of the Blugrass has awarded the 2005 Faith and Freedom award the Rev. Dr. Nancy J. Kemper. Click here to read more. Bishop Gulick Considered for Position of ECUSA Presiding Bishop  The current presiding bishop
of the 2.2 million member Episcopal Church, Frank Griswold, is
retiring. Bishop Ted Gulick of Kentucky (shown here with one
of our EcuCampers)
is one of four nominees for the top office in the ECUSA. (Bishop
Gulick will lead a discussion about the Anglican and Roman Catholic
Dialogue at Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington on March 29,
2006). Bishop Gulick nominated one of the other three finalists
for presiding bishop whose name was announced in January, but
he didn't say which person he nominated. A search committee released
the four nominees' names on Wednesday, January 25, 2006. If elected,
Bishop Gulick would be required to leave the Kentucky diocese
and work at the church's New York headquarters. Gulick’s
current diocese includes Louisville and the central and western
parts of the state. You can read more here.
Bishop Sauls Considered for Position of ECUSA Presiding Bishop  The current presiding bishop
of the 2.2 million member Episcopal Church, Frank Griswold, is
retiring. Bishop Stacy Sauls of the Diocese of Lexington said
Tuesday March 14 that he has also agreed to be nominated for
the office of presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. (Bishop
Sauls will lead a discussion on "How We Live Togeher"
at Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington on April 12.) The Episcopal
general convention will elect a new presiding bishop to a nine-year
term in June when it meets in Columbus, Ohio. If elected, Bishop
Sauls would be required to leave the Lexington diocese and work
at the church's New York headquarters. Sauls’ current diocese
includes Eastern Kentucky. You can read more here.KY Day at National Cathedral  The National Cathedral in Washington
D.C. will lift up the Commonwealth of Kentucky by paying special
tribute to its people on May 21, 2006. Everyone from Kentucky
and those who have ties to the commonwealth from across the nation
are invited to participate in the service. Acolytes and youth
from churches and houses of worship across Kentucky are invited
to bring banners and join the opening procession. Click here
for more information.In Memory  The
Rev. William Sloane Coffin died on Wednesday, April 12 at age
81. Whether standing for Civil Rights, opposing the war in Vietnam,
or speaking on behalf of an ailing planet, Bill was a prophetic
visionary. To learn more of his legacy of faithful activism,
courage, insight, and devotion click here.Living Will Information
You're Invited to Meet With Your Legislators You may attend a forum on any or all Wednesdays
from January 18 through February 22, 2006 in the Capitol Annex
in Frankfort. The KCC is providing a free a one-hour forum each
week for church members on issues being deliberated by the Kentucky
General Assembly. Come and reflect theologically and biblically
about important public policy matters, review pending and proposed
legislation, and to interact with your legislators. Click here for more information.Minimum Wage Resources Available Online  Please click here for access to resources that
will help you plan events for "Living Wage Days" January
14-16. You will find liturgical resouces, promotional brochures,
and a nice book about liviable wage research and information.Keeping the Faith A new integrated communications project has been launched ahead of the World Council of Churches' (WCC) 9th Assembly, which will take place in February 2006 in Brazil. The project entitled, "Keeping the Faith" is looking to convey the vitality of the ecumenical movement today, and clearly reveal that the ecumenical movement is a reality for people and congregations around the world who live their lives on a daily basis. Click here for more information. 2005 Tax Breaks for Charitable Giving President Bush has signed into legislation the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act (KETRA) to aid the storm’s victims. Though many of the Act’s tax benefits are available only to those directly affected by Hurricane Katrina, new generous gifting limits for 2005 apply to any individual who gives cash to any qualified public charity between August 28 and December 31, 2005. More information about KETRA can be found in summary form at Smith Barney, and in technical detail at the Planned Giving Design Center. The new legislation opens an opportunity for charitably inclined donors to make fully deductible contributions of up to 100% of AGI, which is double the normal limit of 50%. Not only can you virtually eliminate any tax liability for 2005, you can establish or complete your long-term gifting plans to the Kentucky Council of Churches. Simplify for the Holidays To view an excellent article in the Louisville Courier-Journal, click here. Tornado Damage  At
least 88 homes sustained damage in Munfordville. The damage was
worse in the more recent tornadoes. For information about how
you can help, please click here.Be Good Stewards of God's Creation  The
Watershed Watch Program is conducting watershed assessment workshops
in many areas throughout the state. This is an excellent program
to promote using the bulletin insert that you can find here. For more information, contact
info@krww.org.What is "God's October Surprise?" Click here to find out. Faithful Advocacy Resources Event November 10
Clergy Letter Project Michael Zimmerman, Dean of the College of Letters and Sciences at the University of Wisonsin, Oshkosh, has begun a campaign called "The Clergy Letter Project" to oppose anti-evolution policies passed by school boards around the nation. Click here to learn more about this initiative. A Pastoral Concern
KCC Expresses Condolences
Caring for Bodies and Souls A one-day conference for parish nurses, clergy, denominational leaders, & others will be held Sat. June 18 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Midway College. Dr. Amy Plantinga Pauw, professor of theology at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary will give the key-note address on honoring our bodies. Nationally known experts will lead workshops on: starting a church-based health ministry; the role of the parish nurse; self-care for parish nurses; creative ideas for making health a congregational priority, and other topics. You Can Buy Electricity Produced from Renewable Sources  At
least nine electric cooperatives around the state offer a renewable
resource option. Click here
to see if yours is one of them. If your electric company does
not offer such a product, one of the options available to you
in Kentucky is the purchase of Tradable Renewable Energy Certificates
(TRCs). Click here
to learn more.Ecumenical Youth Ministry Conference  The Roman Catholic Center for Ministry Development
announces the 2005 Spirit of Youth Ministry National Conference
to be held on August 4-6 in Hartford, CT. The Conference will
introduce the results of a national study, Congregations with
Youth of Vital Faith, funded by the Lilly Endowment. The study,
conducted between 2002-2004, has identified the most important
congregational practices for helping youth mature in the Christian
faith. This is the first large-scale ecumenical study to identify
congregations that are successful in shaping the faith lives
of youth and the practices and key elements that make for exemplary
youth ministry. For more information about the conference visit the website of the Center for Ministry Development. "Congregations
with Youth of Vital Faith" involved seven ecclesial communions
in the study: Assemblies of God, Evangelical Covenant, Lutheran
(ELCA), Presbyterian Church (USA), Roman Catholic, Southern Baptist,
and United Methodist.Dr. Kemper Named to National Communications Commission  The Ecumenical Networks Standing
Committee of the National Council of Churches, representing more
than 120 state and local councils of churches and other ecumenical
organizations across the country, is making a concerted effort
to support the work of the five NCC commissions, including the
NCC Communications Commission. They have appointed two of their
number to be members of our Commission: Nancy Jo Kemper, executive
director of the Kentucky Council of Churches, is a minister of
the Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ. She
has served congregations in Ohio, Connecticut, Missouri, Illinois
and Kentucky, and was also on the staff of the Urban League of
Greater Little Rock, Arkansas. Dan Gangler, director of communications
for the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church, was previously
a national editor for the Disciples of Christ and the United
Methodist Reporter, and communications director for United Methodists
in Nebraska. He has been a longtime leader in UMAC and Religion
Communicators Council. Attend the Forums on Health Insurance The series of public forums aimed at learning more about the problems Kentuckians face with health insurance continues. Click here to learn more. Disaster Assistance Needed
Take a Stand for Children's Health Feb 8 Kentucky Youth Advocates invites you to "Children's Day at the Capitol" on February 8 from 9-3 pm ET. The event will include a legislative update, training on how to lobby effectively, and an opportunity to meet your legislators to discuss children's issues and funding. For more details contact lmcnary@kyyouth.org for more information. EcuCamp 2004 Applications for high-school students to attend
EcuCamp 2004 are now being accepted. Mark your calendars so that
youth from your church can attend EcuCamp
July 25th - July 29, 2004 at All Saints Episcopal Retreat
Center in Leitchfield, KY.How to Be Prepared for Natural Disasters  The Rev. Dr. John Kays of your KY Interchurch Disaster Recovery
Program is encouraging
all communities to form networks now, before natural or technological
disasters strike, so that relief and recovery efforts will be
more effective. KIDRP will provide the training for individual
communities. Contact John
Kays if your
church or organization would like more information about organizing
a team in your area. Click here to read Dr. Kays' latest statement
about preparedness.USDA's Summer Food Service Program for Children (SFSP) This summer, children from low-income
families in KY may be missing out on an important program that
offers free breakfasts, lunches and snacks. The SFSP feeds children
during the summer and sponsors receive federal reimbursement
from USDA. The USDA needs sponsors, including Churches and camps.
Areas eligible to operate a summer program are those in which
50% or more of the children qualify for free or reduced price
school meals. Click here
to learn how you can help.Northern Kentucky Interfaith Celebration Oct. 11  The N. KY Interfaith Commission will honor former
directors and welcome their new director, Dr. Tim Hungler at
the Florence Christian Church, 6:30 pm, October 11, 2004. There
will be a catered dinner for $10.00 a person plus live entertainment.
The public is welcome, but make reservations ASAP by calling
859 581-2237.KCC Partner Names New Interim Director WCC Decade to Overcome Violence News  The US Conference for the World
Council of Churches will be held October 5-6, 2004. This will
be the official launch of the DOV focus on the United States.
Click here to read more about how to nominate
someone from your congregation to be recognized as a peacemaker,
and much more.More Disaster Assistance Needed  Once again heavy unseasonable
rains have brought a disastrous situation to Kentucky-- this
time with several tragic deaths. The damage is centered on Stoney
Creek and its tributaries in Franklin County. Although damage
assessments are in progress, it now appears that at least 5 homes
were totally destroyed and over 50 others received major or minor
damage. A number of families are homeless. Click here to learn
more about the Franklin County situation. Click here to learn of the continuing need
for funds for your Eastern Kentucky recovery work.Eastern KY Flooding A
sizable amount of money will be needed to retore this vast area.
The area is too large for KIDRP to go in and organize in every
county. The KCC KIDRP, plus Church World Service, FEMA, the ARC
and others are working toward this end, perhaps on some kind
of regional basis. We are taking things step by step and one
community assesment has been completed. We have a firm assessment
of flood damage in Lewis County (Vanceburg). Damage was considerable,
but disaster victims can be served by rebuilding six homes that
were completely destroyed. We have teams ready to do the work,
labor-free, but the cost of materials is estimated at between
$40,000 and 50,000. We need to raise as much of that amount as
we can so we can proceed with the most severe cases and then
move on from there. Churches are currently being asked to donate
3-5 thousand each, or as much as they can so that this phase
can begin immediately. More support will be needed, but this
is the current status of our initial recovery efforts. The Rev.
Dr. John Kays of your KY Interchurch Disaster Recovery Program has submitted this report about the 2003 Eastern KY flooding.Eastern KY Flooding Update Kentucky Interchurch Disaster
Recovery Director John Kays has issued an urgent request
for funds to take the first steps in the Eastern KY disaster
recovery work. Click here
to see what you can do.Earth Stewardship Sunday  The Kentucky Council of Churches
invites and encourages all Churches in Kentucky to set aside
April 18 or April 25 as a time to uplift these concerns even
more than usual. Please click here to obtain more resources for Earth Stewardship
Sunday and for more information about how you might become more
active in caring for God's creation. Take Action to Oppose the Expansion
of Gambling in KYClick here to act on this urgent social justice issue. 2004 Local Talk Back Forum  The Kentucky Council of Churches
will be coming to Owensboro on Sunday evening, March 14, for
a forum of listening to the citizens about legislative issues
and other matters of public policy that are of concern to religious
leaders, clergy, and laity. The Listening Forum will be held
at Century Christian Church from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Click here for more details.Follow KY's 2004 Legislation The Kentucky Council of Churches will be tracking legislation that will address revenue generating systems, namely the tax structure and including the proposed tobacco tax; matters of interest to churches; capital punishment; health care reform; and legislation yet to emerge that will propose expanded gambling in the Commonwealth. Click here to follow all Kentucky Legislation. Click here to follow what the KCC staff are tracking the closest. The Crises in Appalachia  Mike Bryan, the founder of the advocacy coalition
called Appalachia First has published an open letter to President
Bush about the dire situation in Appalachia. Bryan draws ironic
links between Iraq and this impoverished portion of the U.S.
Click here
to read the entire article by Mike Bryan. Click here for ministry resources in the
aftermath of the Iraqi invasion and occupation.Attend The Wednesday Witness for Justice During the 2004 General Assembly in Frankfort, the Kentucky Council of Churches will be trying something new. Instead of our usual "Day at the Legislature," there will be multiple opportunities for witness for social justice at the Capitol, on Wednesdays. Click here to learn how to attend. Click here to follow all Kentucky Legislation. Click here to follow what the KCC staff are tracking the closest. New Coffin Documentary Now Available  A new documentary about the 2002 KCC Annual Assembly
Keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. William Sloane Coffin is now available
for sale at http://www.olddogdocumentaries.com/index.html. For half a century, Coffin
has stood as a force for progressive religion in America and
in the world. At this time when power tempts us to follow a foreign
policy based on world domination, he calls us "to listen
to our better angels."BFW KY Letter Writing Campaign  Mark the date for a Kentucky
letter writing campaign by Bread for the World. Make plans to
attend at the Newman Center at UK on February, 21, 2004. Click
here
for more information."The position of the churches against war has increased their moral standing in society"  As military actions against Iraq
began to subside, those who had opposed the military invasion
had to face the assessment - conveyed by the media and the military
victors - that it had been "successful". The World
Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr. Konrad Raiser
responds in this interview to the "critical questions" posed to
organizations like the World Council of Churches, which had a
high profile in the pro-peace movement. He also mentions the
announced "road map" to a permanent two-state solution
to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Religious Leaders Respond to President Bush's Request  As President Bush prepared for
his address to announce "the end of the Iraq war,"
more than 75 Muslim, Christian, Jewish and other religious leaders
from across the United States converged on Chicago to accept
President Bush's challenge to religious leaders to be the "voice
of conscience in this nation." The summit addressed the
humanitarian, spiritual and civil costs of war and its ramifications
here at home. On April 30, 2003 these leaders released a set
of principles to lead toward a peaceful future. Click here to read Thomas H. Jeavons reflections
on the summit, and click here
to read the entire full texts of the "Urgent Call"
and "Words of Reflection" that came of this summit.
Click here
to add your support to these statements.CORA Seeks Anti-Racism Coordinator  The
Commission on Religion in Appalachia is seeking a new staff person.
If you would like more information about their position of Dismantling
Racism Program Coordinator, please email Tena Williamson or phone 304-720-2672. The Deadline
for application is November 24, 2003.
NCC issues statement regarding Hussein's Incarceration  The National Council of Churches
of the USA urges "prosecution of Hussein in a manner consistent
with the highest accepted international standards of justice.
The cort process should focus on the abundant evidence of heinous
crimes he committed against his own people. For this, the Iraqis
themselves must play a prominent role in what should be a public
trial." Read the full Dec. 15th statement here.Interfaith Louisville Religious Leaders Urge a Compromise Over Iraq  Cliffton Kirkpatrick, John B.
Chane, Melvin Talbert, Dan Weiss, and Jim Wallis have met with
Tony Blair and proposed an alternative to escalated war against
Iraq. You can read about it and even contact President Bush about
it here.Commemorate the 1964 Civil Rights March Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice NTSB Releases Report on Passenger Van Safety RecommendationsOn July 15, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report regarding two crashes involving 15 passenger vans that were operated by church groups. Both vans had just passed their safety inspections, but the crash investigations found both vans had bad tires. Read more about the warnings of which users of Church vans should be aware. World Council Names New General Secretary Kennedy and Gandhi will present at
Fesitval of Faiths Death Penalty Awareness  Amnesty
International's National Weekend of Faith in Action on the Death
Penalty (NWFA) is an annual project of the Program to Abolish
the Death Penalty. It takes place the second weekend in October
and seeks to bring together two important approaches to social
justice -- that of human rights and that of faith-based community
action. Click here
to learn what you can do locally October 10-12, 2003.ICMN to Hold Regional Conference in Louisville in Oct. 2003 KCC Supreme Governing Body Met in Oct. 2003  The 56th Annual
Assembly
of the Kentucky Council of Churches will be held at Union Church
in Berea on October 23 - 24, 2003 with the theme of “Thy
Kingdom Come.” Click HERE to learn more. Click here for a copy of the 2003 registration form. Click here for a description
of the 2003 accomodations. Click here for a promotional
flyer about the 2003 Annual Assembly.The Changing Face of Christianity  The Center for the Study of Global
Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has determined
that independent Christian Groups comprised 1.5% of the world
Christian population in 1900, but comprised 18.3% in 2000. Orthodox
Christian made up 22.1% in 1900 but only 10.2% in 2000. Protestants
dropped from 19.6 to 16.2% and Anglicans dropped from 5.8 to
3.8% over the same time. Roman Catholics dropped slightly from
50.8% of the world Christian population in 1900 to 50.2% in 2000.
The online World Christian Database includes detailed information
on 34,000 Christian denominations and on religions in every country
of the world. Extensive data is available on 238 countries and
13,000 ethnolinguistic peoples, as well as data on 7,000 cities
and 3,000 provinces. They also have detailed data about the fastest growing denominations, Christian group populations by region, and much more. Visit http://www.worldchristiandatabase.org/wcd/default.aspfor more information. Bread for the World KY Event Lexington Theological Seminary will host a potluck
Supper & Discussion With Larry Hollar, Regional Organizer
for Bread for the World on Wednesday October 8. Dinner in the
Fellowship Hall will be 5:30-6:30 pm with the meeting to follow
from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Click here for more information.
2004 Week of Prayer Resources Now Available  Resources
and order forms for the 2004 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
(WPCU) are now available from www.atonementfriars.org at http://www.geii.org/2004WPCU/index2.html. Resources on the website that
may be printed out in black and white include a brief history
of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity; an ecumenical celebration
of the word of God; an exegetical reflection on the Scriptural
theme; a daily Scripture and prayer guide; homily notes; music
suggestions; sample pulpit and bulletin announcements; a press
release; and other suggestions for promoting and observing the
WPCU (traditionally January 18-25), Ecumenical Sunday (within
the WPCU), and the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday.
Jesus Scholars Present Free KY Event  “The Search for Jesus”
will be the focus of Lexington's Transylvania University Lilly
Lectures on Oct. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in Haggin Auditorium. The
lectures, free and open to the public, will feature noted biblical
scholars Marcus Borg and Paula Fredriksen.
September 11, Two Years Later  On
September 7 and 8, 2003 the Cathedral Heritage Foundation, in
cooperation with the Kentucky Council of Churches, will present
a unique series of events related to September 11, 2001 and its
spiritual aftermath. The Louisville events will be built around
a presentation of Helen Whitney's documentary film "Faith
and Doubt at Ground Zero" which was produced for the PBS
Frontline documentary series and debuted on the one-year anniversary
of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Read more about how you can participate in these events
about distortions of religions. All programs are free and open
to the public.
WCC Seeks Interns  The World Council of Churches
is looking for six young people (aged 18-30) to serve as interns
in its Geneva offices from September 2003 to September 2004.
These persons should be committed to the ideals of the ecumenical
movement and willing to bring their energy, commitment, and fresh
vision to a concentrated and specific work assignment. Call 212-870-3193;
e-mail lsm@wcc-coe.org; website: www.ecumenismnow.org.
Help Reduce HIV/AIDS-related Stigma and Discrimination  Churches
and community groups across the United States are invited to
"make a poster, make a statement and make a difference!"
by participating in an ecumenical poster competition focused
on fighting HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination. An initial
selection of posters will be displayed on December 1, 2003, World
AIDS Day, at the United Nations in New York City. A final selection
will be announced and displayed during Ecumenical Advocacy Days
for Global Peace with Justice, March 5-8, 2004, in Washington,
D.C.Click here
to learn more about how your church or organization can participate.March on Washington Martin Luther King, III will lead a coalition of labor, peace, justice, and human rights organizations to mark the 40th anniversary of the historic March on Washington, August 22nd and 23rd. USDA's Summer Food Service Program for Children (SFSP) This summer, children from low-income families in KY may be missing out on an important program that offers free breakfasts, lunches and snacks. The SFSP feeds children during the summer and sponsors receive federal reimbursement from USDA. The USDA needs sponsors, including Churches and camps. Areas eligible to operate a summer program are those in which 50% or more of the children qualify for free or reduced price school meals. Click here to learn how you can help. Sustaining Urban Pastoral Excellence  Boston University School of Theology’s
Sustaining Urban Pastoral Excellence program invites Christian
pastors from across America to form partnerships of four pastors
each within their particular urban contexts; to define together
a question, problem, or issue related to urban pastoral ministry;
and to participate together in a six-month program of study,
reflection, and spiritual formation. Click here to learn more about the progarm
and its compensated leave opportunities.Ecumenical Bible School Eight churches held a weekend VBS, June 27-29, and set an example (and provide a working model) for the rest of us. Click here to learn of Rev. Laura Huckleberry's experience with this ecumenical Vacation Bible School. The Pope Names Second Bishop of Lexington  The Kentucky Council of Churches
is pleased to welcome Monsignor Ronald W. Gainer as the new Bishop
of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky.
Faces of Faith in America  The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass is sponsoring
a celebration of faith in Lexington July 1, 2003. The event will
feature a youth choir, a food fair, art, entertainers, a photo
exhibit, and public speakers. Click here for more information. Click
here
to download a flier about the event and youth choir information.
Click here to request additional information
via e-mail.Doing Our Part for the Health of Creation
The Role of Religion in the African American Experience on KET  This Far by Faith: African-American
Spiritual Journeys
examines the African-American religious experience. From the
arrival of the early African slaves through the Civil War, Reconstruction,
Jim Crow, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights era and into
the 21st century, this new documentary explores the connections
between faith and the development of African-American cultural
values. Narrated by Lorraine Toussaint, the series airs Tuesday
through Thursday, June 24-26 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET2. Two one-hour
episodes are presented each night. Click here for more information.Community Ecumenical Services Announced Click here to see a list of the services that have been announced upon the beginning of this war. Respond TOGETHER to this War  Please click here for access to worship resources
and to learn more about how Churches in KY can respond to the
President's most recent announcement. It is vital that we coordinate our community ministry with
one another. Restraint Urged Regarding War with Iraq  A resolution
on the question of war against Iraq was adopted unanimously on
October 18, 2002, by the delegates and officers of the Kentucky
Council of Churches, meeting in their 55th Assembly. The resolution
calls the U.S. to restraint in the use of military force and
to pursue all diplomatic means. It calls on church members to
pray for peace, study the issues, and express their opinions
to elected officials. You may also view a New York Times ad about
this issue by clicking here.Welcome and Farewell  Changes are a part of ministry.
We honor and thank the members of our Executive Board who are
moving on, and we wish to extend a warm welcome to those who
now join our Board. We welcome CME Bishop E. Lynn Brown. We will miss former CME Bishop
Nathaniel
L. Linsey. We
welcome Roman Catholic Bishop Roger J. Foys. We will miss former Roman Catholic
Bishop Robert
Muench. We welcome
CC(DoC) General Minister Janet
Ehrmantraut.
We will miss former CC(DoC) General Minister Guy Waldrop. We welcome Vincent Senior, but we will miss Jane Chiles.Heat Your Water With Solar Power The Kentucky Solar Partnership and Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest are hosting a 2-day workshop covering topics such as sizing, designing and installing solar water heating systems applicable to Kentucky's climate. Remember to Vote in the Primary Election May 20 Please click here for a list of the candidates for the office of governor and links to information about where they stand on important issues. Receding Violence, Reseeding the Earth  The Catholic Committee of Appalachia
in conjuction with Berea College presents a conference on RECEDING
VIOLENCE... RESEEDING THE EARTH, April 25-26, 2003, with sisters
Marya Grathwohl and Helen Prejan at Berea College, Berea Kentucky.CLOUT Seeks Louisville Organizer Seminary Suspends Classes to Discuss Iraq Situation You Can Respond to Eastern KY Floods Sustaining Urban Pastoral Excellence Compensation Offered Third EcuCamp Was a Success DATE CHANGE: Day at the Legislature Abbey of Gethsemani Featured on KET Stop Killing Kids 55th Annual Assembly  The
Annual Assembly of your Kentucky Council of Churches will begin
at Pax Christi Catholic
Church in Lexington, KY On October 17. Thursday's Keynote Speaker
will be Brother Jeffery Gros, Associate Director of the Secretariat
for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the U.S. Conference
of Catholic Bishops. Friday's keynote speaker will be Dr.
David Cortright,
President of the Fourth Freedom Forum, and visiting faculty fellow
at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies
at the University of Notre Dame.
Our Special Guest
Preacher will be The Rev. Bertrice Wood, Director of Churches
Uniting in Christ.KCC Executive to Present Resolution on Iraq at Assembly  The Executive Board of the Kentucky Council of Churches, meeting on Tuesday, September 10th, issued to the media a three-point statement regarding U.S. foreign policy toward Iraq and the potential attack on that nation for the purpose of deposing Saddam Hussein. The statement urges restraint by the United States government; encourages churches to engage in study and dialogue about Iraq, its recent history, and the issues involved in the current crisis; and recommends that churches and church members convey their concerns to their Congressional representatives. The Executive Board appointed a task force to prepare a resolution for the Annual Assembly. Did the Bible foretell regime change in Iraq? Did God establish Israel's boundaries millennia ago? Is the United Nations a forerunner of a satanic world order? Paul S. Boyer, a professor emeritus of history at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and currently a visiting professor of history at the College of William and Mary, is the author of When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Belief in Modern American Culture (Harvard University Press, 1992) and answers these questions in a brief article here. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Resources Are Now Available Online Faith-Based Response to Appalachian Mountain Top Removal December 10, 2002 Ecumenical event at Bellarmine October 22, 2002 World Council Event in Louisville KCC Executive Board to Present Resolution on Iraq at 2002 Assembly New KY Church Leaders Welcomed End Nuclear Threat You Can Recieve Legislative Updates You Can Respond to Eastern KY Floods Annual Assembly Information Available EcuCamp 2002 Was a Success Wisconsin Council Seeks Executive Director You Can Make a Difference  All Members of the Kentucky Churches can now receive educational legislative updates via e-mail. It is now even easier for Kentucky churches and church leaders to be apprised of what is going on in the Kentucky Legislature. You can sign-up today for this new tool that will enhance your ministries and witness to society. Information bulletins will serve a variety of purposes. These e-mail messages will provide: Current Legislative Information, notices of events of interest to churches and church people, and Other Information useful to Kentucky churches, such as demographic data. The names of your specific legislators and information about how to contact them will be embedded in each e-mail message you receive. |
   
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The Kentucky Council of Churches
and the Central Kentucky Jewish Federation worked together to
co-sponor this event (entitled "Religion and the Environment:
How do we work together to survive?") as a part of the 20
Days for Peace and Justice in celebration of the 26th anniversary
of the Central Kentucky Council for Peace and Justice. The event
was held from 7:00-9:00 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2008 in the
fellowship hall of Lexington Theological Seminary. Please plan
to attend this annual interfaith event again next year.
The
14th annual Festival has as its central theme "Sacred Water:
Sustaining Life". There are more than 30 engaging events
exploring the roles of water within various faith traditions,
and how those roles inspire us to act. This theme dovetails with
the theme of the recent annual assembly of the Kentucky Council
of Churches, "The creation waits with eager longing,"
that focused on faith, ethics and creation care.
Donated cell phones are sold to a company
that recycles them. The money that they get for the phones is
used to purchase calling cards that they send to soldiers outside
the US. Learn more at http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/
Click
Lucy
Arthur-Paratley
Make
plans now to attend a clergy training event, "Understanding
the Special Needs of Returning Service Members" Wednesday,
June 11, 8am-Noon at 2250 Leestown Road in the Building 4 auditorium.
The keynote speaker, Michael McCoy is the president of the Military
Chaplains Association. Park behind building 4, and confirm your
attendance before June 6th by calling 859-233-4511, ext.3150.
Saturday, October 25 form 10am
- 3:30pm one of the most celebrated theologians of our day, offers
us a unique interweaving of intense reflection, vivid and painfully
personal stories and sheer celebration of the giving of God.
To print a flier to share, please click 
A recent CUIC 
Listen to the full radio interviews (and
visit the website to hear clips of the interview that were not
played on the air) with Joan Brown Campbell and Thomas Hoyt.
Click 
We invite you to commit to “A
Season of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East.” This call
for prayer represents an initiative that includes the support
of The Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Rev. Bob Edgar,
Dr. Sayyid Syeed, Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, and Rabbi Michael Lerner.
For information and resources, including worship resources, prayers,
litanies, and hymns from all of these different faith groups,
go to 
On November 10 and 11, 2005, the Kentucky
Historical Society will host "This Is Home Now: A Symposium
on Kentucky's Holocaust Survivors," at the Lexington History
Museum. Click 
Gain a better understanding of the Lexington
and Louisville Living Wage Campaigns - Where we've been. Where
we're headed. How we'll get there. Get an overview the National
Living Wage Movement with Jen Kern, National ACORN Living Wage
Resource Center. Learn to implemenbt the elements of a campaign
such as strategic planning, coalition building, mobilization
(including public actions and lobbying), media interface, the
importance of research, etc. Register for the event using the
form that appears at http://kyjwj.org/livingwage/RegForm.doc.
Tsunami Resources Online
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