Monday, May 25, 2009

Missionary Available for Church Events in Fall 2009

John Campbell-Nelson, our Global Ministries Missionary Partner serving in Indonesia, will be visiting congregations in the Iowa Conference of UCC & the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest this fall.

We’re seeking churches interested in hosting John for large & small events. John will be here September 6 – October 30, 2009(Note: All Sundays are already scheduled).

John would love to visit your congregation! Invite him to…


  • Participate in a special mission event. Give John time to share his stories.
  • Attend informal gatherings in a church member’s home on a weeknight, for lunch, or breakfast. Large groups aren’t necessary. Remember, “When two or more are gathered….
  • Participate in a local mission/outreach project. Afterwards, John can make connections with his experiences in Indonesia.
  • Attend & speak at city, cluster, or association ministerial meetings.
  • Meet with church groups/task forces.

John would also like to speak to ecumenical, community, or campus groups that would be interested in the democratization process in Indonesia, post-conflict trauma/reconciliation issues or Christian-Muslim issues.



A Brief Introduction to John


John has been a missionary serving in Indonesia for 28 years. He is appointed by the Common Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. Global Ministries is committed to a ministry of Critical Presence where we meet in a timely and appropriate manner God's people and creation at the point of deepest need: spiritually, physically, emotionally, and/or economically.


In Indonesia John serves with the Evangelical Christian Church of West Timor. He serves as staff support for the Synod’s Theological Commission and Synod programs on lay leadership development, in-service training, and continuing education for clergy and the Diaconal Commission. He also serves as a consultant to several other partner institutions in the area, including the Christian Church of Sumba, Protestant Church of East Timor and Eastern Indonesia Theological Seminary in Makassar. John enjoys sharing the stories of his life in mission in Indonesia. He can help your congregation learn about Indonesia and issues facing the people of that nation.


John is a member of Robbins Memorial Congregational Church UCC in Greenfield, MA. He was ordained by the Riverside Presbytery. John is married to Karen Campbell-Nelson. Their children are Katherine, age 26, and Samuel, age 23. Katherine and Samuel will not be traveling with John. Karen has other employment in Indonesia and our understanding at this time is that she will not be traveling with him


John is a warm and easy going person. For a rewarding experience, consider inviting him to your congregation and hosting him in home. Having missionaries visit your church can be an exciting opportunity to educate your congregation about global mission through Global Ministries.



When John Visits You….


  • Missionaries interpret our churches’ participation in God’s mission, which is made possible by Disciples Mission Fund and Our Church’s Wider Mission (UCC). They do not come as fund-raisers for their particular projects

  • Hosting churches are responsible for housing and meals while the John is with them. Although John will have his own transportation, congregations will also be asked to donate, as they’re able, to defray other expenses. These expenses include gasoline, some meals and overnight accommodations when they are not with a specific congregation.


A Brief Introduction to John


John has been a missionary serving in Indonesia for 28 years. He is appointed by the Common Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. Global Ministries is committed to a ministry of Critical Presence where we meet in a timely and appropriate manner God's people and creation at the point of deepest need: spiritually, physically, emotionally, and/or economically.


In Indonesia John serves with the Evangelical Christian Church of West Timor. He serves as staff support for the Synod’s Theological Commission and Synod programs on lay leadership development, in-service training, and continuing education for clergy and the Diaconal Commission. He also serves as a consultant to several other partner institutions in the area, including the Christian Church of Sumba, Protestant Church of East Timor and Eastern Indonesia Theological Seminary in Makassar. John enjoys sharing the stories of his life in mission in Indonesia. He can help your congregation learn about Indonesia and issues facing the people of that nation.


John is a member of Robbins Memorial Congregational Church UCC in Greenfield, MA. He was ordained by the Riverside Presbytery. John is married to Karen Campbell-Nelson. Their children are Katherine, age 26, and Samuel, age 23. Katherine and Samuel will not be traveling with John. Karen has other employment in Indonesia and our understanding at this time is that she will not be traveling with him


John is a warm and easy going person. For a rewarding experience, consider inviting him to your congregation and hosting him in home. Having missionaries visit your church can be an exciting opportunity to educate your congregation about global mission through Global Ministries.

If you are interested in hosting John please contact,

Hal & Donna Rusk

2108 46th St, Des Moines 50310

Phone (515) 277-7574 cell (515) 321-6972

Email: h.rusk@mchsi.com

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Power and Boundary Training Available in Minnesota

This training is offered on three different dates in three different regions of Minnesota. All sessions are from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Lunch and materials are included.
  • Thursday, October 8th 2009 - Fergus Falls, MN
  • Thursday, October 22nd 2009 - Hinckley, MN
  • Thursday, November 5th 2009 - Lakeville, MN
For more information or to register contact Aundrea Billings at aundrea.billings@mnchurches.org or 612-230-3236 or visit www.mnchurches.org

Spirit of Joy Celebrates 10 Years

From Jan and Joy Linn, the Co-Pastors of Spirit of Joy Christian Church in Lakeville, MN:


We are writing to invite you to share with us in the joy of our 10th Anniversary celebration June 13-14. The Saturday and Sunday schedule is below. Please feel free to join us for all of the events or any part you can attend. We want to call special attention to the fact that Dr. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, will be our guest speaker for the Sunday School hour and morning worship.

Thank you for being supportive of us when we came here to establish Spirit of Joy. This celebration is not only special for us, but salutes all the Disciples congregations in Minnesota for their own ministry and the many ways they have made Spirit of Joy possible.

We realize that you may not be able to join us for Sunday morning services, but we hope you will share this invitation with your congregations and that you will try to participate in our Saturday events.



Sincerely,


Joy and Jan Linn
Co-Pastors
Spirit of Joy

Calendar of Events
:

Saturday
  • - 10:30 Golf Tournament (please email us if you want to play: spiritofjoy@charterinternet.com )
  • - 3:00 Picnic at Antler’s Park in Lakeville, with supper & entertainment by the Razzle Dazzle Rock ‘n Roll Spirit Band. During this time there will be an opportunity for former members and others to bring greetings.

Sunday

  • - 8:45 Breakfast
  • 9:30 Sunday School - Dr. Michael Kinnamon speaking
  • 10:30 Worship – Dr. Kinnamon preaching
  • 12:00 Picnic luncheon

Monday, April 13, 2009

News Story on College Avenue Christian Church

KCCI-TV from Des Moines reported on the vandalism that occurred at College Avenue Christian in Des Moines. You can view the news story by going to the following link: http://www.kcci.com/video/19165717/

Thanks to Dan Adolphson, a licensed minister in Minneapolis for the tip.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Prayers for College Ave. Christian- Des Moines

Dear Upper Midwest DOC community,

I just took a call from Sue Woods, pastor at College Ave in Des Moines Ave. They arrived to church on Easter morning to find that their building had been damaged and words written upon the walls. They have cleaned up most of it but they still could use our prayers. Two local news station will be running a story on it Sunday night. I will put that link up when it comes out. Sue's word to me were that although they were disappointed in the behavior they understand how people are hurting in todays world and they will still remain open to all people who might find a little hope at College Ave -- Even those who might have caused this damage.

Stay tune for the next update...

Bill Spangler Dunning
Lead Transisitional Regional Minister
Christian Church in the Upper Midwest

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Good Friday at Cedar Christian Church

God continues to do wonderful things with us. The most recent manifestation might well have been all the efforts by so many that helped the members of Cedar Christian Church, Cedar Rapids IA worship in the sanctuary for the first time since the Flood. Many gathered with them on Good Friday.

Happy Easter to all.

Bill Spangler Dunning
Lead Transitional Regional Minister
Christian Church in the Upper Midwest

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Workshop on Vocational Reflection and Concert with Carrie Newcome

Performer and song-writer, Carrie Newcomer, who will be performing at this summer's General Assembly in Indianapolis, will be leading a workshop on vocational reflection entitled "Soul's Great Joy Meets the World's Deep Needs: Exploring, Vocation, Calling, and Authentic Work" at Central Christian Church in Marshalltown, IA on April 4 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

This workshop explores the idea that our lives are more than our work, and our work is more than our jobs. Carrie welcomes anyone who is looking to pursue work with purpose and heart. This workshop introduces writing, Quaker clearness method, discussion and other tools.

Cost is $30 in advance per person with lunch included.

Tickets are available by mail or in person. By mail - please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope or send payment and tickets will be held at the door in your name on the morning of the workshop:

Central Christian Church
300 West Main Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
641-753-3129
chalice@centraldoc.org
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

On the same day, April 4, Carrie will perform in concert at 7:30 pm at Miller Middle School, 125 South 11th Street, in Marshalltown. Tickets for the concert are only $15 in advance and can also be obtained from Central Christian.

Questions? Contact Janet Lott jalott@isunet.net or call the church.