We finally have come to understand that we cannot be an inclusive church unless all people, regardless of their disability, color of their skin, or national origin are welcome in Christ's Church. Let us give thanks for our individual uniqueness and for Christ who binds Christians together as different pieces of cloth are brought together to make a quilt. - The Rev. Virginia Kreyer, Mother of the Disabilities Ministries Movement in the United Church of Christ.

This scholarship seeks to honor the ministry and person of the Reverend Virginia Kreyer and to celebrate her distinguished career in ministry and service as the foremother of the Disabilities Ministries Movement in the United Church of Christ. Your gift to this endowed scholarship fund will help prepare persons with disabilities who are called to authorized ministries in the United Church of Christ. Thank you for your commitment to a church that affirms all persons to whom God has given the gifts and graces for authorized ministry.  

The Kreyer Scholar is for a person with a disability who is a member of a United Church of Christ congregation and in a discernment process with the local church and the Committee on Ministry.

1. Is a person with a disability who is a member of a United Church of  Christ congregation and in a discernment process with the local church and the Committee on Ministry;
2. Is enrolled in a UCC related program including but not limited to a  traditional master of divinity program in a theological seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (with preference given to students attending UCC, closely and historically related seminaries);

Is enrolled in a UCC regional lay ministry program of study leading to authorization; or

Is engaged in a program approved by the association or conference Committee on Ministry in which a student covenants with a mentor for a specific program of study;

3. Demonstrates academic and practical competency in ministry as outlined by The Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministers of the United Church of Christ or as determined by the member in discernment, his/her local church, and Committee On Ministry such as through leadership skills and abilities, and through other evaluative processes yet to be determined;

4. Is a person committed to the mission and ministry of the United Church of Christ and who will covenant to serve for the first three years as an authorized minister of the United Church of Christ or partner denomination in settings duly recognized by a United Church of Christ association or conference;

5. Is an exemplary scholar demonstrating greater than satisfactory work according to the grading system of the particular program of study; and

6. Is a justice advocate of the full inclusion of persons with disabilities and is striving to provide leadership in the church and in the world.

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More Information

Who is Virginia Kreyer?

The Work and Goals of the United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries