In this issue:
NEW PARTNERSHIP TO BE EXPLORED FOR CORE MISSION WORK
www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07054.html
PRE-REGISTRATION FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION EVENT AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY OPENS
Planners of a continuing education event during the 2007 General Assembly, July 21-25 in Fort Worth, Texas, strongly encourage would-be participants to pre-register online to ensure ample space for all who wish to attend.
"From our Doorsteps: A Journey Toward God's Transforming Call," sponsored by the Office of General Minister and President, is designed to equip congregations for mission in a changing world. General Assembly registration is required for participation. To read more, go to: www.disciples.org/ga/pdf/promotion/ga07LearningTracks.pdf (PDF) or to register, visit: www.disciples.org/ga/fromourdoorsteps
GENERAL BOARD MEETING WILL START ON SATURDAY
The General Board will meet in Indianapolis April 28 through May 1 and will spend much of its time making sure that it carries out its responsibilities as called for in the revised Design. At its July 2006 meeting, the Board approved an implementation plan that streamlined the Board from about 135 members to approximately 80 voting members.
In addition to cost savings, changes in the General Board are expected to result in increased accountability for decision-making throughout the life of the Church. Among other issues, the Board will hear a report on the reorganization of Church Treasury Services, Promotion and Stewardship Education, as well as updates from the 21st Century Vision Team, Reconciliation Mission, and the Blue Ribbon Panel that has made recommendations on the future direction of benevolent care ministries within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
PREACHER, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR TO CLOSE OUT ASSEMBLY
Jim Wallis, president and executive director of Sojourners/Call to Renewal, is the last plenary speaker at the 2007 General Assembly, but what he will say promises to be worth waiting for. Wallis is a best-selling author, preacher, public theologian, activist and international commentator. He is co-founder of Sojourners/Call to Renewal, an antipoverty organization, and editor in chief of Sojourners magazine.
"The community of faith, because we are neither left nor right, neither Democrat nor Republican, shouldn't be in any party's political pocket," said Wallis, whose recent book "God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It" was a best seller. "In fact, if anything, we should be the ultimate swing vote." Wallis is scheduled to address the evening worship service on July 25 in Fort Worth. To read more about him, go to: www.disciples.org/ga/promotion/text/dns/070427a.asp
DISCIPLES YOUTH RESPOND TO TRAGEDY AT VIRGINIA TECH
The youth at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lawrenceburg, Ky. recently sent care packages to young people in Blacksburg, Va., in response to the April 16 tragic shootings on the nearby Virginia Tech University campus. The young people wanted to show their concern for the Blacksburg community following the tragedy, according to Lee Yates, minister at First Christian in Lawrenceburg.
Letters, cards and blankets were sent to youth at Blacksburg Christian Church (DOC). The Lawrenceburg Christians were saddened by the massacre in which Virginia Tech student Seung-Hui Cho took the lives of 32 people before killing himself. To see more about the gifts of the Lawrenceburg youth, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07055.html
SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY PROMOTION SUNDAY IS MAY 6
The Second General Assembly Promotion Sunday is almost here. On May 6, Disciples will have another opportunity to highlight the 2007 General Assembly. On Promotion Sunday, congregations can learn more about what the Assembly has to offer and ways to get involved with the many activities and business aspects of the Assembly, which will be held July 21-25 in Fort Worth, Texas. Many churches also use the occasion to increase the number of people attending the Assembly from their congregation.
The 2007 Assembly schedule includes noted speakers, pastors and worship leaders, social gatherings, activities for youth, young adults and children, mission work, and in-depth opportunities to discuss such topics as congregational transformation. To learn more about the General Assembly, to register, or to get marketing tools to help in promotions, go to: www.disciples.org/ga/promotion
SEMINARIANS CONFERENCE URGES FUTURE PASTORS TO REJOICE IN HOPE
The Disciples Seminarians Conference brought students from 27 theological institutions in the United States and Canada to Nashville April 12-15 for a weekend of education, community, and worship. Open to Disciples students who have completed their first year of Master of Divinity studies, the conference is sponsored by the general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Each general ministry offered an overview of its mission and ministry and had staff available to answer questions. Read more about the conference at:
www.helmdisciples.org/helm/07/HELM-seminarians.htm
BIBLE STUDY BLOG SETS THE TONE FOR 2007 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Scripture has always played a major role when Disciples gather at the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The 2007 Assembly will be no different. Beginning today, Disciples can participate in a Bible Study blog led by those who will speak at the Assembly. Each speaker will post reflections concerning the scriptures from which he or she will preach at the Assembly. When their comments are posted, the community will have the opportunity to offer written insights, commentary and reflection on the speakers' thoughts.
This week's Bible Study presenter is General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins. You also will not want to miss closing reflections offered each week by Southwest Regional Minister Dani Loving Cartwright. All are invited to participate and no registration is required. To view and participate in the bible study blog, visit: www.disciples.org/ga/biblestudy
PASTOR'S BOOK DISCUSSES BASIC THEMES OF FAITH IN CHRISTIANITY
A Disciples minister has written a new book that discusses some profound questions raised by those seeking a greater understanding of the Christian faith and the hope that it promises. Timothy Carson, senior minister of University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fort Worth, Texas, has published a new book, "Your Calling as a Christian," with Chalice Press.
His book answers questions that many Christians ponder, such as: "How does one know God and truth? How is the Christian faith unique? Why Should I care?" The book is the fourth title in the popular "Your Calling As…" series from Chalice Press, and addresses many of the basic themes of faith in Christianity. Carson has been a pastor for 25 years and has published two other books with Chalice Press - "Transforming Worship" and "So You're Thinking About Contemporary Worship." To read more about his new release and find out how to order it, see: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07056.pdf (PDF)
STORM HITS SOUTH, EAST COAST; WEEK OF COMPASSION RESPONDS
Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee, and development ministry fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has responded to Church World Service's (CWS) emergency appeal to its member communions to address the loss of life and damage caused by the storm that recently wreaked havoc across the south and on the East Coast earlier this month. The weather system in mid-April killed at least 16 people, knocked out power to nearly a million homes and caused serious flood and wind damage in several states.
CWS has received requests for blankets, health kits and clean-up buckets from numerous local partners and disaster staff. WOC has provided an initial grant to the appeal from the Compassion Response Fund and is also contacting Disciples regional and area offices about the impact on Disciples in the impacted regions and their congregations. More information on WOC's national and international relief work can be viewed at: www.weekofcompassion.org
POPULAR ELDERS CONFERENCE TO PRECEDE 2007 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The 2007 Pre-Assembly Elders Conference is scheduled for Saturday, July 21st, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., in the Fort Worth Convention Center. The day begins with registration, followed by a morning with Martha Grace Reese, who will help participants engage her latest book, "Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism" (Chalice Press, 2007). The book arises out of the four-year Mainline Evangelism Project, funded by the Lilly Endowment. The project included over 1,200 interviews, as well as a survey and site visits to extraordinary evangelistic churches (in seven mainline denominations) of all sizes and with a wide range of theology. There are some amazing stories to be told!
Following lunch (which will be provided) the conference will move into five workshops, addressing practical issues that support the ministry provided by elders. The workshops include: Spiritual Practices for Elders, Elder Retreats, Elders Prayers and Presence at the Lord's Table.
The conference costs $60. Check the Elders Conference box on the General Assembly Event Registration Form to participate in this popular pre-event. To register online go to: www.disciples.org/ga
DISCIPLES LEADERS SLATED TO GIVE COMMENCEMENT SPEECHES
Disciples leaders Sharon E. Watkins and Timothy M. James will give the commencement address at Disciples-affiliated colleges in May. Watkins, general minister and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will address the Lexington Theological Seminary commencement in Lexington, Ky. on May 11. James, associate general minister and administrative secretary for the National Convocation of the Christian Church (DOC), will be the commencement speaker in Canton, Mo. at Culver-Stockton College on May 12.
For more information about LTS commencement activities, see: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07057.html
To read more about the C-SC commencement, go to: www.culver.edu/publicrelations/article.asp?id=3015
DISCIPLES JOIN WITH WCC TO CREATE NEW STAFFING POSITION
The teaching position will work in the area of ecumenical education and formation. Founded in 1946, the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey is the international center for encounter, dialogue and formation of the World Council of Churches. It is located on a château near Geneva, Switzerland. To learn more about this new collaboration effort, see: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07058.html
COALITION ISSUES GUIDELINES ON REPRODUCTIVE, END-OF-LIFE CARE
The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice has issued new ethical guidelines on providing health care in America. The organization seeks to counter the growing number of health care professionals who are reluctant to provide medical care because of their religious convictions. The guidelines are entitled, "In Good Conscience: Guidelines for the Ethical Provision of Health Care in a Pluralistic Society." Ken Brooker-Langston, director of the Disciples Justice Action Network in Washington, D.C. (DJAN), joined other coalition members at a press conference in Washington on April 24, when the guidelines were released.
Dr. Debra Stulberg, a family physician in Chicago, said: "When the religious directives of a sectarian hospital dictate the care that doctors can provide their patients, they tie the hands of doctors - we can no longer use our training and professional medical judgment to take the best care of our patients." For more information on the new guidelines, see: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07059.html
####