Missionary Available for Church Events in Fall 2009

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

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

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

• Participate in a special mission event. Give John time to share his stories.

• Attend informal gatherings in a church member’s home on a weeknight, for lunch, or breakfast. Large groups aren’t necessary. Remember, “When two or more are gathered….

• Participate in a local mission/outreach project. Afterwards, John can make connections with his experiences in Indonesia.

• Attend & speak at city, cluster, or association ministerial meetings.

• Meet with church groups/task forces.

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

A Brief Introduction to John


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


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


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


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



When John Visits You….

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

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

A Brief Introduction to John


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


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


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


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

If you are interested in hosting John please contact,

Hal & Donna Rusk

2108 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

This training is offered on three different dates in three different regions of Minnesota. All sessions are from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Lunch and materials are included.

• Thursday, October 8th 2009 - Fergus Falls, MN
• Thursday, October 22nd 2009 - Hinckley, MN
• Thursday, November 5th 2009 - Lakeville, MN

For more information or to register contact Aundrea Billings at aundrea.billings@mnchurches.org or 612-230-3236 or visit www.mnchurches.org

Spirit of Joy Celebrates 10 Years

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


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

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

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



Sincerely,


Joy and Jan Linn
Co-Pastors
Spirit of Joy

Calendar of Events:

Saturday

• - 10:30 Golf Tournament (please email us if you want to play: spiritofjoy@charterinternet.com )

• - 3:00 Picnic at Antler’s Park in Lakeville, with supper & entertainment by the Razzle Dazzle Rock ‘n Roll Spirit Band. During this time there will be an opportunity for former members and others to bring greetings.

Sunday

• - 8:45 Breakfast

• 9:30 Sunday School - Dr. Michael Kinnamon speaking

• 10:30 Worship – Dr. Kinnamon preaching

• 12:00 Picnic luncheon

News Story on College Avenue Christian Church

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

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

Prayers for College Ave. Christian- Des Moines

Dear Upper Midwest DOC community,

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

Stay tune for the next update...

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

Good Friday at Cedar Christian Church

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

Happy Easter to all.

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

Workshop on Vocational Reflection and Concert with Carrie Newcome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gospel According to Mark: The Story of Jesus

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

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

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

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'

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"

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

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

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

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 .