The Circle of Compassion7/30/2024 celebrating churches, partnering for the future In the last week, Super Typhoon Gaemi wreaked havoc across the Philippines, Taiwan, and China. Conflict in the Middle East persists, exacerbating the plight of thousands. Currently, wildfires rage in California as firefighters battle to curb them. Numerous disasters worldwide, both human-made and natural, impact countless communities. The crucial task of responding to these communities, embodied in the mission of Week of Compassion, remains as vital now as ever, with its enduring importance only increasing into the future. Responding to presently impacted communities is critical, while also looking to and preparing for the future. Knowing that disasters will continue to impact lives, Disciples prepare now for the compassionate response that will be needed in the years and decades to come.  One way many Disciples congregations are working with Week of Compassion to prepare for the future is through the Circle of Compassion. The term 'circle of compassion' was inspired by an African pastor who spoke about compassion moving as a circle. Sometimes we give, and at other times we receive - but most of the time we cannot tell the difference. We are blessed in both the receiving and the giving, and so the circle continues. The Circle of Compassion is for churches that establish a named fund of $10,000 within the Week of Compassion Endowment Fund, giving above and beyond their regular special offering each year. As annual distributions from the endowment are received, Disciples congregations who join the Circle of Compassion strengthen the work and witness of Week of Compassion for generations to come. Circle of Compassion support frees up designated dollars to support acts of compassion during times of disaster, displacement, and enduring need.  Just this month, in the midst of Week of Compassion’s 80th Anniversary year, First Christian Church of Sacramento CA became the 80th congregation to join the Circle of Compassion. First Christian is a community that recently re-ignited some of their refugee and immigration work by supporting Afghan evacuees. Through a Disciples connection who had been volunteering with language classes, an Afghan woman and her family connected with the church. Through a Week of Compassion Refugee Response Grant, the church has been able to support the family with food assistance, rental support, and guidance for employment. The church also volunteered through Week of Compassion in response to the Paradise Fires several years ago in northern California; the community is all too familiar with the regular and increasing threat of wildfires nearby. Receiving support for their ministry, and assistance to serve the wider community, inspired the church to create a lasting impact – the receiving and giving of the circle of compassion.  Circle of Compassion churches join in work and witness, proclaiming that Disciples will continue to share compassion to communities in need for the next 80 years and beyond. What an honor and celebration! Week of Compassion’s mission is timely and relevant: disasters happen with greater frequency and severity; there are more displaced people living in the world than at any other time; those who live in poverty are faced with even greater challenges in a changing climate; and communities are beginning to recover from the impact of a global pandemic. The work of Week of Compassion – supporting families recovering after disaster, caring for refugees eager for safe and healthy opportunity, and empowering vulnerable communities working toward sustainable futures – is only possible because congregations choose to make Week of Compassion a lasting mission priority. The Circle of Compassion ensures Week of Compassion can respond to meet urgent needs now, while also planning ahead for the future and supporting ongoing development programs that empower communities to thrive. To learn more about the Circle of Compassion and how to join, and to see a full listing of Circle of Compassion churches, visit our website. For more information about the Circle of Compassion or about ways to give to Week of Compassion, contact Rev. Courtney Richards, Communications and Development Manager. Comments are closed.
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