Disciples Together

Missionary Available for Church Events in Fall 2009

2009-05-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Hal & Donna Rusk

2108 46^th St, Des Moines 50310

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

Email: h.rusk@mchsi.com

Power and Boundary Training Available in Minnesota

2009-05-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

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

News Story on College Avenue Christian Church

2009-04-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Prayers for College Ave. Christian- Des Moines

2009-04-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

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

Good Friday at Cedar Christian Church

2009-04-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

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

Workshop on Vocational Reflection and Concert with Carrie Newcome

2009-03-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

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.

The Gospel According to Mark: The Story of Jesus

2009-03-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

Robbinsdale United Church of Christ (Robbinsdale, MN) invites all to come for a FREE performance of THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK: THE STORY OF JESUS on Friday, April 3rd at 7:00pm. Performers from Robbinsdale UCC will be reading the Gospel from beginning to end as a way to mediate on the life and ministry of Jesus and prepare our souls for the dramatic journey of Holy Week. All are welcome. We are and Open and Affirming, Peace with Justice, and Accessible to All Congregation. See the linked flyer for more information or visit us on the web.

Navigating the Great Recession at Luther Seminary

2009-03-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Now more than ever, communities of faith have an opportunity to heed the call of leadership and in turn offer hope and guidance. On April 25, Luther Seminary and Share Save Spend will team up to present Navigating the Great Recession: Financial Leadership in Your Congregation & Community. The one-day conference will help congregations and their communities better understand the core issues related to the economic crisis and in turn develop a strategy and an action plan for how they can help people (youth and adults) navigate these uncharted waters.

Plenary presentations-led by Nathan Dungan, founder and president, Share Save Spend; and David Lose, The Marbury E. Anderson Professor of Biblical Preaching, Luther Seminary-will take an up-front approach to what individuals are facing in today's economic climate, then help congregation and community leaders understand what they can do to reach out and be proactive in times of significant need.

Attendees will also participate in small-group conversations and workshops led by experts in their respective fields. Workshop topics include: Preaching in Times of Economic Crisis, Working with Youth and Their Families in Times of Financial Stress, Financial Stewardship Ministries: How to Start Them and Why They Work and Navigating Troubled Waters with the Unemployed.

Congregational leaders, pastors, youth directors, stewardship chairs and anyone interested in leading their congregations and communities through this economic crisis will benefit from participating in Navigating the Great Recession. Cost for the event is $25 per person or $20 when two more people from the same congregation register at the same time. Lunch is included. For more information or to register, visit the Luther website or call 651-641-3416.

The mission of Share Save Spend is to help youth and adults achieve Financial Sanity™ by developing and maintaining healthy money habits. Learn more about Nathan Dungan at www.sharesavespend.com.

Mission: Possible! Junior & Chi Rho Retreats

2009-01-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

Calling all Upper Midwest Secret Agents in grades 3-5 and grades 6-8 - We have a mission for you, should you choose to accept it! Last summer Eastern Iowa was devastated by floods and we are going to do our part to make life a little better for flood victims. All secret agents will be assigned missions to complete. The Chi Rho retreat will also feature a trip to the flood zone. Junior Secret Agents should report to Mission: Possible Headquarters (Christian Conference Center) from April 24-26. Chi Rho Secret Agents should report to Mission: Possible Headquarters May 1-3. To indicated your acceptance of this mission please fill out the registration forms available at www.uppermidwestcc.org.

CPE Residency Positions in Twin Cities

2009-01-21T15:42:00.000-08:00

CPE Residency Positions
Allina CPE Center, Twin Cities, Minnesota

Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis

United Hospital, St. Paul

Nine and twelve month Chaplain Resident positions beginning September 8, 2009.

The United Hospital residency program (9/8/2009 – 6/4/2010) includes three units of ACPE accredited clinical pastoral education, and the Abbott Northwestern program (9/8/2009 - 9/6/2010) includes four units of ACPE accredited clinical pastoral education.

The residency programs offer advanced, specialized training in clinical pastoral care, emphasizing spiritual/theological integration, ethical reflection, and pastoral leadership. Residents experience clinical assignments that provide in-depth exposure to specialty areas, enabling each student to become an integral part of the health care team. Benefits include Allina health, dental and PTO (vacation/sick time/holidays). The Resident stipend is $26,300 for 12 months / $19,700 for 9 months.

For program information and application please visit our website at www.allina.com/ahs/cpe.nsf or contact us at (612) 863-4370.

Watkins challenges Obama, elected leaders to uphold 'ethical center'

2009-01-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

From DisciplesWorld:

By Verity A. Jones, DisciplesWorld editor and publisher

WASHINGTON, D.C. (1/21/09) — Sharon E. Watkins, general minister and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), urged newly inaugurated President Barack Obama to “hold the ground” of his ethical center and the nation’s deepest values, in her sermon at the inaugural prayer service today.

President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, along with their spouses, listened from the front row of the National Cathedral where the service was held. After acknowledging the grandeur of the inaugural festivities, including “dancing ‘till dawn” at 10 inaugural balls the previous night, Watkins said, “Beyond this moment of high hopes, we need you to stay focused on our shared hopes, so that we can continue to hope, too.”

Watkins called Obama and all the Congressional and administration leaders present to lead the nation down paths that pursue justice and liberty for all, including America’s global neighbors.

At a time when national security is heightened and international threats loom large, Watkins said, “Someone has to stand watch and be ready to defend, and Mr. President — Tag! You’re it!”

Continue reading...

"Harmonies of Liberty"

2009-01-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, the Rev. Sharon Watkins the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) gave the sermon at today’s Prayer Service at the National Cathedral. A transcript of her sermon, “The Harmonies of Liberty” is available by going to www.disciples. org.

An Appeal for Volunteers in Iowa

2009-01-15T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Floods of 2008 brought destruction to Eastern Iowa. For those of us not affected, the thoughts of those dealing with the after affects of the floods receded as the flood waters receded.

But the recover process is still going on and there is a need for volunteers. The Christian Church in the Upper Midwest along with Disciple congregations in Eastern Iowa have made two videos to explain the depth of the situation in Iowa and how congregations in the Upper Midwest and across the nation can help.

The first video is called "Help Iowans Recover from 2008 Floods."

The second is geared especially towards college age students, inviting them down to Iowa for an "Alternative Spring Break." It focuses on the recovery efforts taking place at Cedar Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, IA. The church building sustained major damage with 8 feet of water entering the building.

If you or your congregation are interested in participating in the work teams, please contact Disciples Volunteering at (317) 289-5061.

Lexington seminary declares financial emergency

2009-01-15T09:56:00.000-08:00

From the Louisville Carrier-Journal:

Lexington Theological Seminary has declared a financial emergency due to a "tsunami of economic disasters," and it plans to cut staff and reorganize to ensure survival after nearly a century and a half of operation.

The school, the oldest denominational seminary in the Indianapolis-based Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), started the school year with 120 students and took the emergency measures after seeing its endowment shrink from $25 million to $16 million since July 2007.

"Though this is a painful process, it does provide an opportunity for the seminary to sort of re-imagine and reinvent itself at a time when it's absolutely essential for the future of this kind of education," President Jim Johnson said today.

Johnson said he's still studying how many positions the seminary will cut, but layoffs are essential for the school to stop spending out of the endowment principal.

The seminary has 10 full-time professors and 21 other full-time staff members, plus part-time instructors.

By declaring a financial emergency — an official declaration that the seminary's survival is at stake — the seminary board of trustees authorizes the seminary to cut tenured faculty positions.

Johnson said many of the Lexington seminary's plans are still in flux because of the sudden impact of a "tsunami of economic disasters that we have not seen in our lifetimes."

"It's hard for people who don't live in this kind of institutional environment to understand how fast this occurred" during last fall's global financial meltdown, he added. "It was 30 days and just devastation, and it's really hard to respond."

He said the seminary would "look different, act differently and be better positioned to serve students and congregations when we come out of this."

The seminary will now emphasize practical training for clergy in areas such as financial management, conflict resolution and the use of technology, Johnson said, rather than its current emphasis on theology and Biblical studies, though that still will be part of the curriculum.

Also, while the seminary traditionally required students to spend three years as a residential full-time student, it expects to offer more flexible scheduling and online courses, Johnson said.

The board asked professors to report this fall with ideas for a smaller but reinvented format. Some of the staff cuts, however, will take place sooner, Johnson said.

Lexington's is the latest of several seminaries to retrench nationwide, particularly in the wake of fall's financial meltdown. Colleges and universities also have suffered.

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, one of the nation's largest seminaries, is reviewing ways to plug a deficit of as high as $3 million this year. It recently launched a study of the future of its School of Church Music and Worship.

Another large school, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas, also announced cuts last month.

Salt Lake Theological Seminary, a small evangelical school in Utah, has announced it will close.

Even before the 2008 meltdown, many seminaries have struggled.

Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, an Episcopal school in Illinois, stopped admitting students last year, while Episcopal Divinity School in Massachusetts sold seven buildings to stabilize finances.

Union Theological Seminary in New York City leased out three buildings and transferred its library to neighboring Columbia University.

Seminaries rely heavily on endowments and usually have to cut jobs to cope with deficits because most of their costs are in salaries, according to Eliza Smith Brown, spokeswoman for the Association of Theological Schools. And financially strapped donors also may be giving less, she said.

Also, many seminaries already were low on reserves and even running deficits before the meltdown, Smith said.

Mary Jeanne Schumacher, spokeswoman for St. Meinrad Theological School in Southern Indiana, the nearest Catholic seminary for many in Kentucky and Indiana, said the school plans no cuts but is watching expenses closely.

Calls to two other Kentucky seminaries, Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore and the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, were not immediately returned today.

Lexington Theological Seminary traces its roots to 1865 when it was known as the College of the Bible, part of what later became the separate Transylvania University.

Its denominational affiliate, the Disciples of Christ, dates back to revivals in nearby Bourbon County. The 700,000-member denomination has long blended a simple evangelical worship style with liberal social stances and the promotion of church unity.

Steve Monhollen, faculty representative to the trustees, said in a statement that the faculty learned of the pending decisions several weeks ago and already have begun discussing ways to redesign and enhance the curriculum and the learning process.

"The faculty has been energized by the possibilities of being on the forefront of a totally new seminary curriculum," he said.

Johnson said he doesn't expect the cuts to affect the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, which rents space and shares the library at the Lexington seminary's campus on Limestone Street.

"We support them in the process of reinventing their seminary and are hopeful for their success," said Baptist Seminary of Kentucky President Greg Earwood. He said his school is prepared to look for new space if that becomes necessary, but that "we are really pulling for them" to succeed.

Sharon E. Watkins Selected To Deliver Sermon At National Prayer Service

2009-01-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

To: Disciples News Service Subscribers,

Please join Disciples everywhere in congratulating General Minister and President Sharon Watkins in being selected to deliver the sermon at President-Elect Barack Obama's National Prayer Service on Wednesday, January 21.

The Presidential Inauguration Committee in Washington, D.C. has prepared a press release that gives details about Rev. Watkins' role in the service. That release is listed below. You also may be interested in reading the article about Dr. Watkins involvement in the prayer service that appears on page 16 in the first section of the Sunday, January 11 New York Times. You can find that article by going to: www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/us/politics/11minister.html .

We encourage you to leave comments on a message board that has been developed for your use at: www.disciples.org/default.aspx?tabid=476. If you have additional questions or comments, feel free to contact me at wbwills@cm.disciples.org .

Blessings,
Wanda Bryant Wills
Executive Director for Communication Ministries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: PIC Communications Office
202-203-1700
Sunday, January 11, 2009

Reverend Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Selected to Give Sermon at the National Prayer Service

Washington, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced today that General Minister and President Dr. Sharon E. Watkins of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has been selected to give the sermon at the National Prayer Service on Wednesday, January 21st. The National Prayer Service will be held at the National Cathedral at the conclusion of Inaugural activities and will celebrate America's diversity of faith. Reverend Dr. Sharon Watkins will be the first woman to deliver the sermon at this traditional Inaugural event.

"I am truly honored to speak at this historic occasion," said Reverend Watkins. "My prayer when I preach is always that God will use me to bring a Gospel message that is uplifting and appropriately challenging to those who hear it. I hope that my message will call us to believe in something bigger than ourselves and remind us to reach out to all of our neighbors to build communities of possibility."

Reverend Dr. Sharon E. Watkins has served as General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada since 2005. She is the first woman to hold this position. As General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she is the general pastor of the 700,000-member denomination. As General President, she is the chief executive officer for the denomination, responsible for overseeing the work of the church's various structures. She is serving a six-year term that extends through 2011.

Dr. Watkins has an extensive background of service both in this country and abroad. She is a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches based in Geneva, and serves on the WCC's Permanent Committee for Consensus and Collaboration. In 2006, she was a representative at the World Council's General Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil. She is the former pastor of Disciples Christian Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where she served for eight years. Reverend Watkins holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Phillips Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from the Yale Divinity School, and a Bachelor's Degree in French and Economics from Butler University. She is married to Reverend Dr. Richard (Rick) H. Lowery, Interim Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky. They have two children, Bethany and Christopher.

The National Prayer Service, a tradition dating back to George Washington, will include prayers, readings and hymns delivered by religious leaders spanning a diverse array of faiths. More information about the event will be forthcoming.

For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org .

Resources for 2009 Week of Compassion Offering Now Online

2008-12-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

Where is Your Treasure, is the theme for the 2009 Week of Compassion Offering. Week of Compassion has several materials available to help you and your congregation promote this important offering which goes to help those dealing with poverty, hunger and disaster both here and around the world. To access the Leaders Guide, go to this link.

Church Start Near Dubuque Has New Website

2008-12-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

Peosta Worship Center, a new church start has now has a website for their congregation: http://www.peostaworshipcenter.org.

General Assembly Update

2008-12-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

The General Assembly is for all Disciples. You can help promote the upcoming General Assembly in a variety of ways. Various Assembly promotional materials, including a press release, Indianapolis tourism details, and downloadable full- and half-page color ads are available for use in newsletters, church bulletins and on web sites. The material can be found under "Promotion Material" at the General Assembly website: www.disciples.org/ga.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS

Are you looking for cost-saving ways to attend the 2009 General Assembly? One of the best means of stretching your GA dollar is to take advantage of early registration discounts that extend through January 31, 2009. Adults who register before the January deadline can save $25 off the full Assembly registration cost. Discounts also are available for youth, young adults, seminarians and Indiana (host) registrants. Check out www.disciples.org/ga for more information.Remember that registration is not required for pre-school and school age children. However, parents can register their children online to participate in age-appropriate programming, such as arts and crafts, children's worship and field trips and pay only $80 for that option.

Register Online - It's easy and fast. The quickest way to register for the General Assembly is online. Using the online system, you may register groups and make one payment. If you cannot complete the registration process in one sitting, online registration allows you to continue the process at a later time.
Fax It - You may fax your registration. To do this, first download a General Assembly registration form by visiting www.disciples.org/ga and clicking on the "Registration" link. Print the form and fax it to 317-713-2417. Remember to include your credit card information.
Mail It - Don't forget that you can still mail in registrations. To do this, you need to download and print the registration form, fill it out and mail it to 2009 General Assembly, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Discounted registrations must be received on or before January 31, 2009.

Please note that French, Spanish and Korean versions of the registration form will be available online in early January. These forms can be downloaded, faxed or mailed to the 2009 General Assembly address.

DISCIPLES YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL ASPECTS OF ASSEMBLY

Activities for youth are always an important part of General Assembly. Lots of plans are underway for youth events that will invite and inspire young people to participate in all aspects of Assembly. Special room space is being designed as places where youth can hang out, relax and reflect. There also will be cool "eye openers" and "eye closers" for youth, highlighted by great speakers and a concert. Disciples youth will play a role in each worship service and participate in the all-Assembly Wholeness Café. There will be a "Shadow a Disciples Leader" program for youth, mission opportunities, plus youth-friendly Learning Tracks and Resource Groups. To learn more, go to www.disciples.org/ga and click on "Youth at the Assembly."

Assembly Hotels are Just Minutes from Convention Center

Thousands of quality, affordable rooms have been contracted at eight Indianapolis hotels for the 2009 General Assembly. All of the hotels are within short walking distance of the Indiana Convention Center, where nearly all Assembly events will take place. Four of the hotels are located directly across the street from the convention center, and some are connected to the center by skywalk.

Rooms range from $115 to $137, and must be reserved before June 24, 2009 to get the special Assembly rate. Housing reservations can be made online, by fax, mail or telephone. All housing requests made using the housing form will be handled by the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau. To reserve a room or get more information, visit www.disciples.org/ga and click on the "Housing" link.

Begin Now To Offset Your Travel Miles To General Assembly

Congregations are asked to support the Church in its efforts to green the General Assembly and help offset travel mileage to Indianapolis. Once you figure out your roundtrip mileage from your residence to Indianapolis, ask others to bank GA mileage offsets by walking, biking, carpooling or busing. For each new mile they travel through alternative means (or don't travel due to carpooling), that mile counts toward your offset. Keep track of the alternative miles traveled on a spreadsheet or post a graph in a visible location to mark the congregation's progress.

For more information, download the "Offset Your Travel To The Assembly" guide by visiting www.disciples.org/ga and clicking on the "Keeping it 'Green'" link.

Disciple Church Secretary to Retire After 31 Years of Service

2008-12-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

Alice Dalager has served First Christian Church of Spencer, IA since 1977. And after 31 years of dedicated service has decided to retire at the end of January, 2009. She’s looking forward to spending more time with her husband and with her grandkids. First Christian Church will host a retirement in her honor in January.

Mrs. Dalager will be honored during the worship service on Sunday, January 25 at 10:45 am. There will be a reception in her honor following the service.

First Christian Church is a member church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and is currently celebrating 128 years of ministry in Spencer, Iowa. Our building is located at 701 E. 18th Street in Spencer. Our mailing address is PO Box 1440, Spencer, IA, 51301. Phone: 712-262-2945

Christmas Eve Televised Service from National Council of Churches

2008-12-22T20:55:00.000-08:00

The following information comes to you from Dr. Richard Guentert,
Regional Minister and President:

The National Council of Churches presents a full hour-long program to be
carried on 190 CBS stations across the country on Christmas Eve, in most
areas in the same time period David Letterman us usually scheduled
(11:35 pm Eastern/10:35 Central). Thanks for helping us spread the news
of this special NCC program to those who might otherwise miss seeing it.

A 10-minute preview of the CBS Christmas Eve program can be found on
YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMBYTPfzChA

The NCC will run this link on the NCC website. Please share it with
colleagues, mailing lists, friends and family in your email
correspondence in upcoming days.

Blessings on your Advent.

Where is Your Treasure?

2008-12-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

Where is your treasure?

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

For God, we are treasure: “You are children of the Lord your God. ... the Lord has chosen [you] to be his people, his treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 14:1-2). One of the gifts of being God’s children is that sometimes we are called to be “treasure tenders” for God. We are invited to tend God’s treasures beyond our congregation by participating in Week of Compassion.

Life can be tough at times. Hurricanes, tornadoes and tsunamis smash communities to bits. Wars and ethnic conflicts shatter the very foundations of life, shoving people out of their homes and countries. Persistent hunger, poverty, lack of education, and ill health shrivel the life and dry the spirit. The current economic crisis right here at home leaves us all feeling a bit uncertain.

But we can do something to respond! Through Week of Compassion, we gently and effectively care for God’s treasures. By sharing some of our earthly treasure—our money, our time, our energy—decisive aid can be sent when disaster strikes. Refugees receive help as they rebuild their lives. We help people help themselves through education, health care, tools, seeds, and resources to improve community infrastructure.

And the sharing is mutual. When we care for people, we can be transformed by experiencing the presence of God. Seeing what others (or we ourselves) have lost, we are reminded what matters most in life. Seeing what others live through, we are inspired to live courageously. Seeing that new life is possible, our hope rises.

Our treasure is doing God’s will, loving God, and loving God’s treasured people, so we all “may take hold of the life that really is life” (1 Timothy 6:19b). Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

May you find your treasure, and your heart, by sharing resources and changing lives with a generous gift to Week of Compassion.

Please join us in sharing your treasure February 15 and 22, 2009.

Week of Compassion: Sharing Resources. Changing Lives.

www.weekofcompassion.org

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Upper Midwest changes ministry policy to include GLBT candidates

2008-12-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

From DisciplesWorld:

By Rebecca Bowman Woods, DisciplesWorld news editor

DES MOINES (12/6/08) — Disciples in the denomination’s Upper Midwest region are no longer barred from becoming licensed or ordained ministers if they are not heterosexual.

The region assembly on Oct. 11 voted 163-80 in favor of the change. The previous policy dates back to 1979, when the regional assembly adopted a policy prohibiting gays and lesbians from becoming ministers.

The region’s commission on ministry began studying the issues of sexual orientation and ministry several years ago, according to Patricia Adams Oberbillig, a recently retired Disciples pastor who chairs the ordination unit of the commission on ministry.

They studied scripture and theological writings pertaining to homosexuality and ministry. At some point they discovered they were dealing with two separate issues — the other having to do with Disciples’ congregational polity and the role of local churches in endorsing and supporting ministerial candidates.

“Congregations ought to be able to choose who they want to send to the ministry commission to embark on that time of formation,” said Richard Guentert, regional minister.

In June of 2007, the commission on ministry created a task group to look at 1979 resolution again, Oberbillig said.

According to the recently-adopted resolution, the 1979 policy "supersedes the congregation’s right to determine the worthiness and giftedness of potential ministerial candidates.” The resolution affirms congregations' role in recommending candidates for ministry, Guentert said.

Guentert noted that regional leaders tried to conduct the process and the vote in a way that would respect differing opinions.

In September, they held a “day of discovery” and invited every congregation to learn about proposed change and engage in a listening process. About 40 people attended, Oberbillig said.

The assembly’s vote was preceded by 48 minutes of discussion led by a trained parliamentarian, and the actual vote was taken by paper ballot, Guentert said.

While ballots were being counted, Guentert offered a pastoral word and led the assembly in prayer. “We did everything we could so that either way the vote came out, we could preserve the unity of the body of Christ,” he said.

Dennis McKee, an ordained Disciples minister serving as the chaplain at a retirement community in Bloomington, Minn., favored the policy change. “It wasn’t an open and affirming vote, but at least it took down a road block,” said McKee.

He thought the vote sent another important message: “that there is room for us to be Disciples together even if we don’t agree.”

Disciples New Briefs

2008-12-03T13:49:00.000-08:00

CENTER FOR PUBLIC WITNESS NAMES THREE TO ADVOCACY TEAM-The Advocacy Team of The Disciples Center for Public Witness will now benefit from the expertise of three additional Disciples. The new members are Laura Hobgood-Oster, professor of religion at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas; Preston T. Adams III, executive minister at Light of the World Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, and C. Douglas Smith, executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. The appointments increase the Advocacy Team to 21 members.The Advocacy Team is a shared ministry among D.C. congregations, Light of the World Christian Church, Park Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in New York City, and the Christian Church Capital Area. Hobgood-Oster, the daughter of former General Minister and President Chris Hobgood, will serve as senior fellow for eco-justice and environmental concerns, Adams, who is also chief executive officer of Project Impact Indianapolis, will serve as senior advisor on juvenile justice and restoration, and Smith will serve as senior advisor on interfaith advocacy. For more information, visit: www.centerblog.org

HISTORICAL SOCIETY INTERVIEWS GENERAL MINISTER AND PRESIDENT-General Minister and President Sharon Watkins recently sat down to talk with Glenn Carson, president of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, for an in-depth discussion about her life. In the hour-long audio dialogue that is broken up into eleven segments, Watkins speaks on several topics including being the eldest of five siblings, growing up in a Disciples congregation, her call to ministry and her vision for churches in the 21st century. To listen to the audio segments, go to: www.discipleshistory.org/audio/default.htm

DISCIPLES SEMINARIANS CONFERENCE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN-Registration for the 2009 Disciples Seminarians Conference is open to all M.Div. students who have completed a year of study. Scheduled for March 5-8 in Nashville, Tenn., the conference will give seminarians opportunities to meet other new Disciples leaders and learn how the church can help them and the congregation or organization they lead to minister faithfully and effectively. The conference is sponsored by Disciples general ministries and organized by Higher Education & Leadership Ministries. Registration is $95, and a limited amount of travel stipends is available. The registration deadline is Feb. 3, 2009. To register or to learn more about the conference, go to: www.helmdisciples.org/theological/seminarians.htm

MEMO TO ADULT YOUTH MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS: ATTEND YOUTH MINISTRY BACKPACK CONFERENCE - FREE!! As an adult youth ministry volunteer would you like to receive training in youth ministry? Do you have all the knowledge needed to effectively work with youth groups? Would you attend a useful conference if all of your expenses were paid? If the answers to any or all of the previous questions are yes, then the "Youth Ministry Backpack Conference" is for you. This all expenses paid conference will be held at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Ind., June 12-14, 2009.Please review the attached information. Space is limited, so register early! Applications must be received by March 15, 2009. For more information, see: www.disciplesyouth.com. For questions, contact Tod Iseminger at 888-346-2631 or: tiseming@dhm.disciples.org

UCCIB NAMES EXPERIENCED MANAGER TO NEW POST-The United Church of Christ Insurance Board has named Carl J. Kotheimer to director, loss control and claims. Kotheimer's responsibilities will include heading the development, communication and administration of superior core competencies in risk management and loss prevention programs for all 2,400 church participants.Kotheimer has 20 years of experience as a risk management leader. He was most recently a compliance and claims manager for a Youngstown, Ohio-based company. "His experience in managing compliance, claims and risk management programs for both small and global companies will serve the IB well," said United Church of Christ Insurance Board President and Chief Executive Officer Cathy Green. To learn more, go to: www.disciples.org/Portals/0/PDF/DNS/2008/20081203-UCCIBKotheimer.pdf (PDF)

SPECIAL ADVENT BIBLE STUDY NOW AVAILABLE FROM YOUTH MINISTRY COMMISSION-The Disciples Youth Ministry Commission of Disciples Home Missions has written an Advent Bible study series for youth to use during this Advent season. The study curriculum is especially designed for youth, who, like many people, find themselves dealing with higher than normal levels of stress during this busy time of year."Advent invites us into a time of waiting and preparation, so that we may more fully appreciate the fullness of the Christmas event and the impact this season has on the lives of Christians year round," writers in the study guide note. Weekly themes, activities, discussion starters, and suggestions for worship are included in each week's lesson plans. Download a copy at: www.disciplesyouth.com

LECTURE AT NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN TO HIGHLIGHT JUSTICE AND EQUITY-Social justice issues will be explored during a lecture at Northwest Christian University on Dec. 4. The topic will be "Ethical Leadership: Toward a Just and Equitable Society" and will occur as part of the Trustee Lecture Series on Leadership and Ethics at Northwest Christian University. NCU is historically related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and is located in Eugene, Ore.The lecturer will be Carla Gary, assistant vice provost for institutional equity and diversity at the University of Oregon. Gary has been working on the Portland Initiative, a plan that establishes partnerships with Portland schools, community organizations and businesses on behalf of underrepresented students. For more, see: www.northwestchristian.edu/news/112108_TrusteeLecture.htm

PRESIDENT OF CULVER-STOCKTON LEAVING FOR ALMA MATER-Culver-Stockton College President William L. Fox has accepted an offer to become president of his alma mater, St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. Fox has been president and senior lecturer at C-SC for six years. During his time as president there, annual fundraising has doubled, and major investments in capital improvements including new buildings, a new track and field facility and substantial interior upgrades have taken place. C-SC is related by covenant to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and located in Canton, Mo.Fox received a bachelor's degree in history from St. Lawrence, a M.Div. degree from the Harvard University Divinity School, and a Ph.D. in history and religion from George Washington University. His resignation from Culver-Stockton becomes effective July 1, 2009. For more, see: www.culver.edu/publicrelations/article.asp?id=3332

JARVIS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE HIRES DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS-Jarvis Christian College has named Urissanna Roberson as Director of Public Relations. Roberson, who has worked for the past five years in Tyler, Texas, is charged with the oversight of all activities affecting the image of Jarvis College, which is related by covenant to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and located in Hawkins, Texas.A native of Houston, Texas, Roberson earned a bachelor's degree in radio-television from Sam Houston State University, and a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Texas at Tyler. She replaces Larry Everett who has accepted a position at Texas College.For more information about Jarvis Christian College, visit their web site at: www.jarvis.edu

SEND AN ADVENT/CHRISTMAS MESSAGE OR PRAYER TO BETHLEHEM-Global Ministries invites Disciples to be among those sending messages of peace to people in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Individuals, communities, congregations, organizations and partners from around the world are once again invited to e-mail Advent and Christmas wishes and prayers for justice and peace to Bethlehem. The project is being carried out this year in collaboration with the World Council of Churches and its Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF). The tradition dates back to 2000. The wishes and prayers that are e-mailed to organizers will be printed and handed out as personal messages, educational materials at schools and in places of worship, and in the newly established peace house of the Arab Educational Institute opposite the Israeli "separation wall" at Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem. For more details and where to e-mail your prayer or message, visit:globalministries.org/news/mee/prayers-for-bethlehem-during.html

HELM LEADERSHIP FELLOWS EXPLORE THE BREADTH OF MINISTRY-We are all ministers. We just minister in different ways. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) cherishes each member as a minister, even if we aren't called into ordained ministry. So how do we live into that calling? The Leadership Fellows Program acknowledges the variety of callings and helps students explore their calls to other forms of ministry. The eighth HELM Leadership Fellows Conference, held in November in St. Louis, Mo., focused on the breadth of ministry, examining the different ways ministry takes place. To learn more about the conference, visit: www.helmdisciples.org/helm/08/HELM-LFConference.htm

####Editor: Wanda Bryant WillsE-mail: news@cm.disciples.org

Retirement Celebration @ First Ames

2008-11-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

Celebrating 25 years of Ministry with David Digby

Please join us for David Digby’s Retirement Celebration

When: December 14th, 2008

Program in the Sanctuary: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Reception in Fellowship Hall: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

First Christian Church
611 Clark Ave.
Ames, Iowa 50010
(515) 232-5766

A monetary gift will also be given to Meg and David as they begin their retirement together. If you would like to contribute please send to FCC in c/o Retirement Gift.

A memory book created from members and friends will be presented to David. Please send your memories, stories or antidotes to “David’s Celebration”, 611 Clark Avenue Ames, IA 50010 or by e-mail to fccames@fccames.org.

Church Closing: Items to Give Away

2008-11-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

Church Closing

New Life Christian Church

2200 Walnut St., Granger

New Life Christian Church of Granger would like
to donate items to congregations in
need. Following is a list of items
available. Please contact us if you are interested.

Hymnals, Digital Hymnal

Choir Robes Seasonal Decorations

Wheel Chair Walker

Plates,Bowls

Cups, Glasses

Silverware Trays

Table Coverings Salt/Pepper Shakers

Glass Butter Dishes Coffee Urns

Decanters

Overhead Projector

Glass Snack Trays/Cups Punch Cups

Misc. Pots/Pans Misc. Glass Bowls/Vases

Banners

Chairs

Chalice Hymnals Misc. Choir Music

Misc. Books

Contact Names:

Janine Weyer – 515-999-2008

Sherri Ingle – 515-999-2288

Congregational Leadership Seminar

2008-11-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

The event outlined below is co-sponsored by the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest...brochures and registrations forms will be available soon. This might be something that you want to take a look at as a benefit to your mission and ministry in the congregation.

-Don Hiscox

CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR: LEADING CONGREGATIONS IN A CHANGING WORLD

May 4-7, 2009: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities, Iowa

The Rev. Dr. George Hunsberger, Professor of Congregational Mission at Western Theological Seminary (Reformed) in Holland, Michigan, will present two seminars for church leaders at three sites across southeastern Iowa during the first week of May, 2009. The world around us is changing rapidly and dramatically, which has brought changes to the church. Leaders in the church often struggle to respond. Dr. Hunsberger, the coordinator of The Gospel and Our Culture Network, will help congregational leaders—both paid staff and lay volunteers—to understand the situation that we are in and how to respond, by drawing on practices that are both new and as old as the Church itself.

The seminars will be repeated three times, in three locations across southeastern Iowa. The evening session is for both paid staff (pastors and program staff) and lay volunteers, especially those who serve on church councils, boards, or vestries. The morning session, built on the previous evening’s presentation, will take pastors and program staff deeper by looking to Scripture as a guide in these rapidly changing times.

Evening Session:The Problematic Vendor Shape of the Church

Face it. The church as we know it and live it in America functions like a vendor of religious goods and services. That’s a far cry from what we encounter in Scripture about who we are and what we’re for. If we really are “God’s people sent on a mission,” how do we shed the vendor understanding and take on the shape of being a “sent people”?

This seminar—for ordained and commissioned leaders, program staff, and church councils/boards—will get us in touch with how important and crucial this shift is for us. Participants will explore practical avenues for living our way into something that is both new and ancient!

Morning Session: Biblical Engagement in Sent Communities

Is it adequate to think that we “study” the Bible? Nothing against studying, but the image of “study” as it works in our culture leaves readers very much in charge: we control conclusions about what the Bible means, what it may or may not tell us to do, and generally how much influence we’ll allow it to have.

What would happen if the church learned an entirely reversed way to be engaged by the Bible? How does it read us, convert us, and carry us into dynamic demonstrations of the gospel? What would happen? Where might it send us? And how might we learn that new way?

This seminar—for ordained/commissioned leaders and program staff—will build on the previous evening’s session. It will not only open new imagination about how God intends the Bible to be a living Word, but participants will practice a form of engagement by which we can experience the Bible’s power to shape and send us into the world as agents of God’s love.

Schedule

Des Moines — Grand View College, Krumm Centrum

Monday, May 4, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 5, 9:00–11:30 a.m.

Cedar Rapids — First Lutheran Church

Tuesday, May 5, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 6, 9:00–11:30 a.m.

Quad Cities — St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport

Wednesday, May 6, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 7, 9:00–11:30 a.m.

The Presenter

The Rev. Dr. George Hunsberger brings a rich variety of personal experience to the teaching of missiology (the study of the mission of the Church). Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), he has been a campus staff member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; a pastor; a missionary team leader for Africa Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya; and a teacher at Princeton Theological Seminary and at his alma mater, Belhaven College. He began teaching at Western Theological Seminary in 1989, where he continues his special interests in exploring how the gospel speaks within and across cultures, and in fostering congregations in North America that are missionaries of the gospel within their context.

Dr. Hunsberger is coordinator of the Gospel and Our Culture Network in North America, whose administrative home is Western Seminary. He is the author of Bearing the Witness of the Spirit: Lesslie Newbigin's Theology of Cultural Plurality, co-author of Missional Church: A Theological Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America, and co-editor of Christian Ethics in Ecumenical Context: Theology, Culture, and Politics in Dialogue and The Church Between Gospel and Culture. He has also contributed many articles and reviews to missiological, Reformed, and Presbyterian journals.

Sponsors

The Center for Renewal at Grand View College

The Ankeny Forum

The Cedar River Forum

The ILLOWA Coalition

The Christian Church in the Upper Midwest

many many other agencies

Cost: $100 per congregation. Congregations may bring as many leaders as they would like to both the evening and the morning session. Congregations that bring six or fewer participants can pay $15 per person.

Regional Address is Now Online

2008-11-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

The last Regional Address given by Dr. Richard Guentert is now available online.

Scott Stillwell in Concert

2008-11-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Disciples,
Elkhart Christian Church invites you to join us as we welcome Scott Stilwell, Director of Music and Fine Arts at West Des Moines Christian Church, to a concert of his original music. Scott's new CD will be available for purchase as well.

When: Saturday, November 8

What time: 7:00 p.m.

Where: Elkhart Christian Church, 124 S. Washington, Elkhart, Iowa (17 miles north of Des Moines)

Why: Thanks be to God! Scott's words are deeply prayerful and thoughtful, and his melodies lyrical.

$$$$: An offering will be taken for S.H.A.R.E. (Self-help and Resource Exchange) Iowa.

Administrative Committee Hears Report On New Approach For General Assembly Action

2008-11-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

From Disciples News Service:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE HEARS REPORT ON NEW APPROACH FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION

(Indianapolis, Ind. – DNS – Nov. 1, 2008) – Disciples may have new ways of expressing their views on important moral, ethical or religious issues at General Assembly meetings as part of a report discussed at the Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Administrative Committee.

The report was among a number of items brought before the fall Administrative Committee meeting. It recommends combining three categories of General Assembly business (Sense of the Assembly Resolutions, Study Documents, and Items for Research and Reflection) into a new category – Call of the Assembly to the Church for Study, Reflection and Action.

The Standing Committee on Renewal and Structural Reform (SCRSR) developed the proposal following a request from the Administrative Committee at its meeting in mid-April, to look at new ways for the Church to address issues of pressing social concern. Many of those issues have come before the General Assembly as Sense of the Assembly resolutions.

“This proposal from the standing committee looks at news ways for churches to engage in the discussion of controversial issues, with an emphasis on prayerful discussion resulting in faithful action,” said General Minister and President Sharon Watkins.

The new process suggests that the General Board select no more than three Calls to come before each General Assembly. The purpose in limiting the number of Calls is to place a realistic agenda before the church of what can be accomplished between assemblies, standing committee members say. However, the Office of General Minister and President will be required to list all Calls that were considered in the General Assembly docket. The 2007 General Assembly looked at 11 business items that fit in the three categories that may be combined.

“We hope this process will allow all parts of the Church to engage more deeply in matters of theological, ethical and moral importance,” said Associate General Minister and Vice-President Todd Adams, who made the report on behalf of the SCRSR. “We believe three Calls is a manageable number that will allow congregations, regions, general ministers and our partners to equip themselves to carry out study, reflection and action.”

The SCRSR suggests several criteria that a Call should meet prior to submission:

A Call proposal must be submitted with a brief historical statement, rationale describing why this issue should be considered by the whole church, and a list of resources that can be made available to inform the Church in its consideration of and action on the issue.
A Call will not be eligible for consideration if either of the previous two General Assemblies has looked at the same subject, unless its content or the circumstances leading to its submission are substantially different.
All expressions of the Church – especially congregations, are urged to consider and take action on a moral, ethical or religious matter confronting the church, the nation or the world.

After a review, the General Minister and President (GMP) will forward three suggested Calls to the General Board. The General Board will then review the GMP’s suggestions and decide on the three Calls that will be forwarded to the General Assembly. As part of its deliberations, the General Board will name ways in which the Church is already responding to this matter. The General Board also will attach an estimate of the financial impact, if any, that the Call might incur, along with a proposal for underwriting the cost.

At the General Assembly, each Call will be voted on and the vote recorded. The vote will be to affirm or not to affirm the particular topic as a matter for action throughout the Church. Calls also may be discussed or considered through the use of a number of models, including a Town Hall Format, an All-Assembly session that might involve a pastoral statement by the GMP’s Pastoral Team, or a general question and answer period. Other General Assembly discussion methods might involve a learning track model, a large group discussion model such as World Café, or web-based dialogue.

After the General Assembly, and once the Assembly has engaged a Call, the GMP will write a pastoral letter to the Church urging the Church to further consideration and action. The pastoral letter will be understood to be speaking to the Church not for the Church.

The Administrative Committee accepted the SCRSR report and provided feedback for the standing committee. The SCRSR will meet again in February for further discussion, and will develop a proposal which will be submitted to the General Board in mid-April for its review. The suggested change requires action by the General Assembly which will meet July 29- August 2 in Indianapolis. The 2011 General Assembly is the earliest that the “Call of the Assembly to the Church for Study, Reflection and Action” process could be used.

###

Written by: Wanda Bryant Wills
wbwills@cm.disciples.org

Possible Name for E-Newsletter

2008-10-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

From Associate Regional Minister Don Hiscox:

It appears that we have a few possible names for the new newsletter that the Region will be initiating somewhere around the first of the year...if not sooner...the names came from the suggestion sheet provided at the Regional Assembly...

They are:

"Juicy Fruit From the Living Vine"
"Disciples in Mission"
"E-Spirit"
"Ministering Collectively"
"The Prairie Harbinger"
"The E-Harbinger" (the current name)
"The Upper Midwest Harbinger"

So, what do you think of these suggestions? Which ones do you like? Do you have any ideas of your own? If so, please send them to Don at dh@uppermidwestcc.org.

Beggars Night at Elkhart Christian Church………………..

2008-10-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Beggars Night and opening the church to the community has become a tradition at the Elkhart Christian Church. It’s a great place and time for all “Beggars” – big and little – to warm up with some hot chocolate and enjoy some goodies. There are games and activities available for all ages; playing bingo will get you a great prize!! All are welcome at the church located at 124 S. Washington Avenue, Elkhart, Iowa from 6-8:30 p.m. on October 30; everyone can get a treat even if they don’t have a trick!

Barbara Kalsem
Co-Chair
Membership/Evangelism Committee
Elkhart Christian Church

Plymouth Creek Christian Raises Nearly $2600 for CROP Walk

2008-10-17T11:30:00.001-07:00

A Word of thanks to Plymouth Creek Christian Church in Plymouth, MN. They took part in their local CROP Walk at French Regional Park on Sunday, October 12 and raised $2598!

The participants included:

L-R: Mike Barnes, Debbie Lehman, Kimberly Wilburn, Chana Weaver, Maya Ingvoldstad, Steve Larson, Donna Jarvi, LeAnn Von Eschen, Rev. Shane Isaac.

Congrats for all your hard work!

Thanks for Thinking of Us: An Update from the Searles

2008-10-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who have put us on your prayer list, or have put us in your worship bulletins under "Joys and Concerns."We are in an intensive 5 months of language study, while we begin to forge relationships and discern needs with the Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland and we really need your prayers !!

Also, thanks to churches who are sending bell chimes, or copies of easy anthems or favorite choruses, or percussion instruments, or other helps for our music ministry here. Thanks for those Sunday School materials, too!

Please pray for us as we prepare for church camps during the winter break and in the summer, as well. Your ideas for these would be welcome. In fact, we're hoping a team will come to Poland in July to help out with the camps--hold that need up, won't you?

Your frequent and intentional prayers for a revival and a renewal in the Evangelical Church in Poland are the most important thing you can do to support our ministry, and theirs..Keep those prayers rising!

Liz & Doug Searles in Lodz (Woodge), Poland
thesearles@gmail.com
We're always happy to hear your church news!!

Altoona Christian Looking for Musicians

2008-10-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Altoona Christian Church has two positions they need to have filled:

We are in need of a Children's Choir Director to work with our children's music program.

We need a keyboard person for our Sunday morning 8:15 informal service.

If you know of someone in the Des Moines area who would to be a part of a vital music program in a growing church please have them contact Ken Briggs at 515-314-6494 or e-mail at RevKBriggsACC@msn.com

The Sleep Out 2008

2008-10-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

On November 15th, Plymouth Creek Christian Church (Plymouth, MN) will again be hosting a sleep out location for the Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners annual fundraiser. (IOCP is the social service organization that serves the cities of Hamel, Long Lake, Medina, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata.)

IOCP has been very pro-active in helping individuals/families stay in their homes as well as working with CommonBond Communities, Habitat for Humanity, and Outreach Development Corporation to increase the number of affordable housing units in the area.

Pick up a pledge sheet from the Mission Corner of the Welcome Table at Church or online from http://www.plymouthcreek.org/ or http://www.iocp.org/ then start collecting your sponsors!
You will need to supply your own sleep shelter (large cardboard box or tent). More information on what to bring and what to wear will be available at the Mission Corner or on the IOCP website.

We will have breakfast together (everyone is welcome for a free will offering) before attending Sunday service.

For more information about joining us or making a donation, call or email Laurie Leonhardt (763 546-1525 or lleonhardt@comcast.net).

Amy Gopp Selected as New Head of Week of Compassion

2008-10-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NAMED FOR WEEK OF COMPASSION

Amy Gopp(Indianapolis, Ind. – DNS – Oct. 3, 2008) - The Rev. Amy Gopp has witnessed the crushing impact of war, poverty and natural disaster on people’s lives around the globe. But she also has seen how faith, cooperation and a resilient spirit can instill hope in devastating situations.

Gopp will draw on her experiences as a missionary, preacher, global activist and peacemaker in her newest position as Executive Director of Week of Compassion (WOC). Gopp was called to the position earlier this week after a nation-wide search. She had previously served three years as Associate Director of WOC.

“I am thrilled to be able to serve the Church in this new way,” said Gopp. “This ministry allows me to do all that I love and all that I feel God calls me to do. I am able to preach, connect with congregations, and accompany people that we are serving around the world.”

In her new position, Gopp will continue Week of Compassion’s long tradition of ministering to those in need across the United States and Canada and around the globe. She will lead the ongoing work of Week of Compassion, which serves as the relief, refugee, and development ministry fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In partnership with more than 3200 congregations across North America, the ministry annually channels more than $2.5 million for world-wide humanitarian needs.

Gopp’s goals include continuing WOC’s relationships with key partners, donors and congregations in developing the annual giving campaign that undergirds WOC. She also will work to interpret theologically and practically the work, mission and vision of WOC, as well as help Disciples’ grow in their understanding of disaster response and the ways it often connects to deeper systemic issues within social structures.

“Week of Compassion has been one of Disciples’ most effective ministries,” commented Gopp, who notes that she has been associated with WOC for about 12 years. “I will basically continue to build on the success created by my dear colleague Johnny Wray and work to continue the ministry.”

Gopp will succeed Wray, who has served as director of Week of Compassion since 1992. Wray announced in May that he will leave the position at the end of 2008, citing a desire to spend more time with family in a less travel-dominated field.

In announcing her selection, General Minister and President Sharon Watkins noted: “Rev. Gopp brings not only experience in Week of Compassion’s well-known disaster relief and development work but she also brings a passion for ministries of justice. I look forward to working with Amy in this important position.”

“Amy has served Week of Compassion in an excellent way,” added John Richardson, chair of the Week of Compassion board and regional minister of North Carolina. “I am very enthused about her selection as Executive Director.”

Gopp, 37, is a native of Kent, Ohio. She is an ordained Disciples minister, who credits First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kent, Ohio with helping to form her faith, as well as Camp Christian, a Disciples’ youth-oriented program in Ohio. Gopp received her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the American University School of International Service in Washington, D.C., a Master of Arts degree in Conflict Resolution from the McGregor School of Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio and a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York.

Her numerous international experiences include living for four years as a peace activist and missionary in the war-torn former Yugoslavia. She worked in Croatia and Bosnia helping to relieve refugee concerns, promote interfaith dialogue and provide education toward conflict resolution. She also coordinated the award-winning Pontanima, an inter-religious choir based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Gopp recalls those experiences as having a profound impact on her outlook and ministry.

“I was amazed to see how people could survive in the midst of so much destruction, death and suffering,” she says. “Living in that area had a huge impact on me. I learned a lot about how people are able to dance in the midst of suffering.”

Gopp also has worked with relief and development efforts in Kenya and the Sudan, as well as been involved in poverty outreach efforts in this country, in places such as New York City.

“I see my calling as one where I must heed my call to bring good news to the poor, but also bring good news from the poor,” said Gopp. “This is the way I live out the Gospel and respond to the mandate to minister to those who are suffering.”

In her free time, Gopp enjoys reading poetry, writing, singing, cooking and spending time with her nieces and nephew.

From the DOC Lectionary Blog

2008-09-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

This weeks' reflection comes from Danny Bradfield, a Disciples pastor in California:

...People do often say one thing and then do another. "Who will help out at the church workday?" Fifteen hands go up, but when the work day arrives, only three are present. What happened to the other twelve? They said they'd be there. Where are they?

Faith on Tap: UCC/Disciples Young Adult Fellowship Group

2008-09-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

Dear Fellowship members,

All who attended last weeks gathering submitted a faith question. We tossed them in a hat and pulled out a discussion question for this week. This weeks discussion question is:

What is the value of selecting one faith doctrine/cannon instead of many? Why do we only study the bible?...especially as a church with an emphasis on accepting and understanding multiple viewpoints?

And just for fun: If Jesus and Buddha got in a fight, who would win?

Last weeks discussion was very rich...I'm looking forward to this week. Same place, same time: Common Roots CAFE, Thursday (Sept. 25th) 7:00pm.

Any questions please call or e-mail.

In Christ's Body, Amy Wick Moore 651-645-3765

Amy is a UCC member in Minnesota that heads up Come Thirsty, a gathering of UCC and Disciples 20 and 30 somethings. Shane Isaac, pastor of Plymouth Creek Christian Church in Plymouth, MN and Dennis Sanders, a Twin Cities-based Disciples pastor are also involved in this venture.

Community Programming at United Seminary in the Twin Cities

2008-09-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

THE CHURCH'S PUBLIC WITNESS: FAITH AND POLITICS

Monday, September 29
7:00-9:00 PM
Steckel Learning Center

Individuals and communities of faith have a responsibility to discern how religious faith relates to our involvement in government and our role as citizens. The elections this fall provide us with an ideal opportunity to explore the connections between our beliefs and our political engagement. This workshop will discuss characteristics of authentic and effective faith-based political involvement, obstacles and strategies for increasing a congregation’s involvement, and positive ways to learn from differing view points.

Led by Trish Greeves, contextual studies coordinator for United.

Fee: $15.00
Students: $5.00
Register online or call 651.255.6138.

Blessing Symbols Still Needed for Regional Assembly

2008-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hi - This is Carla Nelson the person you are suppose to contact if you have any questions about the symbol you are being asked to bring to Regional Assembly. My cell phone number has changed. It is now: 641-451-5153

I have received three e-mails telling me about their churches' symbol. Please send, e-mail or call about your symbol as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Carla Nelson
Hedrick Christian Church
csndoc@yahoo.com
641-451-51533
61 S 3rd St
Ollie, IA 52576

Volunteer Needed

2008-09-19T13:27:00.001-07:00

NEEDED! We need a video tech. (with equipment) in order to produce a video of the need for volunteers to help with the flood recovery in the areas devastated by this summer's tornados and floods in our area.The vision: Cedar Rapids – and Iowa – will not be high on the list of “glamorous” places to take a mission trip. However, the need is great and there are some real benefits in coming to Iowa.

The method: Through on-site interviews with flood survivors and mission groups, we hope to be able to put some human faces to the recovery effort. At the same time, CR – Iowa has a LOT to offer in the way of working conditions (mild temperatures; no chiggers, no fire ants, no brown recluse spiders, no poisonous snakes!; an urban environment (lots of entertainment possibilities), etc.

The goal: To produce a video we can send to Regions, Districts/Areas, Clusters and individual churches to help promote CR-Iowa as a viable mission alternative. Call Doug Miller – (319) 393-9532 or email drdoug44@mchsi.com

The Latest From Week of Compassion on Hurricane Ike

2008-09-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Response to Ike's Devastation Begins

Millions of people from the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast all the way up to Ohio and Indiana remain without power in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Communities in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana are facing the kind of devastation that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita left behind just 3 years ago. More than 50 deaths have been blamed on the storm, tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and property damages have already exceeded $10 billion.

Week of Compassion continues to gather resources to respond to needs within impacted Disciples congregations and to support wider community relief and recovery efforts. WOC is working closely with the Coastal Plains Area office of the Christian Church in the Southwest to contact local pastors and congregations, but communications and travel in the Area remain a challenge. Here is a very preliminary report to date:

Beaumont, First: Downed trees, damage to Meditation Walk, members' homes damaged

Freeport: Damage to the roof, minister's home, members' homes; extent currently unknown

Galveston, Central: Some water damage, but still standing! Members are scattered and information is still being gathered; some are still in Galveston.

El Redentor and Renovada Sion: Playground destroyed, some roof damage and water entry. Members' homes mild to moderate damage

Houston, First: Flooding in education Wing and sanctuary

FCC, Katy: Relatively minor damage to the church; roof & water entry. Members' homes similarly affected

Iglesia Cristiana Shekinah (housed in FCC Katy): Members' homes minor damage

Houston, Memorial Drive: Trees and debris, some water. At least one member's home seriously damaged by multiple trees falling into the house

FCC, Pasadena: Church and members have mild to moderate water and roof damage

Port Arthur, First: Moderate damage to the church. Associate Pastor Scott Miller reports that those who got new roofs after Rita kept theirs and those who had not will now need new roofs.

FCC, Orange: Several feet of water in the church; at least four members with significant damage

Taylor Lake CC: By some miracle, they have no water in their buildings, but some of their members have serious damage.

FCC, Texas City: Education wing roof peeled off, additional damage caused by water entry. Members with similar damage.

The Woodlands: Trees down all over The Woodlands, so some members' homes will have sustained damage

Lake Charles, LA, First: Church facilities ok, but perhaps as many as 50% of the members have water damage to their homes.

Week of Compassion is also supporting a major Church World Service appeal that is covering not only Ike but also Hurricanes Dolly, Fay and Gustav. CWS has dispatched Emergency Response Specialists to Louisiana and Texas to work with local partners to distribute kits, blankets and other material aid and to assist the coordination of local faith-based, community relief and recovery efforts. CWS has a second and similar appeal to support relief and recovery efforts in the hurricane-stricken Caribbean. Texas Disciple and CWS staffer, Don Tatlock, is coordinating the delivery of relief aid to partners in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba.

Urgent Need for Donations

Your help is needed. Prayers of solidarity and concern for hurricane survivors are important, especially as so much of the news is dominated by news from Wall Street and the election trail. Designated gifts to WOC are needed and can be made online by clicking on the link below or sent to WOC, attn: Elaine Cleveland, P.O. Box 1986, Indpls, IN 46206. Church World Service has issued an urgent appeal for kits, especially hygiene and baby kits, clean-up buckets and blankets. Volunteer work groups are needed. The Disciples Mission Station at First CC, Lake Charles, LA, is ready to receive groups. Office of Disciples Volunteering Director Carl Zerweck will be in the area next week to assess our mission station at Pt. Arthur/Beaumont and to look at possibilities for a new station(s) in the Houston area. ODV has information and is scheduling groups for trips now for another November Habitat Build in Beaumont and for Phase II of the Disciples Hurricane Recovery Initiative through December 31, 2009.

Donate to Week of Compassion

From the DOC Lectionary Blog

2008-09-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

When I was in college I was part of the Baptist college fellowship. Every so often, we had communion.

I really dreaded communion.

Read More...

Seeking God's Solace on 9-11

2008-09-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

A prayer by the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary, National Council of Churches USA

New York, September 11, 2008 -- National Council of Churches General Secretary Michael Kinnamon offers this prayer of remembrance on the anniversary of a day of horror and tears:

Gracious God of all creation:
On this day, we remember our neighbors, of different nations and backgrounds, who died in the attacks we simply call 9-11.

Hear our prayers for their loved ones. May they know the comfort that comes from knowledge and love of you.

May they be surrounded by communities that care for them, even as you continue to care for this fragile and suffering world.

God, we confess that we cannot make sense of the violence inflicted by your children on one another. But even more than understanding, we ask for the strength to be peacemakers, servants of your will for reconciliation.

It has been seven years since the senseless attacks, but we are still in pain. Give us the courage, God, to work for the day when hatred and violence will cease.

Help us to be those who break cycles of retribution, even as we advocate for justice with bold persistence.

Help us to work for that time, envisioned by the prophet, when no infant dies needlessly, when no one labors in vain or bears children for calamity, when even wolf and lamb feed together and no one hurts or destroys your holy creation.

God, be our strength, and may we feel your loving touch today and always.

Amen.

Michael Kinnamon

General Secretary

National Council of Churches

Kinnamon is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Regional Assembly Registration Packet Now Online

2008-09-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Below is a link to the 2008 Regional Assembly Registration Packet. It includes 3 promotional materials for churches: 2 posters, and a bulletin insert. Godspeed. 2008 Regional Assembly Packet: http://tinyurl.com/5rlnot

What you Can Contribute to the "Blessing"

2008-09-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

The Christian Church in the Upper Midwest is inviting each congregation to bring a physical item or symbol that will be displayed as part of the Assembly Worship Center. The item needs to clearly represent the gift your congregation contributes to your community or the world. You will also need to provide a one sentence explanation of the item to be read by the Assembly Narrator during the opening worship while someone from the congregation brings the item to the front of the sanctuary.

We will need your brief one sentence description of the item, along with its approximate dimensions for placement and order in the procession to the front of the sanctuary.

Your sentence and written description will need to be provided by September 29, 2008. Send this information to Rev. Carla Nelson at 641-451-0383 or e-mail her at csndoc@yahoo.com

Speakers Chosen for Regional Assembly

2008-09-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

The following people have been asked to speak at the Regional Assembly on October 11:

John Claussen-Minister, Park Ave Christian, Des Moines, IA
Sara Galindo-Minister, First Christian, Laurens, IA
Richard Guentert-Regional Minister, Upper Midwest, Des Moines, IA
Joy Linn-Minister, Spirit of Joy Christian, Lakeville, MN
Bill Mitchell-Minister, First Christian, Keokuk, IA
Karen Moore-Intentional Interim, Mt. Ayr Christian, Mt. Ayr, IA
Allison Robuck-Former Co-Minister, First Christian, Minneapolis, MN
Larry Squire-Minister, Waukee Christian, Waukee, IA
Paul Witmer-Minister, Covenant Christian, Urbandale, IA

First president of Christian Church Foundation, James R. Reed, dies at 80

2008-09-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

From Disciples News Service:

The Christian Church Foundation has announced the death of Rev. Dr. James R. Reed, president emeritus of the Christian Church Foundation. Reed died Monday evening, September 1, in an Indianapolis hospital, where he had been admitted earlier in the day. He was 80 years old.
Reed was the first president of the Christian Church Foundation and served as the dynamic force behind its ministry from 1964 until retiring in 1991. A visionary leader and passionate about the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in all of its manifestations, Reed was committed to excellence and integrity.

"[Reed] cared about people - traits that today remain key to the Foundation's DNA," said Gary Kidwell, current president of the Christian Church Foundation, in an e-mail sent to the Disciples community announcing Reed's death.

Services for Reed will be held September 5 at Downey Avenue Christian Church in Indianapolis. Memorials should be made payable to the Christian Church Foundation and noted for the James R. and Lucille B. Reed Fund.

A more extensive article was written by DisciplesWorld magazine and can be found here. Reed was the stepfather of Bob Brite, Interim Pastor of First Christian Church in Minneapolis, MN.

Mission Alignment Coordinating Council Holds Its Second Meeting

2008-09-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

From Disciples News Service:

(Indianapolis, Ind. - DNS - Sept. 5, 2008) - The Mission Alignment Coordinating Council (MACC) met in Indianapolis this week and engaged in prayer, worshipful work and dialogue. The 12-member council spent time reviewing church-wide response to a working document it developed which is aimed at better aligning the ministries of the Church around its stated mission.
The MACC, which is comprised of Disciples lay and clergy leaders, met from Sept. 2-4. It was created earlier this year at the request of the 2008 General Board. At its April meeting, the Board approved the framework for a Plan of Mission Alignment and asked that the MACC be put in place to develop that plan. The General Board also asked the Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the General Minister and President to appoint MACC members.

Continue reading...

Registration for 2009 General Assembly Now Open

2008-09-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

"...For the Healing of the Nations" is the theme for the 2009 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to be held in Indianapolis. The website for General Assembly is now open with information on the event, promotional materials, online registration and how plans to make this Assembly a "green" gathering.

Click here to find out more and to take a gander at the new Disciples website.

International Christian Youth Fellowship Draws Several Hundred Youth

2008-09-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

From Disciples News Service:

Hundreds of youths gathered at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., July 24-27 for the International Christian Youth Fellowship (ICYF). Every four years, Disciples high school youth come together for worship, fun, mission work and leisure activities. More than 750 attended the opening worship service on July 24. Before that, at least 450 engaged in mission work beginning July 20. They fixed up transitional housing, labored in food warehouses in Orange, Calif., and constructed new homes.

Read more...

Christian Education Newsletter Available

2008-09-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of the RCC (Resource Center for Churches) Newletter has been mailed to those who wish to have paper copies. A link to an electronic copy has been placed on page one of our web site: www.resourcesforthejourney.org This copy and older copies can be seen in our website subsection Newsletter.

Please take a moment to check out the newsletter. It is full of information about programming resources for youth and adults. Of course the resources listed are only a portion of what we have available. See the Catalog also on the RCC Website.

Power and Boundary Training Available in Minnesota

2008-09-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to inform you that three MCC (Minnesota Council of Churches) Power and Boundaries trainings are scheduled for fall 2008. Please note that the trainings are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The first training is in Brooklyn Center on Wed., October 8. The second training is on Thurs., October 30 in Moorhead and the third training is on Thurs., November 13 in Rochester. Click here for the registration form.

Please note the registration due dates below. Because the trainings are contingent on registration (a minimum of 23 people is required), a training will be cancelled if 23 registrations have not been received by the MCC registration deadline. Fees will be refunded or applied to a subsequent training.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 7025 Halifax Ave. N., Brooklyn Center 55429 (early bird registrations due in MCC office by September 24) (all registrations to MCC any time before October 1)

Thursday, October 30, 2008, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 210 S 7^th St., Moorhead, MN 56560 (early bird registrations due in MCC office October 4) (all registrations to MCC anytime before October 9)

Thursday, November 13, 2008, at Christ United Methodist Church, Rochester, MN 56001 (early bird registrations due in MCC office by October 30) (all registrations to MCC any time before November 6)

Rev. Susan Richey Nienaber and Nancy Biele will lead these trainings using lecture, films and discussion. The training includes:

· theological, sociological and psychological context

· power and gender issues in the pastoral role

· appropriate boundaries in the pastoral role

· prevention: vulnerability, and self-care

· implications to clergy of Minnesota criminal and civil laws

Although the cost of Power and Boundaries training per participant could be as much as $197, the early bird registration fee is $150 (early bird registration must be received 2 weeks before the training). Registration fees received after the early bird deadline are a minimum of $175.

· Clergy registering and paying fees independently - send directly to the Minnesota Council of Churches.

Power and Boundaries training is sponsored by the Minnesota Council of Churches’ Committee to End Sexual Misconduct in the Religious Community. The committee is composed of denominational representatives or representative staff who deal with clergy sexual misconduct cases and related issues, who are on, or are invited to be on the committee by virtue of their position in each denomination.

Christian News: August 2008 Edition

2008-08-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

The August 2008 Edition of Christian News, the newspaper of the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest is now online. You can also download recent issues as well.

New Disciples.org Website to be Launched September 2

2008-08-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

From Disciples News Service:

Communication Ministries will launch a new design for the primary web site of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on Sept. 2. Disciples.org has been redesigned to utilize new technologies for managing content and will provide new services such as RSS feeds and online giving to the Disciples Mission Fund.The launch will be the first phase of a web site improvement project by Communication Ministries. Future enhancements will include improved and additional resources, and integration with online communities such as MySpace, YouTube and Facebook. Information and online registration for the 2009 General Assembly also will be available on Sept. 2.

To see the new design and to register for the 2009 General Assembly, be sure to visit http://www.disciples.org/ on September 2.

First Christain Keokuk Announces "Saturday Night Alive"

2008-08-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

First Christian Church in Keokuk, IA is starting a new service on September 6 (yes, that's a Saturday) called "Saturday Night Alive." Want to find out more? Well, the folks at First have made this video to explain their new endeavor:

The church also has a blog that shares more about the service.

New Info on the Upper Midwest webpage

2008-08-19T14:56:00.001-07:00

The following information is now available at the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest website:

Information on Reconciliation Grants;
Applications for New Church Grants.

Both are available at the Resource Page.

Work Groups Needed!!!!!

2008-08-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

As you know a Mission Station has been created in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
to accomodate work groups desiring to assist in the cleanup and
rebuild of the areas damaged by flooding and tornados this summer.
The schedule, as of 8-12-08 is below.

I'm wondering if it would be possible to get a whole bunch of other
Upper Midwest folks lined up to go?????????

WE ARE IN NEED OF WORK GROUPS FOR THE FOLLOWING TIME FRAMES.

August 17-23, 2008 (FCC, Nevada is scheduled...we can easily accomodate 10 more persons)

August 31-September 6, 2008 (no one is scheduled as of yet)

September 7-13, 2008 (Capitol Hill, Des Moines is scheduled...we can easily accomodate 10 more persons)

September 14-20, 2008 (Northwood CC, Indianapolis is scheduled...we can easily accomodate 10 more persons)

September 21-30, 2008 (FCC, Gibson City, IA is scheduled for 9/22-24...we can easily accomodate a dozen more folks at least for the entire week)

September 28-October 4, 2008 (Norwalk CC is scheduled for 10/4; FCC Red Oak is scheduled for 9/28-10/1...we can easily accomodate about 15-18 more persons for the entire week)

October 5-11, 2008 (FCC, Medina, Ohio is scheduled...we can easily accomodate an additional 15 persons

October 12-18, 2008 (Disciples CC, Cleveland Heights, Ohio is scheduled...we can accomodate an addition half dozen folks)

October 19-25, 2008 (no one is scheduled as of yet)

October 26-November 1, 2008 (Legacy CC, Harrison, Ohio is scheduled...we can easily accomodate another dozen folks)

November 2-8, 2008 (First CC, Zanesville, Ohio is scheduled...we can easily accomodate another half dozen folks)

November 9-15, 2008 (no one is scheduled as of yet)

The Mission Station will like close for the winter (with the possible
exception of some inside work as it becomes available) on November 15
and likely reopen again in the early Spring 2009.

Looking to build community within the congregation you serve? This
certainly is one way to help in that process...

Interested in helping?

It's simple...just contact the person below to begin the process...

Anne Marie Moyars, Administrative Assistant
Disciples Volunteering - Disaster Response
amoyars@dhm.disciples.org
(317) 713-2666 or toll free (888) 346-2631
Fax Number: (317) 635-4426
Web Site: http://www.discipleshomemissions.org

From the DOC Lectionary Blog

2008-08-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

From the DOC Lectionary Blog:

It's easier to say what we believe than to practice what we believe. So for the early Christians it might have been easy to say that "God is the God of all" or "in Christ there is no Jew nor Greek" but putting these abstract thoughts into practice would have been much harder to do. Perhaps these stories are there to remind them that Jesus was more concerned about what comes out of the heart than about what rules you follow and that the first messianic proclamation actually came from a gentile woman. Reminders of things like these were almost certainly needed to help resolve issues of Church governance in the first century. They're also needed today.

Continue reading...

Work groups needed for Iowa flood recovery

2008-08-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

From DisciplesWorld:

By Rebecca Bowman Woods, DisciplesWorld news and website editor

INDIANAPOLIS (8/11/08) — Three Disciples congregations have opened their doors as mission stations in Iowa, where summer flooding caused extensive damage in Cedar Rapids and other areas.

After the floodwaters receded, the churches — Noelridge Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, First Christian Church in Coralville, and Marion Christian Church in Marion — worked with the Office of Disciples Volunteering to prepare their facilities, and their members, to host mission groups from outside the area. Now all they need are volunteers.

Carl Zerweck, who heads Disciples Volunteering, estimated the number of homes damaged by flooding in the Cedar Rapids area as “somewhere between 4,000 and 5,400.” Zerweck is concerned about the amount of “cutting and gutting” work to be done before cold weather arrives. “The situation is bad. There’s a lot of need and we really need people to consider going.”

Work groups are needed for several of the weeks from September through mid-November, according to Zerweck. Grants are available through Week of Compassion to help with trip costs.

Disciples Musicians are denomination’s best-kept secret

2008-08-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

From DisciplesWorld:

By Verity A. Jones, DisciplesWorld editor and publisher

TULSA, Okla. — (8/13/08) I don’t understand why the annual conference of the Association of Disciples Musicians (ADM) isn’t attended by hundreds if not thousands of people every year.

It must be the best -kept secret in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), otherwise more than this year’s 103 registrants would’ve been here.

This year’s event at First Christian Church in downtown Tulsa, July 19–24, featured fabulous performances, opportunities to rehearse with remarkable musicians of all kinds, and meaningful worship experiences to boot.

Not to mention the workshops exploring the many facets of Emerging Worship, including controversies that this and other changing worship styles pose to the world of American religious music today.

Oh, and there is the fellowship. This is a group of Disciples, professional and volunteer, who really like each other and enjoy getting together year after year. Some have been doing so for more than 20 years. Go figure.

Continue reading...

World Reformed grouping and Disciples body seek closer ties

2008-08-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

by Ecumenical News International

GENEVA — Two global bodies grouping Protestant Christians — the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Disciples Ecumenical Consultative Council (DECC) — say they are looking to establish a closer relationship.

“It is significant that several united churches around the world are already members of both bodies and have been a voice encouraging us to pursue closer relationships in the future,” said the Rev. Robert Welsh, the general secretary of DECC. The president of the WARC is former Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick.

The Geneva-based WARC said in an Aug. 11 statement that leaders of the two groups had agreed at a meeting in Nashville, TN at the end of July to continue talking about “the development of a comprehensive partnership in pursuit of the visible unity of the Church.”

WARC general secretary the Rev. Setri Nyomi said the Nashville meeting marked a “potentially significant” step in the pursuit of Christian unity. “We welcome this important move.”

WARC has roots in the 16th-century Reformation led by John Calvin, John Knox and others, as well as in earlier church reform movements such as the Waldensians in the Piedmont valleys of Italy, and the followers of Jan Hus in the Czech lands. It brings together 75 million Christians in 214 churches.

The Disciples of Christ (which in some parts of the world is known as Churches of Christ), grew out of an early 19th century movement with origins in both the United Kingdom and the U.S.A. The DECC is a council of 19 Disciples of Christ, Churches of Christ, United and Uniting churches established in 1979, and represents 4.5 million Christians around the world.

In October 2007, WARC agreed to merge with the Reformed Ecumenical Council, with which it has an overlapping membership, to form the World Communion of Reformed Churches in 2010.

The DECC member churches are to consider a proposal that DECC become an associate member of WCRC to allow closer ties in relation to the programs and governance of the new communion of churches.

Registration and Promotional Materials for Regional Assembly Now Available

2008-08-13T15:08:00.001-07:00

Registration forms for the 2008 Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest are now available for download. For information on this year's gathering, please go to the Regional Assembly page.

Online Courses Available

2008-08-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

The registration deadline for two upcoming courses “History and Polity of the Disciples of Christ” and “Introduction to Christian Thought” is August 21st. Information for both courses is below along with a link to our website where you can download the registration form. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me.

Krystal Jacobs, Office Administrator
Missouri School of Religion
Email: krystalmsr@earthlink.net

History and Polity of the
Disciples of Christ

The purpose of this on-line course is to explore and analyze the history, polity and characteristic beliefs of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Specific aims of the course include the following:

¨ Becoming familiar and knowledgeable about the origins, development, growth and current status of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

¨ Understanding and articulating the characteristic beliefs and practices which make the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) a unique part of the universal church while celebrating the Disciples' ecumenical pilgrimage.

¨ Identifying and being aware of how the polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) works.

Instructor: Rev. Ken Watson, D.Min. is the recently retired Associate Minister of First Christian Church in Columbia, Missouri. Responsibilities in that position were to give staff oversight for Adult Christian Education, membership development, local outreach, worship, property concerns, and the unique Computer Lab which the church began developing in 1994. A native Missourian, Ken was raised in Warrensburg where he also completed his undergraduate education in Psychology in 1967. Following graduation, he attended Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky, graduating in 1972 with a Doctor of Ministry degree. After serving pastorates in Iowa, he came to Columbia in 1978 to pursue a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of Missouri and was granted that degree in 1985. From 1981 to 1984 he served as Associate Minister for Broadway Christian Church in Columbia. From 1984 to 1994 he served as Associate Regional Minister for the Christian Church of Mid-America, with primary responsibilities in leader development, Christian education and overseas ministry relationships.

Start Date: September 2, 2008 Course will run for 12 weeks
Registration Deadline: August 21, 2008
Cost: $350.00
Texts:

Joined in Discipleship: The Shaping of Contemporary Disciples Identity, Mark G. Toulouse.
Journey in Faith: A History of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by William E. Tucker and Lester G. McAllister

Click for more information and to register

Introduction to Christian Thought

This course will be an introduction to the breadth of theologies and issues central to Christian Thought including analysis of their socio-historical roots. Attention will be given to significant theologians and social movements that have impacted the contemporary landscape of thought.

Rev. Christine Isham-Walsh, Phd. Ordained in the Christian Church (DOC) in 2005, Christine received her PhD from Drew University with an emphasis in contemporary ethics. Her dissertation explored issues of racism in Christian Feminist Theological Ethics and was titled: Engaging Differences: Replacing the search for essentials in feminist theological ethics with a conversation on difference. She has served the local church in various leadership positions, as Elder, and Sunday school teacher as well as well as Associate and Senior Minister positions. She currently balances working for the State of Missouri Department of Social Services, filling various pulpits on Sundays, and the busy lives of her two teenagers with great joy and by the grace of God.

Start Date: September 2, 2008 Course will run until October 30
Registration Deadline: August 21, 2008
Cost: $350.00

Texts:

Modern Christian Thought: The Twentieth Century. James C. Livingston , Francis Schussler Fiorenza, Sarah Coakley, James H., Jr. Evans , eds. Fortress Press, 2006.

Building a Biblical Faith by Charles Bayer. Chalice Press, 1994.

Click for more information and to register.

First Christian Minneapolis Looking For Pianist

2008-08-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

First Christian Church of Minneapolis (Disciples of Christ) is seeking a part-time, regular pianist for weekly, 10:30 a.m. Sunday services. There may be some additional rehearsals and special services during the week. Candidate should be versatile in a variety of worship styles and improvisations. Position to begin in early September 2008.

For more information, please contact First Christian at 612-870-1868 or fcc-mpls@qwest.net.

News from the Minnesota Council of Churches

2008-08-07T13:52:00.001-07:00

Prayer at the Fair -Sundays, August 24 & 31, 2008, 9:15 – 9:45 AM, State Fair Bandshell

Skipping worship on Sunday August 24th or 31st? You don’t have to! Come to the Bandshell for an uplifting, spirited worship service that celebrates the abundance of life. Sponsored by the Minnesota Council of Churches, the casual service contains both the familiar forms of church including hymns, prayers and a sermon and also gets into the fun spirit of the Fair with our “bulletins on a stick." Celebrants represent the many denominations that make up the Minnesota Council of Churches, making the service a celebration of Christian Unity. For more information contact Gail at (612) 230-3210.

Minneapolis CROP Walk to Benefit Refugee Services Sunday, October 12, 2008, 2PM beginning and ending at Augsburg College

Join the fight against poverty by participating in the Minneapolis Metro CROP Walk. Sponsored by Church World Service, proceeds will benefit the Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services and other international and local disaster relief, refugee assistance and long-term self-help development programs. Click here to learn more about an August 21 recruitment rally, registering online and more, or call Kristin at (612) 230-3219.

Darfur: Where is Our Moral Compass Wednesday, September 3, 2008, 5 – 6 PM, State Capitol Grounds This non-partisan event will create international awareness about Darfur, focusing on current conditions and what can be done to improve the situation. The event will include an interfaith prayer service, Camp Darfur (a reenactment of what life is like in Darfur), stories from survivors of genocide, and speakers. For more information click here or contact Lynne at (612) 230-3211.

Interfaith Service a Meaningful Commemoration Over 1,000 people gathered at the Basilica of St. Mary on August 1, 2008 for an interfaith prayer service in commemoration of the 35W bridge collapse year anniversary. The Service was organized by the Minnesota Council of Churches and the Basilica of St. Mary with cooperation of the office of Governor Tim Pawlenty and Mayor R.T. Rybak. View photo gallery online.

Camp Stories

2008-08-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

From Associate Regional Minister, Bill Spangler-Dunning:

From a distance, standing at the parking lot looking down the hill at
closing circle as the high school campers are saying their good byes, it is
easy for one to be overwhelmed and yet not fully understand what is behind
the tears.

Sure, they cry because they have made deep friendships that may last a
lifetime but closing circle means that for now they must leave each other
and this makes them cry.

Sure, they cry because a week of intense experience with God and their own
faith lives touches them deep in their souls and closing circle means this
concentrated faith time will also be coming to end.

Sure, they cry because they are exhausted having slowly given of
themselves to others all week and it is at closing circle as others are
hugging them goodbye that they realize just how much they meant to others.

Sure, they cry because a week of camp can inspire them for the rest of the
year and the joy that fills their spirits provides the fuel to carry their
faith into the world.

As I watch parents watching the closing circles and listening to the tears I wonder as we change (grow older) do we remember just why we cried during out closing circles. Or maybe even more what do we need to change to make sure we experience our faith and life at a level that changes our lives enough to make us cry tears of joy!

Thank you all for your support of the Christian Conference Center and our
camping ministry!

Bill Spangler-Dunning

Disciples News Service: August 6, 2008

2008-08-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

GENERAL MINISTER AND PRESIDENT WRITES PASTORAL LETTER ABOUT WAR IN IRAQ: General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins has written a pastoral letter to all Disciples congregations which acknowledges the pain caused by the five-year old war in Iraq. Watkins letter, which was sent to congregations last week, addresses the impact of the war on people from many walks of life, including service men and women, their families, military chaplains, peace advocates, and the Iraqi people. “During the next year, I am calling each of us to continue our prayers for those whose lives have been disrupted or lost, to continue our prayers for peace and understanding, and to continue to be engaged in meaningful dialogue that seeks first to understand those who differ from us, before we seek to be understood,” she states.Her letter is written as part of the GMP’s actions called for in General Assembly resolution 0728, “The Church’s Response to the War in Iraq, passed at the 2007 General Assembly. To read the full letter, go to: www.disciples.org/watkins/news/2008/08/05a.aspTo read General Assembly resolution 0728, visit: www.disciples.org/ga/resolutions/0728

ECUMENICAL STEWARDSHIP CENTER CONTINUES TO PROVIDE DISCIPLE CHURCHES WITH ANNUAL CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: The Ecumenical Stewardship Center has long been the source of stewardship materials for Disciples. ESC is committed to providing materials that help congregations grow in their understanding of Christian stewardship. Congregations may order their 2008 theme materials, bulletin inserts, giving cards, and other supplies directly through the Ecumenical Stewardship Center at 1-800-835-5671 or visit their website www.stewardshipresources.org.The center also sponsors educational events designed to encourage the stewardship ministries of congregations, denominations, church-related institutions and organizations.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY GIVES FAITHFUL SERVANT AWARD: The Disciples of Christ Historical Society has named Timothy M. James as the recipient of the 2008 Faithful Servant Award. The award goes annually to individuals who have given an extra-measure of service to causes in the whole Church. James is associate general minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and administrative secretary of the National Convocation. The award was presented during the closing banquet of the 20th Biennial Session of the National Convocation, which was held in Memphis, Tenn., July 25-28.James graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 1974, earned his master’s of divinity degree at Christian Theological Seminary in 1978, and his doctorate in ministry at United Theological Seminary in 1994. He also served as student pastor at Hill Street Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., and as pastor of Fifth Christian Church in Cleveland, Ohio, 1978-2003. He has been director of the Inner City Ministers Training Program, a lecturer at Cleveland State University, a member of the Commission on Ministry of the Christian Church in Ohio, and on the board of directors of the Cleveland Christian Home for Children. In addition, James served as president of the National Convocation and on the affirmative action committee of the National Benevolent Association. For more, see: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08073.html

LATINO MINISTERS GATHER AT CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY: Latino pastors and lay leaders from seven states recently attended a first-of-its kind Spanish summer school program at Christian Theological Seminary. The course, called Curso Teologico de Verano, was offered to help participants enhance the skills they need to better serve their local congregations. The curriculum included instruction in worship, pastoral care and Christian education.The weeklong class, which took place from July 28 to Aug. 1, was made up of 18 people. Christian Theological seminary plans to offer the course again next summer with a capacity to handle twice as many ministers. “Latino pastors do heroic ministry with few resources,” said Carol Johnston, the seminary’s director of lifelong theological education. “Anything we can do to help equip them for their ministries is valuable.” For more, see: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08074.html

PASTORS FROM AROUND THE U.S. AND CANADA SOON TO GATHER IN CHICAGO: More than 325 Disciples pastors from around the United States and Canada will soon gather in Chicago for the 2008 General Minister and President’s Pastor’s Conference. The Sept. 8-10 event has been organized around the theme: “Wholeness in a Fragmented World: Body, Mind and Spirit.”Those attending will have the opportunity to participate in a number of workshops or panel discussions on such topics as stewardship, worship planning, community involvement and ministering to the five generations of the church. Speakers will include Will Willimon, bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church and noted preacher Floyd Flake, pastor of Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, New York. Although registration is now closed, you can learn more about the conference by going to: www.disciples.org/watkins/pastorsconference

FAITH-BASED WORKSHOP ON OFFENDER RE-ENTRY WILL BE OFFERED IN SEPTEMBER: A one-day workshop on faith-based offender re-entry is being offered by the Missouri School of Religion and its ecumenical partners. The workshop is entitled “Opening Gates, Opening Hearts: Faithful Responses to Offender Re-entry,” and will be held Sept. 6 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Jefferson City, Mo. The gathering will focus on meeting the needs of Christ in the person of the ex-offender.Break-out sessions at the workshop will discuss how to help ex-offenders get attached to a local church, find Christian mentors, become employed and not return to prison. The program is sponsored by the Randolph County Ministerial Alliance in Moberly, Mo., the Christian Fellowship Church, Missouri Union Presbytery, and Diocese of Jefferson City, all in Jefferson City, and the Missouri School of Religion. Registration is $25 prior to Aug. 22 and $35 thereafter. To find out more, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08075.pdf (PDF)

U.S. HOUSE PASSES BILL BACKED BY FAITH UNITED AGAINST TOBACCO: The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a landmark tobacco regulation bill, which has been endorsed by more than 680 public health, medical, faith and other organizations, including the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The bill, H.R. 1108, would give the Food and Drug Administration significantly enhanced authority over the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products. The legislation now goes to the Senate, where it has at least 57 co-sponsors.In 2007, the General Assembly adopted Resolution No. 0726, “Faith United Against Tobacco Use.” The resolution called for increasing FDA jurisdiction over tobacco products, and urged regions and congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to strongly support state and local public health measures that would increase tobacco tax rates to fully fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs and prohibit smoking in public places. For more, see:www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/fda/index.shtml

YOUTH GROUPS ENCOURAGED TO BECOME INVOLVED IN GLOBAL MISSION: Disciples youth groups can help change the world and be inspired through global mission at the same time. Congregations are encouraged to urge their youth groups to become a Global Mission Youth Group. Global Mission Youth Groups pray regularly for partners, missionaries, and the world. The youth groups also educate their members about global issues, seek justice for the "least of these" in the international community, give to the work of global mission, send their members into the world to share the good news of Jesus, and grow in sharing the story of God's mission with others. Congregations may download a guide on the youth group process and create an action plan for the coming year at: www.globalministries.org/global-mission-youth

DISCIPLES PASTOR URGES UNITY AT WORLD CONVENTION: Disciples minister Cynthia Hale reminded those who attended the World Convention (Christian - Churches of Christ – Disciples of Christ) meeting in Nashville, Tenn., last week that Jesus has given specific instructions about unity among his followers as described in John 17. His prayer in that passage is that His Disciples “may be one” as He and the Father are one. Hale preached to the opening gathering of the World Convention. She is founder and senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Decatur, Ga.The World Convention was held July 30-Aug. 3. Christians from churches related to the Stone-Campbell Movement from around the world attended the meeting at the Nashville Convention Center. The movement was launched by Barton W. Stone and Thomas and Alexander Campbell in the early 19th century.B. J. Mpofu of Zimbabwe was inducted as the new World Convention president during closing ceremonies on Aug. 3. For more about the World Convention, see: www.worldconvention.org or www.disciplesworld.com/newsArticle.html?wsnID=13847

OKLAHOMA CHURCH SENDS BIBLES TO SOLDIERS OVERSEAS: First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Jenks, Okla., is making a major effort to help provide Bibles to U.S. soldiers serving overseas. The congregation recently presented Mardel Christian Book Stores with a check for the cost of five cases containing a total of 160 Bibles. Each case cost $124.99 and contains 32 Bibles. The program, called “Operation Worship Bible” puts Bibles into the hands of soldiers who are stationed far away from family and friends.Members of the congregation will sign the bibles and write notes to the troops that will accompany the books. After those books are returned to Mardel, the Oklahoma City-based book chain will ship them to soldiers overseas at no charge to First Christian. In addition, each soldier who receives one of the Bibles can choose to have another Bible sent to a family member, without charge. To learn more about First Christian in Jenks, go to: www.fccjenksok.com

FORMER MISSIONARY TO OKINAWA, PARAGUAY, BOLIVIA, BRAZIL DIES: Former Disciples missionary Itoko Maeda has died. Maeda, 89, died in Indianapolis, where she resided on July 24. She served as a missionary in Okinawa, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil and also worked as Director of Interpretation with the Division of Overseas Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Maeda was the first missionary of Japanese descent sent as a missionary by the United Christian Missionary Society in 1956.Maeda was born in Tokyo, Japan on Sept. 4, 1918. She immigrated to the United States in 1953, became a naturalized citizen and began her career as a school teacher. She later received a call to become a Disciples missionary. Maeda provided spiritual guidance to Japanese who were residing temporarily and permanently in Indiana. To find out more about her, go to: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08076.html

LYNCHBURG COLLEGE SETS UP NEW VETERANS AWARD: Lynchburg College has instituted a program to make it easier for eligible veterans to qualify for grant assistance. The new Veterans Award program was established by the school in response to the 21st Century GI Bill, which was signed into law by President Bush in June. The new law will enable Lynchburg to offer the eligible veterans a tuition free college education. Lynchburg College is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and located in Lynchburg, Va.The bill “represents the voices of our nation’s veterans’ service organizations who truly understand the costs of war,” said Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, one of the legislation’s strongest supporters. “These advocates have called for a ‘21st Century GI Bill’ that provides returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with benefits that respect their service and reward their sacrifice like the WW II veterans that came before them.” To get more about the college’s GI education program, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08077.html

FORMER PRESIDENT OF CHURCH WOMEN UNITED DIES IN DALLAS: Mary L. Rowand, a former Disciples minister and trustee at Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School has died. Rowand, 89, died July 14 at a nursing home in Fort Worth, Texas. She had been married to the late Edward C. Rowand, who had been senior minister at Central Christian Church (Disciples Christ) in Dallas, Texas. The couple moved to Texas in 1953, where Edward Rowand served as minister at Central Christian.The Rowands began leading tours of Christian sites in the Middle East in the late 1950s. They later led similar tours in Europe. Mary Rowand became international president of Church Women United, which gave her the opportunity to travel around the world. For more, see: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08078.html

####Editor: Wanda Bryant Wills
E-mail: news@cm.disciples.org

Pastoral Letter about the War in Iraq from General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins

2008-08-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

July 25, 2008
Dear Church,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Resolution 0728 adopted at the Fort Worth General Assembly asked that I write a pastoral letter to the congregations about the pain to the nation and to the church related to the war in Iraq. As we surpass the 4000th American death in that war, as at least one of those deaths is a Disciples young man from one of our churches in the Northeast Region, as we pass the unnumbered tens of thousands of Iraqi deaths, I write out of deep sorrow. The families and congregations of those who have died are living with a depth of loss that is unimaginable for those who have not traveled that road. And yet, there is also a depth of pride for the courage displayed by men and women who serve their country through military duty.

As General Minster and President, I have the privilege of participating in conversations with a broad range of persons and partners in mission. Recently I convened a table of persons to reflect on issues raised by the war in Iraq. There were military chaplains present, as well as retired military officers now involved in the church. There were peace and justice activists, representatives of Global Ministries, and two Iraqi refugees – a doctor and a chemist. There were local congregations represented, including a congregation that has been outspoken in its opposition to the General Assembly resolution on Iraq. Personal stories were shared, tears shed, anger expressed and connections made among individuals who ordinarily expect to find themselves on opposite sides of a cavern of divergent opinion. The meeting ended with a strong sense of hope growing out of the oneness in Christ that flows deeper than human opinion.

Continue Reading...

Tim Diebel Elected to Executive of the Forum

2008-08-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

Friends:

I'm proud to announce that the Rev. Dr. Tim Diebel, Sr. Minister of First Christian Church, Des Moines, and Moderator-Elect of the Upper Midwest Region has just been elected Secretary of the FORUM OF REGIONAL MODERATORS.

The Moderators of Regions from across the United States and Canada have been meeting for two full days in Nashville, Tn. They have just concluded their assembly tonight. At the closing worship service our General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, issued the installation charge and covenant to the organization's newest officers.

Moderators and Moderators-Elect of the denomination gather in this forum once every two years along with the College of Regional Ministers. This year the body had an orientation from Rev. Glenn Carson to the work of the Disciples Historical Society, which calls Nashville home to its museum of memorabilia for the three restoration streams of the church.

Participants had the opportunity to visit and tour the Historical Society.They also explored the nature of the Disciples past, present and future work in the Regional and General manifestations of the church. They concluded their meeting with hearing the delightful music of a famous Nashville song-writer, Thom Schuyler. His award-winning song, "Prayer of a Desperate Man" can be heard at http://www.thomschuyler.com/

Congratulations to Rev. Diebel on his election to the Forum's executive committee.

Dr. Richard Guentert, Regional Minister

DBS Brief

2008-08-03T20:49:00.001-07:00

August 1, 2008

Welcome to the first edition of the DBS Brief. We plan to bring you regular, concise, bulleted updates on DBS programs, services and developing partnerships with Regions, Areas and Congregations. This e-mail is being distributed to all Regional and Area Ministers. If you know of others who might like to receive this newletter, please shoot an e-mail to mrcrawford@nbacares.org. Of course, your feedback on this newsletter is also invited.

· Chaplaincy Care – The program is running at full speed at the Barton W. Stone Home and surrounding community in Jacksonville, Ill. Chaplain Gladys Herzog has made such an impact on residents, families and staff, that we are now planning to soon hire a second chaplain to help serve the community. The program is about to be launched in Des Moines, Iowa, to serve the residents and staff at Ramsey Home, as well as the surrounding community.

· ECHO – In partnership with Memorial Boulevard Christian Church, area preschool and elementary children are attending VBS during the first week of August. A community Back-to-School Fair is scheduled for August 9 and school-aged children will receive free school supplies, backpacks and underwear. Information booths and workshops are available for parent workshops. Southeast Gateway Area (SEGA) congregations have helped by collecting school supplies for this event. The 16^th annual YTB Lou Brock Golf Classic benefiting ECHO is taking place August 4 in Chesterfield, Mo. As a sponsor of St. Louis Restoration Network, we are partnering to feed the underprivileged and homeless in the community.

· Florida Christian Center – FCC published and mailed its first newsletter, reconnecting with friends and donors throughout the Florida and Alabama-Northwest Florida Regions. A partnership with a local health and rehab organization provides opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices for the residents in the area.

· Woodhaven – Plans are underway to build an additional home in Columbia, Mo., where Woodhaven serves more than 100 developmentally disabled adults in community-based homes and apartments. During 2007, 108 men and women were served in the Community Living Program in 45 homes and apartments.

· CSCA – Children’s Services for Children in Alabama has recently expanded its Family Preservation program in the 6-county area surrounding Selma. Specially trained professionals work with families to teach them the skills and provide them with the resources necessary to keep the family unit intact.

· Personal Care Homes – DBS staff are taking steps to develop “just like home” residences for older adults who need daily living assistance but not nursing home or medical care. The residences will serve between 3-4 persons each in addition to a round-the-clock attendant. We plan to partner with congregations to develop these homes. A DBS gift component is available to help start such new ministries.

· Regional Assemblies – DBS participated in the recent National Convocation in Memphis and will be attending the following Regional Assemblies this year: Upper Midwest; Pacific Southwest; Kansas; Nebraska; Ohio; Southwest; Arizona; Tennessee; Greater Kansas City; Georgia; and Illinois-Wisconsin. DBS staff also attended spring 2008 Regional Assemblies in Alabama-NW Florida; California, Northern Nevada; North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

President and CEO

Disciples Benevolent Services

"Continuing the proud tradition of the NBA..since 1887"

149 Weldon Pkwy, Suite 115

Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3103

314-993-9000, Ext. 116

Reconcilation Camp: A Letter from Sharon Watkins

2008-08-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

Reconciliation Camp

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As I write this letter, I am on a plane traveling from Reconciliation Camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to Sessions ’08 on the Oklahoma prairie. The young mom sitting beside me has a baby boy asleep in her arms. I am thinking of my strapping 6 foot son, now 22, whom I used to carry like that – and it doesn’t seem so very long ago.

Raising up children is just about the most important thing we do. In the church, we don’t raise our children alone.

Reconciliation Camp took place at Craig Springs, Virginia. The campers and the staff were African-American and European-American. Twenty-five middle schoolers, four counselors, a nurse, a chaplain, a crafts person and director Rev. Terrye Williams. When Terrye envisioned this camp, she saw young people (just coming to the “age of accountability” as we used to say) learning about the gift of diversity and challenging the unfairness of stereotypes. She hoped they would learn about working together, sharing many gifts, being one church. Terrye’s vision became a reality and on the morning of their last full day, I had the privilege of joining these young members of our church and participating with them as their keynoter.

When I arrived, it was clear that the message of the week was sinking in.

“What headlines would go with the story of this camp?” I asked.

“A Week of Unity,” “We are One at Craig Springs,” “35 Working as One,” “News Flash: We are One People,” they told me.

At worship the night before they’d presented a skit where they divided into groups, each one claiming that God loved their group the most. Then “God” arrived on the scene, and solved the riddle: God loved them all the same. Another skit: quarrels breaking out one after the other, but each one stopped by a prophetic figure “in the name of peace!” Simple skits, fervent prayers, energetic songs.

Raising our children is just about the most important thing we do, and parents don’t do it alone. We share the job with the surrogate parents, aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas of the church.

At Reconciliation Camp I reminded the children of the saying attributed to St. Francis: “Preach the gospel always. When necessary: use words.” I reminded them that our lives are a sermon, that our mission statement as Disciples of Christ is “to BE and to share the good news of Jesus Christ.” I urged them, according to the theme of the day, to reflect on the words from James, “Be doers of the word, not hearers only,” and encouraged them to think of how they could be doers of all they were learning at camp once they got back home.

My time with the campers reminded me that there is hope for the church as we look for opportunities in our congregations, in our schools, and in our neighborhoods to live as Jesus lived.

Reconciliation Camp is one way that creative people in one region are working to fulfill our church-wide priority to be a pro-reconciliation/anti-racism church. Because their work links with our most important responsibility of raising our children well, this camp gives me hope for our future. If we can raise our children to see beyond stereotypes, to value the variations in culture as a gift, and to thrive in a world of diversity, then I see the reign of God drawing near.

Before long we’ll be observing our Reconciliation Offering. This year for the first time it is intentionally linked with World Communion Sunday, on Oct. 5. We’ll remember that as Disciples, we are a movement for wholeness, reaching across barriers of race and culture, to be one people at the table of God. We’ll remember that as part of the one church, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us. And we’ll pray for a day when all our lives will preach a sermon that says, “God loves all God’s children just the same!”

Sharon E. Watkins
General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Project Recovery Iowa

2008-08-03T20:28:00.001-07:00

PROJECT RECOVERY IOWA

Iowa Concern Hotline (800) 447-1985
24-hour confidential assistance

What is Project Recovery Iowa?
Project Recovery Iowa is a collaborative program administered by the
Iowa Department of Human Services designed to empower those affected
by disaster through educating them about disaster reactions, teaching
them coping skills, assessing them for individual needs, and linking
them to appropriate community resources. After crisis counseling
services have been provided, individuals may be referred to an
appropriate provider for ongoing care, if needed.

What is Crisis Counseling?
Crisis counseling is a strengths-based, outreach-oriented approach to
helping disaster survivors access and identify personal and community
resources that will aid the recovery process.

It consists primarily of supportive, educational, face-to-face
interventions with individuals and communities in their natural
environments.

Who Do I Contact?
The Iowa State University Iowa Concern Hotline will take initial
calls from any individual statewide seeking information or counseling
assistance. Iowa Concern Hotline will direct calls to the
appropriate crisis counseling provider serving the county. All calls
are free and confidential, and the operators are willing to assist
wherever possible.

Iowa Concern Hotline (800) 447-1985

Two Minneapolis Churches Host Picnic

2008-07-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Lake Harriet Christian Church and First Christian Church of Minneapolis Family Picnic
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2008
Time: 12:00 Noon
Contact person: Paul Rottschaefer at 612-861-7523

Oak Hill Park
3201 Rhode Island Ave. South
St. Louis Park, MN

Potluck. Paper products furnished. Bring your favorite picnic food to share.

35W Bridge Memorial Service

2008-07-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and the Minnesota Council of Churches Invite the community to gather to remember the victims and survivors of the 35W bridge collapse and honor the rescue workers and others who responded with courage that day.

Your attendance is kindly requested on Friday, August 1, 2008 Interfaith Service 11:00-12:00 PM - Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis. Governor Pawlenty, Mayor Rybak and Methodist Bishop Sally Dyck, President of the Minnesota Council of Churches, will offer brief reflections. Prayers and songs will be presented from many faith traditions, reflecting the diverse faith traditions of the victims.

Remembrance 4:30-6:30 PM—Gold Medal Park, West River Road, Minneapolis Artists from different cultures will perform until 5:30 pm when a procession led by first responders and community leaders will walk to the Stone Arch Bridge (or viewing area on West River Parkway for shorter walk). The public is invited to join in the procession. At 6:05 pm – the time that the bridge collapsed –a moment of silence will be observed, ending with the ringing of bells across the city and state.

Please RSVP to 612-673-3277 for information on reserved seating and procession line up information.

"Permission to Fail"

2008-07-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this video from the Pittsburgh Presbytery (part of the Presbyteryian Church) which shares the story of a new church plant in Pittsburgh.

What are your thoughts about new churches? Did you know of new churches that are being planted in the Region? Do the pastors and leaders of new churches in the Region have stories to tell us?

Feel free to comment.

Iowa Youth Shares Experiences Pre-ICYF

2008-07-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

Joseph Decious of Marion Christian Church had this to say about the trip on the way to ICYF:

"My group has had a great experience on our mission trip at a community center in east LA. We helped out with their summer daycare program, we helped them put on a show for their parents. We helped clean up their garden and plant more plants. We did some painting, help organize their thrift shop, and prepared them for today's food distribution which helps over 2000 families per year. We also set up a few new computers in their lab. They give free English lessons to help the Hispanic community. I am looking forward to the conference in the coming days."

Johnny Wray @ Noleridge Christian

2008-07-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT-- Please announce this event at your July 27th and August 3rd Worship Services. It would also be appreciated if you could include it in your next church newsletter.--Thank you.

JOHNNY WRAY, ADMINSTRATIVE DIRECTOR-WEEK OF COMPASSION
August 9-10
Noelridge Christian Church 7111 C Ave. NECedar Rapids, IA

Mark your calendars for this very important event! It is a rare opportunity for us .
Johnny Wray, Administrative Director of the Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee and development ministry fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will be at Noelridge Christian Church on Saturday, August 9th at 7 P.M. for an evening of relaxed conversation. What a great opportunity to get to know more about Week of Compassion and the impact we can make in the world! Johnny will also be preaching at both services on Sunday, August 10th @ 8:30 and 10: 30 A.M. and will host a conversation during the Fellowship Hour between the services.

Thank you for helping us get the word out on this important function.

The Noelridge Christian Church Outreach Committee

Pie Auction @ Howard Street Christian

2008-07-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Date: Sunday, August 3 @ Noon
Location: Howard Street Christian Church, 101 Locust Street, Colfax, IA

Menu: Fried Chicken, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Baked Beans

Pies will be auctioned off right after lunch. Lunch is a freewill donation and please pay for your pies (cash or check) before going home.

Your UCC and Disciples Global Ministries Update - July 24, 2008

2008-07-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Disciples and UCC: together in God’s global mission - Visit us at: http://www.globalministries.org/

Please download the MONTHLY MISSION STORY for your church bulletin or newsletter:
July 2008: pdf or text only or espanol
August 2008: pdf or text only

To download the WEEKLY PRAYER for Sunday worship, click here: Paraguay

Recently changed your address? Please contact Marcia Harris at 317-713-2575 or mharris@dom.disciples.org to update your contact information. Don’t forget to tell us if the church has gone to a post office box.

Come to ¡Missionworks! / MMI in Cleveland October 2-5, 2008 for an inspiring and uplifting time! Disciples and UCC laity and clergy will meet to celebrate God’s mission and to be encouraged and strengthened for ministry. Click here for more information and registration material:
http://www.globalministries.org/calendar/missionworks.html .

Africa Office Executive Reports on Zimbabwe Summit
Sandra Gourdet traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa and gathered with church leaders from around the globe from July 14-17, 2008 around the theme "Overcoming Fear by Faith: Churches in Solidarity with Zimbabwe". The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, the South African Council of Churches, and the Council on World Mission hosted more than 70 Christian participants to discern ways in which one can demonstrate practical solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Zimbabwe. Participants saw tangible evidence of state sponsored violence and intimidation against the people of Zimbabwe before, during and after the March and June elections, yet worked to ensure that they maintained an open ear and heart to the cries of the people. To read Sandra’s full report and the statement made to President Thabo Mbeki, the African Union mediator between the two parties in Zimbabwe, visit:
http://www.globalministries.org/news/africa/zimbabwe-summit.html .

Global Mission Youth Group Resource Now Available
Your youth group can help change the world and be inspired through global mission! Global Ministries would like to accompany you on the journey of being a Global Mission Youth Group. A Global Mission Youth Group PRAYS regularly for partners, missionaries, and the world; EDUCATES members about global issues; SEEKS JUSTICE for the "least of these" in the international community; RECEIVES the gifts of the global church; GIVES to the work of global mission; SENDS its members into the world to share the Good News of Jesus; and GROWS in sharing the story of God's mission with others. To download the Be A Global Mission Youth Group guide that will help your youth group create an action plan for the coming year, visit:
http://www.globalministries.org/global-mission-youth/ .

Middle East & North Africa Council Will Forge Just Peace
Leaders from Religions for Peace, the largest and most representative multi-religious coalition, forged a consensus to build peace in the region and launched the Middle East and North Africa Religions for Peace. With representatives from more than 20 countries in the region, the Council will engage in a number of activities aiming at greater understanding between religions and communities. The participants agreed to give priority to building inter-religious platforms in the region by reinforcing the efforts of the inter-faith initiatives that already exist in the Middle East. To read more about the Middle East and North Africa Religions for Peace, visit:
http://www.globalministries.org/news/mee/religious-leaders-of.html .

Young Adults Participate in a WCC Interfaith Summer Seminar
Muslim, Jewish, and Christian young adults from around the world are exploring the question: "How can we affirm our religious identities not in separation or against each other but in relation to one another?" at the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland from July 7 to 31, 2008. Their experience of living under the same roof, sharing meals and prayers, and sports and recreation is enriched by lectures offered by specialists from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities. The month long program "Building an Interfaith Community" prepares future leaders of churches, other faith communities, and the society-at-large for the challenges of living peacefully in a world of religious plurality. To read more about the Interfaith Summer Seminar, visit:
http://www.globalministries.org/news/mee/young-muslims-jews-and.html .

Rev. Crabtree Reflects on Her Pilgrimage to Colombia
Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree, Conference Minister for the Connecticut Conference, UCC, shares a reflection from a recent trip to Colombia. The group Rev. Crabtree traveled with met with families who fled from their homes on June 23rd, the third time they have been displaced since 1996. There are close to 4 million Colombians living in displacement, on the mountain hillsides outside cities in "zones of despair;" yet, they are resilient and full of faith. They find hope in the work of Global Ministries partners, Justapaz and Sembrandopaz, who have worked to acquire land to resettle families on farms and are documenting the human rights violations. To read Davida’s complete story, as well as her prayers for Colombia, visit:
http://www.globalministries.org/lac/missionaries/displaced-in-colombia.html .

If someone forwarded this e-mail to you and you would like to receive directly to your inbox these weekly Global Ministries updates, please send your name, e-mail address, physical address, phone number, and home church to: bshebeck@dom.disciples.org

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Disciples New Service Update

2008-07-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

SMALL TEXAS CHURCH REACHES OUT THROUGH 100,000-WATT RADIO STATION: First Christian Church in Paris, Texas, has decided to make a difference in its ministry by spreading the gospel to all who will listen to its weekly radio broadcast. The church of about 90 members is located in a rural area of northeast Texas but its services now reach thousands each week. Shut-ins, local residents, and travelers crossing the busy highways in the area are now able to dial into the 30-minute taped broadcasts that air over a powerful 100,000-watt FM station on Sunday mornings.“We just felt like that was a way that we could do evangelism and also be a help to our shut-ins and older people, who sorely missed being able to come and hear a live service,” said Ronnie A. Nutt, an elder at First Christian in Paris. “Now they think they are a part of it just by tuning in and listening to the program right where they are.” The broadcast is sponsored by contributions from First Christian’s members. To find out more, see: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08068.html

EMBRACE GOD’S WORLD THROUGH GLOBAL MISSION AT ¡Missionworks!Disciples are encouraged to explore new ways to engage in global mission at the fourth biennial ¡Missionworks!, an event blending mission education with practical ideas for involvement in God’s mission. The event will take place Oct. 2-5 in Cleveland, Ohio. Those who attend will gain a renewed excitement about Global Ministries and discover how to make a difference in the world.Participants will learn how to connect their congregation to global partners and missionaries, effectively pray for missionaries, partners, and the world, educate members of all ages about global issues, and seek justice on behalf of international partners through specific advocacy efforts.Congregational representatives may also participate in Ministries and Mission Interpreter (MMI) training. MMIs are trained to convey the stories of mission, educate people in their local church and region utilizing available Global Ministries resources about the work of global mission, and inspire others to get involved in global mission.The registration deadline is Aug. 29. For more information, click on the ¡Missionworks! logo at www.globalministries.org or contact Bob Shebeck at (317) 713-2571 or bshebeck@dom.disciples.org

DISCIPLES CHURCHES TO SERVE AS MISSION STATIONS IN IOWA RECOVERY INITIATIVE: Three Disciples churches in Iowa are preparing to open their doors to hundreds of volunteers who will arrive in early August to begin the difficult work of helping several Iowa communities rebuild following massive summer floods. The churches will serve as mission stations where volunteers can eat, sleep and fellowship. The three churches are Noelridge Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, Marion Christian Church in Marion, and First Christian Church in Coralville. Each will have a place for 20-25 volunteers per week. More than 4,000 homes were flooded in Cedar Rapids alone. Week of Compassion, the Upper Midwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the mission station churches and the Office of Disciples Volunteering, a part of Disciples Home Missions, have partnered in this effort. Volunteers are still needed to assist in the effort that will begin Aug. 3 and last through mid-November. To schedule a work week, contact Anne Marie Moyars in the Office of Disciples Volunteering at 888-346-2631 or amoyars@dhm.disciples.org. For questions regarding the recovery efforts, call Carl Zerweck, director of Disciples Volunteering at 317-289-5061. You can also find out more by visiting the Disciples Home Missions website at: www.discipleshomemissions.org

BLACK LEADERSHIP PROJECTS COMMITTEE MAKES GRANT AWARDS: The Black Leadership Projects Committee has awarded grants totaling $31,287 that will enhance the work of five groups in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The awards will pay for a trip by new church planters to southern Africa; allow a group of African-American Disciples to travel to Haiti; underwrite an arts-music camp for Springfield, Ohio youth; create an immersion opportunity for two adults with a Disciples partner overseas; assist African-American Disciples congregations with sponsoring refugees; and sponsor a pre-Convocation training session to prepare clergy, church and lay leaders for transformed ministry within Disciples congregations, regions, and other institutional structures. The fund is administered through Disciples Home Missions. For more information, visit: www.discipleshomemissions.org/News2008/08.07.BlackLeadership.htm

WEEK OF COMPASSION FIGHTS RISING WORLD FOOD COSTS: Week of Compassion is responding to the continuing global food crisis, in part through the relationship that Disciples share with the Foods Resource Bank. The relationship enables local Disciples farmers to donate a portion of their harvest to the bank, which uses the resources through partners around the world to empower poor farming families to become self-sufficient in their own food production and security.Donated food is badly needed in countries that have been hit by soaring food prices, particularly developing countries. Prices for basic stables such as corn, rice and wheat have risen 50 percent to 100 percent in some countries since the beginning of the year. Poor families that had been spending 10 to 20 percent of their income on food are now spending 50 percent. To learn more about how Week of Compassion is helping and the Disciples congregations that participated in 2007 growing projects, see: www.weekofcompassion.org/pages/updates/July0817.html

DISCIPLES BENEVOLENT SERVICES NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS: The Disciples Benevolent Services (DBS) Board of Trustees has named its new slate of officers for 2008-2009. Belva Brown Jordan is now board chair and Don Downing is vice chair. Jordan, an ordained Disciples minister, is associate dean for admissions and student services at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Okla. She was previously dean for student life at Harvard Divinity School.Downing is a St. Louis, Mo., attorney, and member of Webster Groves Christian Church in Webster Groves, Mo. Joseph M. Kidwell, an attorney in Fort Worth, Texas, also has been named to serve on the board through 2010. Kidwell is a member of Carmel Christian Church in Carmel, Ind. Disciples Benevolent Services (National Benevolent Association) is the 121-year old social and health services general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). To read more, go to: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08069.pdf (PDF)

SPECIAL RATE FOR AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE AT NATIONAL CONVOCATION: The 20th Biennial Session of the National Convocation opens Friday evening, July 25 in Memphis, Tenn. with a concert by Gospel recording artist Kurt Carr. Delegates who will arrive at the Memphis International Airport can now use the Tennco Express airport shuttle at a special rate of $20 round trip. To get this rate, delegates must go online to www.tenncoexpress.com and click on the “Group Shuttle Services” icon. Convocation delegates can catch the Tennco Express shuttles at column #14 Yellow on the lower level. Shuttles will run every half hour from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information about the 20th Biennial Session of the National Convocation, see: www.disciples.org/convo/biennial.htm

FUND FOR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AWARDS MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION: Four Disciples are among 162 students who will benefit from more than $1.5 million in fellowships and support recently announced by the Fund for Theological Education. The FTE is working to help reverse a decline in the number of clergy under age 35 by supporting promising college, seminary and doctoral students who have a passion for ministry or theological scholarship.Over the past decade, the fund has awarded $16 million in support of nearly 1,500 students, most of whom have pursued ordained ministry, a church-related vocation or a faculty post teaching religion and theology. FTE also has a goal to improve diversity on the faculties of North American theological institutions. More than one-third of theological schools do not have a scholar of color on their staffs. To read more, see: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08070.pdf (PDF)

ASIAN INTERFAITH NETWORK STRIVES TO RECLAIM RIGHTS OF CHILDREN WITH HIV-AIDS: Global Ministries reports on the Asian Interfaith Network which is fighting a difficult battle. Last year, AINA led an interfaith effort that promised to respond to the continuing HIV-AIDS scourge. Since then, the epidemic has exacerbated. The Interfaith Network is now grappling with the increasing incidence of HIV-AIDS in children and the projected rise in the number of orphans and vulnerable children.Faith leaders and other members from faith-based organizations representing 10 countries in Asia, including Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, and Korea, met in Chiang Mai, Thailand July 2-5 to tackle the problem. The theme of the conference was "Reclaiming Rights of Children Affected and Living with HIV and AIDS." To read more about their efforts to restore human dignity and to reclaim the rights of children affected and living with HIV and AIDS, visit:www.globalministries.org/news/eap/reclaiming-rights.html

NEW MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR YOUNG ADULT COMMISSION: The Young Adult Commission is looking for two people who want to make a difference in the lives of young adults in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Applications for the positions on the commission are now available. Members of the commission are expected to connect with other young adults across the denomination, plan young adult gatherings for general assemblies, and work for young adult causes on the local, regional and national levels. Commission members also are asked to work with all manifestations of the Church to strengthen young adult leadership.Applicants must be a member of a congregation affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and be between the ages of 18 and 33 when the application is submitted. Applications are due Oct. 1. For questions, contact Tod Iseminger at 888-346-2631 or tiseming@dhm.disciples.org.

NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN TO HONOR ORGANIST FOR 40 YEARS OF SERVICE: National City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Washington, D.C., will honor its former minister of music, Lawrence (“Lon”) P. Schreiber, on Aug. 9-10 in observance of his upcoming 75th birthday. Schreiber was minister of music at National City Christian and was one of the founding members of the Association of Disciples Musicians. Known as one of the most respected church musicians in the United States, he will celebrate his birthday in November. Schreiber was minister of music and organist of National City Christian from 1960 to 2000. The festivities honoring him will include a dinner and celebratory worship service. Anyone interested in attending should RSVP as soon as possible by contacting Kathleen Burger-Gerada, chair of the NCCC music committee, at ggerada@yahoo.com, or 12808 Monroe Manor Drive, Herndon, Va. 20171, or call 703-725-9892. For additional information, call Burger-Gerada or minister of music Charles Miller at 202-797-0103.

FORMER DISCIPLES PASTOR AND MISSIONARY TO PHILIPPINES DIES: Former Disciples missionary Leonard Brummett has died. Brummett, 81, died July 14. The ordained Disciples minister served as a missionary to the Philippines from 1952 to 1958. He also served as pastor at churches in Little Rock, Ark., Columbia, Mo., and Mount Carmel, Ill., and as interim pastor at five churches in Indiana and Kentucky following his retirementBrummett is survived by his wife, Ruth Mitchum Brummett, one daughter and three sons. Memorial services were held July 19 at First Christian Church in Henderson, Ky. Contributions may be made to First Christian in Henderson or the American Cancer Society. For more, see: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08071.html####Editor: Wanda Bryant WillsE-mail: news@cm.disciples.org

Music at Re:Image

2008-07-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Two experts passionate about music ministry will be presenting break-out sessions at the RE:IMAGE Conference Saturday, August 16. Produced and presented by Iowa Religious Media Services, RE: Image is a one-day opportunity to learn from regional and national presenters about growing-edge tools and techniques for involved lay people, clergy, and religious education professionals. It will be held at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines.

Anissa Bacon an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. She currently is serving as an Associate Minister at Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Before becoming an ordained minister, she served the church for over ten years as a local church Music Director in Maine and throughout New England as a workshop presenter in community song. Her musical interests continue to lie in the field of hymnody, most particularly in discerning the beliefs and life of a people by the songs that they sing. She has just been voted onto the Board of Directors of the United Church of Christ Musicians Network.

Of her session "Helping Congregations Find Their Voices," she says "Why don¹t congregations like to sing anymore? People do like to sing, they sing to the radio or in the shower, but often they don¹t sing in church. Why? Often because they weren¹t invited. They have sometimes not been given the space to practice, to learn and to succeed in singing a new song, their own song to God. In this session we will talk about helping people in the congregation feel encouraged and engaged to use their own voices in worship and the "how-to¹s" of making music happen in ways that are personally and communally meaningful."

Bacon will also present one session on "How to Expand Your Resources Legally" - clarification of copyright law and how to obtain a vast variety of resources without concerns of getting into legal hot water. She notes, "We have access to a wealth of new printed resources, new music for our churches, images, web-content and much more! We are blessed to have these resources to choose from, but many of us don¹t know how to use them legally. We will clarify some of those ideas and show you outlets for new materials that even the smallest churches can afford. You'll go home with information on places to go to get information about copyright law as it pertains to churches, and how you can use these resources even on a limited budget.

Praise and worship composer and performer Noelle Garcia will address two different topics in her break-out sessions: 1) How to involve youth in the music ministry, from music selection to strategies that invite participation, and 2) how to get praise and worship music accepted in your parish by blending the traditional with the contemporary.

She is currently the Coordinator of Youth Ministry at St. Patrick¹s Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her CD Meet Me Where I Am can be sampled at her web site http://www.noellegarciamusic.com/ and will be available at the WLP on-site bookstore at RE: Image. Also available at the store will be CDs by her mentor John Angotti, sheet music, and other resources for parish life and growing in faith.

For information about the other 10 RE:IMAGE presenters and sessions, and a registration form, visit http://www.irms.org/

Waterfall to Honor Past Director of Chi Rho

2008-07-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

From Associate Regional Minister Bill Spangler-Dunning:

There is just something about playing in the mud and water that refreshes the spirit! Camp 16 took on the task of building a Cascading waterfall into the pond last week to honor Rev. Phil Kinton (Mr Chi Rho or also known as "Peaches"). The interns have continued this project this week by building more cascades of flowing water. It takes hard work and lots of playing in the mud and water. After our hour work sessions each day we are all coved in mud and drenched in water and full of deep happiness.

This area will surely become a favorite of many over the years. It already has for me! More work is to be done over the last few weeks of the camping season but check our work so far by following the link on the camp page...click on "See pictures of recent changes" in the upper left corner. http://www.uppermidwestcc.org/ministries_camp.html

BlessingsBSD

Residency program prepares seminary graduates for full-time ministry

2008-07-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

From DisciplesWorld:

Blogmaster's Note: Shane Issac, the new minister at Plymouth Creek Christian Church in Plymouth, MN is interviewed for this article.

By Tanya J. Tyler, DisciplesWorld contributing writer

LEXINGTON, Ky. (7/22/08) — What is a young minister to do? Many times, newly graduated seminarians enter congregational ministry with little idea of what they’re getting into. No wonder they feel they’ve been thrown to the wolves.

“And sometimes they are thrown to some of our meanest wolves,” said Michael Mooty, senior minister at Central Christian Church in Lexington, Ky. “They end up in some of the most difficult and discouraging situations in ministry without any kind of real experience to help them give good pastoral leadership.”

To rectify this situation, Central and other congregations nationwide, both Disciples of Christ and other denominations, offer residency programs that help graduates make the transition from seminary student to full-time pastor.

Central received a $750,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment in December 2001 to establish a pastoral residency program through the endowment’s Transition into Ministry initiative. A core belief of the initiative is that practices of effective pastoral leadership can best be learned through intense involvement with a faithful congregation and an experienced pastoral leader.
“Their studies demonstrated that a lot of people went into ministry and then five years later were doing something else,” Mooty explained.

“Their question was, ‘Would a positive first experience in ministry, in which a person has the opportunity to work with and be mentored by an experienced pastor, be helpful?’”

Primarily targeting seminary graduates in their 20s, Central’s program offers a variety of ministerial opportunities.

“The residents get to do everything,” Mooty said. This includes preaching, assisting at funerals and weddings, teaching, and offering pastoral care. While some congregations use a rotation model, where the resident spends six months in a certain capacity, such as Christian education, Central’s program was designed to model actual ministry.

“The residents have to decide what the focus of their ministry’s going to be,” Mooty said. “We challenge them to find areas where they can give leadership in the congregation and the community. They can only discover their gifts themselves.”

Seven ministers have graduated from Central’s program so far. Heather McColl, a member of the first class in 2002, now serves as senior minister at Midway Christian Church in Midway, Ky.

It was difficult being in that first class, McColl acknowledged.

“We didn’t have any job descriptions and at first it was really frustrating, but Michael said, ‘You have to develop your ministry.’ As soon as he said it, it was a freeing experience,” McColl said. “I became more aware of my potential in the church.”

Erin Wathen, pastor of Foothills Christian Church in Glendale, Ariz., was in the second class. Initially, she saw herself serving as an associate pastor, but her experience at Central helped her realize she was capable of leading a congregation.

“After about a year in the program, I started to feel a lot more called to a senior pastor position and much more equipped for it,” she said. “I learned I had a lot of natural instinct for pastoral care and church life in general.”

Shane Isaac is the program’s most recent graduate. The experience was more than he anticipated.

“It was a phenomenal opportunity for me to begin getting my pastoral feet wet in a supportive and nurturing environment,” he said.

Isaac started seminary intending to become a Navy chaplain. After his second year, he felt his call to ministry was shifting. “I had to spend some serious time in prayer and discernment, saying, ‘Okay, Lord, if that’s not where I’m going, where am I going?’ It seemed congregational ministry was the right place.”

Like his colleagues, he found his call affirmed in the residency program. He has just begun serving Plymouth Creek Christian Church in Minnesota.

Mooty and his staff, which includes two former regional ministers of the Christian Church in Kentucky, made themselves available to the residents, who appreciated their support.
“You couldn’t ask for better mentors,” McColl said.

The church also benefited from the residency program.

“There was a time of transition where the congregation had to figure out, ‘Oh, these people have already graduated from seminary. These people are full-time staff with us. The depth of our relationships with them can be different,’” Mooty said.

“Now the congregation has learned to trust these people and have a high level of expectation of the kind of leadership they bring,” he said.

About the Disciple Mission Fund

2008-07-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Do you know what the Disciples Mission Fund is? You might, if you have heard someone talk about the Pentecost , Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings. The DMF describes itself as:

Disciples Mission Fund is the Disciples church-wide offering that supports
local, regional and general ministry efforts as Disciples reach out in shared
mission "from our doorsteps to the ends of the Earth." Historically,the
Disciples have achieved greater efficiencies and critical presence through a
"one-fund" ministry that proclaims Christ presence within the United States and
Canada, and around the world. Once known as "Basic Mission Finance," Disciples
Mission Fund today supports a wide array of ministries as Disciples reach out in
witness and mission.

To find out more, please go to the Disciples Mission Fund website.

Reconcilation Offering Materials Now Available for Download

2008-07-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

"Come to the Table" is the theme for the 2008 Reconcilation Offering. Minutes for Mission and Graphics are available for download by going to the Upper Midwest website. (A bulletin insert will be available shortly.)

To find out where the Reconcilation offering goes, please visit the Reconcilation Ministry website.

WOC Leader to Visit Iowa

2008-07-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

JOHNNY WRAY

WEEK OF COMPASSION

August 9-10

Noelridge Christian Church

Mark your calendars for this very important event! It is a rare opportunity for us.

Johnny Wray, Administrative Director of the Week of Compassion will be at Noelridge Christian Church on Saturday, August 9^th, for an evening of relaxed conversation. What a great opportunity to get to know more about Week of Compassion and the impact we can make in the world! Johnny will also be preaching in both services on Sunday and will host a conversation during the coffee fellowship between the services.

Thirsty Thursdays Take Off

2008-07-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is the story of an endeavor to get an joint UCC/Disciples Young Adult Ministry off the ground in Minnesota. Click here for more.

Telling Our Story: Joan White

2008-07-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

The following was an email sent by Joan White, pastor of First Christian and First Presbyterian Churches in Perry, Iowa:

My daughter, Krista, has been working at the disciples mission in Los Fresnos, TX , Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries, for a little over a year. I visited her there and met the man who founded the mission, Feliberto Pereira. I was impressed by the gentleness of his strength and his quiet, focused, hopeful way of assisting refugees... When I heard he was writing a book about his life, I ordered several copies. The book came out this summer and the books are circulating in Perry. I had ordered four books and there has not been a week without someone in the congregation asking to be placed on the waiting list to get one. Some people ordered their own copies and these are also circulating.

It is an easy, pleasant, thought provoking read that has appealed to senior citizens and teenagers and everyone in between. It is spiritual without being “preachy.” We are planning to wait until all of those who still on the waiting list have had the opportunity to read it and then discuss it. Possible topics for discussion that popped into my head immediately were the practice of the spiritual disciplines, evangelism, refugee resettlement, forgiveness, ecumenism, family relations and the allocation of our mission dollars. It would work well for Chi Rho and CYF age groups.

O yes, the book is “I Was a Stranger: Hope for a Hidden World” authored by Feliberto Pereira and Chris Kelly, journalist who helped Feliberto put his story on paper. It is available by going to iwasastranger.com or from Amazon.com.

Pacific/Asian Disciples plan for ‘fruitful’ meeting in August

2008-07-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

From DisciplesWorld:

By Ian Bowman-Henderson, DisciplesWorld contributing writer

INDIANAPOLIS (7/12/08) —The 2008 North American Pacific/Asian Disciples (NAPAD) Convocation is being held August 6-8 in Stony Port, N.Y. This year marks the group’s fifteenth biennial convocation.

“The purpose of the convocation,” says NAPAD Executive Pastor Geunhee Yu, “is number one, to gather together as Asian-Pacific Disciples, number two educating the community of Asian-Pacific Disciples, and the third purpose is getting to know each other and enhancing our heritage.”

Moderator Cindy Kim also believes that the convocation helps connect Asian and Pacific Island Disciples to the larger church.

The theme of this year’s convocation is “Bear Fruit,” a title drawn from Matthew 7:20: "Thus you will know them by their fruits."

“The first day emphasizes a personal perspective, bearing fruit individually,” says Yu. “The second day is a community perspective. As a community of faith we have to bear fruit; and the third day is an ecological perspective.”

The week’s message is of personal significance to Kim. “For me something important is that you leave convocation with a sense of stewardship, like ‘What can I do now?’” says Kim, “and with “Bear Fruit’ there is this responsibility to community, ecology…and your own life.”

Kim said she is excited to increase the level of ecological awareness of her fellow NAPAD members. “…for many Asian immigrants ecological awareness is not big, or is not even on their radar,” says Kim.

The convocation will feature three keynote speakers; Rita Nakashima Brock, one of NAPAD’s earliest supporters and a prominent feminist theologian; Chung Hyun Kyung, a leader in eco-feminist theologies working to promote interfaith dialogue between Christianity and traditional Eastern religions; and Cassandra Carmichael, director of the National Council of Churches’ eco-justice program. This is the first time that NAPAD has held a convocation with all female keynoters.

“Part of that is a response to the Asian community,” says Kim, “but this year we have these amazing women who are all forefront in what they do.”

NAPAD includes over 90 congregations representing many different cultures, which can sometimes pose a problem for convocation organizers. “The difficult part is language,” says Kim. “There are 13 different languages that NAPAD members speak.”

Kim does not feel that this hurts the convocation. “There is really a sense of community,” she says. “Many Asian people struggle with the same things.”

Each day of convocation will begin with a worship session and then move on through the keynote speakers, business sessions, and breakout sessions for additional education. Also scheduled are several after-sessions as well as a pre-convocation event for youth, which will be held at the YMCA in Flushing, N.Y. The final day of convocation will end with the installation of NAPAD’s new officers, who will be selected by the NAPAD’s executive committee.

The event, though geared towards members of NAPAD, is open to anyone who would like to attend. says Kim.

Blogmaster's Note: The Upper Midwest Region has one known Asian/Pacific Congregation; Korean Dordom Church in St. Louis Park, Minnesota led by Henkug Choi .

Hispanic Assembly stresses growth and discipleship

2008-07-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

From DisciplesWorld:

By Ted Parks, DisciplesWorld contributing writer

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. (7/17/08) — Gathering more than 250 Hispanic Disciples from across North America to Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., near Newark, between July 10 and 13, the fourteenth National Hispanic and Bilingual Assembly included workshops, presentations, and rousing worship experiences, with speakers emphasizing evangelism, faithfulness to the Christian message, and training in leadership.

Worship periods opened and closed the assembly, with Disciples’ General Minister and President Sharon Watkins and Huberto Pimentel, national pastor for Hispanic ministries, presiding at communion during the concluding service. The event also included a youth program with a mission trip to feed the New York City poor at the historic Park Avenue Christian Church.

Speaking in Thursday night's opening worship, Juan Dávila, pastor of Primera Iglesia Hispana in Rochester, N.Y., launched the conference theme, "Growth and Discipleship: Challenges of the 21st Century," taken from the book of Acts.

Today's church must love, serve, and educate, Dávila said. The Rochester minister warned Disciples not to see themselves as a "grupito" — a "little group." Rather, Jesus attracted "great multitudes" because he loved people and taught in a practical and captivating way.

Describing twenty-first-century society as highly productive, highly competitive, and consumerist, Dávila said that affirming "absolute truths" is important for growth and essential for educating believers.

In a message the first full day of the assembly, Xosé Escamilla, pastor of Casa de Oración Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in San Diego, emphasized the need to not only train church members biblically but develop their leadership skills. "Edification of the body of Christ includes explosive numerical growth through the faith confirmed in each believer through discipleship to be ministers to do the Work of the Lord," Escamilla said on a presentation slide.

Pastors should include "practical leadership" in their teaching, Escamilla believes. They should not be simply "leaders of followers" but empower others to lead, he said. "Teaching others to carry out the work means reaching more people in need," Escamilla added.

Preaching Friday night, national pastor Pimentel applied colorful metaphors to call the assembly to maintain the unity God bestows the church as a gift.

"We have to be both together and scrambled up," he said, comparing the church to a pupusa, a stuffed tortilla dish from El Salvador. Pimentel also likened the churches of the "Obra Hispana" — "Hispanic Work," a frequent term for U.S. and Canadian Spanish-speaking Disciples — to a fleet. Ships sailing together knew how to avoid crashing into each other and knew their mission and destination, he said.

The national pastor affirmed both the individual nature of congregations and their connection to the broader church.

"Each church has its distinctive particularity, its own personality, and its particular territory where God has planted it to testify of his love and of his grace," Pimentel said. "This local church does not minister in an isolated way in the body of Christ," he added. "This local church forms part of a region, it forms part of a Hispanic convention, it forms part of the Hispanic and Bilingual Fellowship, and it forms part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)."

Before his remarks, Pimentel showed video clips from pastors in border areas who were unable to attend the assembly because of problems with immigration. The national pastor put an empty chair in front of the room to symbolize the scores of people who continue to suffer in the absence of meaningful immigration reform.

Continue reading...

Fall Term Weekend Courses at United Seminary

2008-07-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Announces 4 weekend classes for Fall Term 2008.
Each of these classes will meet on a Friday evening and Saturday morning,
one weekend a month, beginning in September.

Justice, Liberation and Hope in the Theology of Paul (CH231)
Taught by the Rev. Neil Elliot, editor with Fortress Press and author of “Liberating Paul”
We will examine developments in recent scholarship that challenge the traditional picture of the apostle Paul. Specific topics include Paul’s critical engagement with Roman slavery, the patronage system, and Roman imperial ideology; the problem of theology and praxis in Paul; Paul’s relationships with emancipated persons in the assemblies, especially women prophets; the presence of subordinationist or “kyriarchal” themes in Paul’s letters; and the challenge of interpreting Pauline texts rightly in the contemporary global context. Class will meet on United’s campus in New Brighton.

Major 20th Century Moral Thinkers – Katie Geneva Cannon (TR552)
Taught by the Rev. Alika Galloway, organizing co-pastor of Kwanzaa Community Church in Minneapolis and working towards her doctorate at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. This seminar is a close reading of selected works by Katie Geneva Cannon. Dr. Cannon was the first African-American woman ordained in the United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); she focuses her work in the areas of Christian ethics, Womanist theology, and women in religion and society. Class will meet at Kwanzaa Community Church, Minneapolis.

Empowering Lay Leadership (CL541)
Taught by Dr. Jean Morris Trumbauer, Director of United’s Doctor of Ministry Program
An emerging paradigm of church requires us to move beyond our view of members as “volunteers,” or satisfaction with “maintaining church programs,” and our reliance on “time and talent” forms to invite laity to ministry. Leaders of the church are challenged to re-envision the foundations and practice of sharing the ministry. This course explores a holistic approach to gifts-based ministry and the multiple components of a shared ministry system for today’s congregations. Class will meet at Pilgrim Congregational UCC in Duluth MN.

Reimagining the Church (TR820)
Taught be Dr. Eleazar Fernandez, professor of Constructive Theology at United
This is a course that introduces students to the classical as well as the various contemporary models of the church or ecclesiologies. Then these ecclesiologies will be critiqued in light of the tradition and contemporary challenges that the church is facing. Furthermore, students will engage in reconstructing or re-imagining an ecclesiology that is not only faithful to the Christian heritage but also responsive to the current context, both globally and locally. Class will meet at the Carriage house of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Duluth MN.

OGMP Seeks Minister of Compassion / Exec. Dir. for Week of Compassion

2008-07-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

From Disciples News Service:

The Office of the General Minister and President Opens Minister of Compassion / Executive Director of the Week of Compassion Search The Office of the General Minister and President (OGMP) seeks a dynamic and innovative leader to serve as the Minister of Compassion / Executive Director for Week of Compassion. The new Minister of Compassion will serve as a member of the OGMP staff with primary responsibility to oversee the relief, rescue and development fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). As the main avenue for Disciples disaster response giving, Week of Compassion also supports sustainable development and humanitarian projects through denominational and ecumenical partnerships around the world.

For more information, a full position description, and information on how to apply visit:www.disciples.org/watkins/news/2008/07/16a.asp.

What's Your Story?

2008-07-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

The Disciples Together Blog has been going on for about four months now. I've been trying to make sure Disciples in the Upper Midwest are informed about the various happenings going on.

But I'd like to know what is your story.

The Region is made up of over 160 churches in four states. Every congregation has a story. Events to share, prayer requests, resources to make known. It is my hope that this blog can be a way that those stories can be told and shared with each other. So, please feel free to send me stories or events that might be happening in your church. Send them to me at dennis.sanders@gmail.com and put "Disciples Together" in the subject line.

I look forward to hearing your stories. Godspeed.

Dennis Sanders
Blogmaster

New SCL Materials Now Available

2008-07-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

Two materials for the School for Congregational Learning are now available online. Promotional materials and directions to the SCL site are available at the Infopak page.

Thanksgiving for Life of Gwen McCague Brown

2008-07-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

From Regional Minister Richard Guentert:

I just opened an e-mail sent to me this morning from Rev. Gail Thiessen,pastor at Marshalltown, announcing the death of Gwen McCague Brown last Saturday. The McCague grounds at the conference center were donated by her father. Gwen herself has been a generous benefactor to the Upper Midwest Region. She was present for the 40th Anniversary Celebration at the camp and was elated at the progress and ministry that was represented that day. We celebrate Gwen's life with gratitude for the breadth of her generosity and influence for Christ and his church.

Dr. Richard Guentert

News From the Minnesota Council of Churches

2008-07-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Prayer at the Fair
Sundays, August 24 & 31, 2008, 9:15 – 9:45 AM, State Fair Bandshell
Going to the Fair doesn’t have to mean skipping church. Celebrate the abundance of life in Minnesota and all of God’s creation at a special worship service sponsored by the Minnesota Council of Churches. The casual service contains both the familiar forms of church including hymns, prayers and a sermon and also gets into the fun spirit of the Fair with our “bulletins on a stick." Celebrants represent the many denominations that make up the Minnesota Council of Churches, making the service a celebration of Christian Unity.

Funding for Churches in Greater Minnesota
Get resources to help you serve the critical human needs in your community through the Compassion Capital Fund Project. The focus of the training and grants to greater Minnesota community organizations is capacity building in leadership, program design, financial sustainability, infrastructure and community engagement. Rural Churches-Rural Communities partners with the Compassion Capital Fund of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches and Fairview Health Services to make funding available to faith- and community-based organizations in Greater Minnesota. Click here to learn more or contact Lynne Holman at (612) 230-3211. Deadline is July 15, 2008 for Mankato area.

Join Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Efforts
Faith-based disaster recovery groups are key players in the immediate and long-term recovery from disasters. Links to denominational disaster response groups can be found at http://www.mnvoad.org/member_organizations.htm. Current opportunities include:
ü Ongoing recovery from the 2007 floods in Winona County
ü Donating a Disaster Recovery Kit to Church World Service
ü Training to become a disaster recovery volunteer
ü Donating money
ü Organizing or volunteering at a Camp Noah for children who have experienced a natural or human-caused disaster.
ü Helping in the recovery from other national and international disasters

Volunteer with A Minnesota Without Poverty
Join A Minnesota Without Poverty, a statewide, ecumenical, interfaith movement to end poverty in Minnesota by 2020.
· Add your name to the 5000-plus people of faith who have signed a declaration of support for “A Common Foundation: Shared Principles for Work on Overcoming Poverty.” To add your name, go to http://www.mnwithoutpoverty.org/ and click on “Sign Foundation.”
· Volunteer to assist with data entry.
· Connect with a workgroup that is leading the way in various aspects of building the movement to end poverty. All of the workgroups are active and would welcome additional interested people. Topics include arts and education, child well-being, business, public policy and communications.
Please contact Nancy Maeker at (612) 230-3222 for more information.

The Minnesota Council of Churches manifests the unity of the body of Christ and builds the common good in the world in partnership with 24 member Protestant, Historic Black, and Orthodox judicatories representing more than 2,000 congregations and their 1 million members.

Minnesota United Church of Christ Looking for Administrative Assistant

2008-07-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Administrative Assistant for Children & Youth Minister
Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ
PT – 12 hours/week

The Minnesota Conference of the UCC is looking for an energetic and productive Administrative Assistant to support our children and youth ministry. The successful candidate will have some experience in administrative or secretarial support and good overall office skills. This part-time, 12 hour per week position works closely with and reports to the Ashley Minister for Children & Youth.

Learn more about the UCC and the Minnesota Conference at http://www.uccmn.org. The Conference office, located in the Minnesota Church Center midway between downtown and Uptown, offers monitored private parking and a pleasant, supportive work environment. It is also close to public transit and only a short distance to the shopping, restaurants, cultural and recreational opportunities on Nicollet, Lyndale and Hennepin Avenues. If you would like to join our committed, competent staff in supporting our local churches in this important ministry, please e-mail (preferred), fax or mail your resume and a cover note to us today!

Responsibilities
§ Provide support services (word processing, copying, filing, record keeping, and mailing) for the Ashley Minister, and assist the Ashley Minister with calendar and schedule.
§ Maintain organized information on current education and youth ministry leaders throughout the Minnesota Conference.
§ Build and maintain a communication network for children and youth ministry leaders.
§ Publish a monthly communication/newsletter for children and youth ministry leaders, with information about Conference events, and highlighting the ministries at the local churches.
§ Assist in administrative support for conferences, trainings and events of the Conference.
§ Assist the Ashley Minister as needed.

Qualifications
§ From one to three years’ experience in secretarial or administrative support.
§ High school diploma or equivalent.
§ Ability to operate all office machines and equipment
§ Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Publisher, Excel, Outlook), and some experience with website content development and maintenance.
§ Good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and flexibility, and a willingness to function as part of a team.
§ Ability to relate well to the diverse constituency of the Minnesota Conference, both staff and volunteers.
§ Experience in church or non-profit settings preferred.
§ Must be able to pass a criminal background check without restrictions.

TO APPLY: send your letter of application and/or resume before Monday, July 21 to:
§ E-mail (preferred): wadez@uccmn.org, subject line “Admin Asst”
§ Fax: 612-870-4885
§ Mail: Admin Asst (Ashley), MN UCC Conference Office, 122 W. Franklin Ave. Suite 323, Minneapolis, MN 55404

The Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, age, or any other status protected by law.

Positions Available at Minnesota UCC Church

2008-07-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Both positions are available at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in St. Paul.

St. Paul’s UCC CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR to begin quarter time with primary focus on youth education programs: pre-school - 5th grade. This position will support Sunday morning and Wednesday evening programming in a multi-age format. The hope is to grow the program participation and eventually the position. Please send resumes to the church address at 900 Summit Ave., St. Paul, and MN 55105 ATTN: CE Director Search Committee by July 25.

St. Paul’s UCC VISITATION PASTOR to make visits an average of 4 hours per week and to assist with funerals as needed. Position will begin in August. Please send a copy of your resume to the church address at 900 Summit Ave., St. Paul, and MN 55105 ATTN: Visitation Pastor Search by July 25.
* FFI regarding position speak with Rev. Norma Rae Hunt, 651-224-5809. Help us grow our ministry with your creativity and skills. Thanks for considering!