In this issue:
HUMANE BORDERS LEADER RECEIVES AWARD FROM MEXICO’s PRESIDENT
Robin Hoover, pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Tucson, Ariz., has received the Mexican Human Rights Award from Mexico's Commission for Human Rights presented by President Felipe Calderon. The award is known as the Reconocimiento Cum Laude and is the highest human rights award given by the Mexican government to a non-Mexican.
Hoover was recognized for his work with Humane Borders, a non-profit social justice group he founded in 2000 to help address the rising tide of immigrant deaths taking place in the desert. The interfaith group now manages a network of more than 80 water stations and dispenses more than 50,000 gallons of water a year to immigrants crossing the desert. Hundreds of volunteers visit Humane Borders each year to assist in this special ministry.
Hoover’s work has received international attention from journalists, politicians and human rights advocates from around the world. To watch a video about Humane Borders featured on Naomi’s New Morning, a Sunday morning program on the Hallmark Channel, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07025.html
DHM MAKES TOUGH DECISIONS DUE TO CONTINUED DMF SLIDE
Disciples Home Missions (DHM) has been forced to discontinue funding to its four historic mission centers, according to Arnold Nelson, DHM president, as a result of continued declines in giving to Disciples Mission Fund (DMF), “The decision to discontinue funding to the Centers was excruciating. We did everything we could to keep from resorting to these cuts; we had no alternative,” said Nelson. “We’ve tried to find alternative funding for the mission centers, and should DMF giving increase in the future, we will resume financial support of our church’s mission centers.” Read the full story at
www.discipleshomemissions.org/News2007/07.03.MissionCenters.htm
NCC AND PUBLISHER LAUNCH NEW ‘GO-ANYWHERE BIBLE’
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) and HarperSanFrancisco has announced the publication of the “Go-Anywhere Bible.” The new collection of Bibles is published in a convenient size intended to make the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible more accessible to readers.
The "Go-Anywhere Bible" is now available in major book stores across the United States, including Borders and Barnes and Noble. NRSV.net, a new online resource, has also been launched. The NRSV and Revised Standard Version (RSV) have incorporated much new scholarship acquired from the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 20th century. For information about how to get the new Bibles, see: www.ncccusa.org/news/070227NRSV.html
CONTINUING EDUCATION AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY: TOWARD GOD’S TRANSFORMING CALL
Today, as Disciples hear God’s call, we realize that the world we once knew is no more. Our call is into a culture that is radically, rapidly and constantly changing – like the shifting sands of an unforgiving desert. The landscape is different, and we need a new map.
The Disciples 2020 Vision offers direction as we plot our new course. One major emphasis of that vision is to help congregations “revitalize” or “transform”… but what does that mean and how do we do it? At the 2007 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), you can explore that question before God, and in the company of other Disciples. “All will benefit from a new continuing education opportunity offered during the Assembly. ‘From our Doorsteps: A Journey Toward God’s Transforming Call.’ This is an event-within-the-Assembly designed to equip Disciples congregations for mission. To learn more about the 2020 vision, go to: www.disciples.org/internal/vision
To read more about transformation events at the General Assembly, see: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07026.html
NATIONAL BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION TO CLOSE CHILDREN’S HOME
The National Benevolent Association (NBA), the social services and health ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will be ending the Emergency Children’s Home (ECHO) residential programs, effective March 31. The trend of more children being placed in foster homes and the decrease in state and local funding for NBA’s ECHO, which is located in St. Louis, Mo., contributed to the decision to close.
The NBA is exploring a number of alternative uses for the ECHO campus and views the closing of ECHO as an opportunity to enhance the mission of providing social and health services where they’re most needed. Memorial Boulevard Christian Church (DOC) in St. Louis, and The NBA Olive Branch, which share space on the 10-acre ECHO campus, will not be affected by the closure of ECHO. To read more about the ending of the ECHO programs, see: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07028.html
DISCIPLES ASKED FOR INPUT ON REDESIGN OF DHM WEB SITE
Disciples Home Missions (DHM) is planning a redesign of its web site, www.discipleshomemissions.org, and is interested in hearing from Disciples about how it should be done. DHM wants to know how efficient its web site has been and how well it has served those who have visited the site. Disciples are invited to participate in a survey to help shape the redesign. To take part in the survey, go to:
www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=365063398362
DISCIPLES WOMEN RESOURCES DISCOUNTED UNTIL MARCH 15
The Christian Board of Publication (CPB) will continue special discounted prices on all 2007-2008 “New Day for Christian Women” resources for only one more week. All early-bird discount orders must be placed and paid for by March 15. The CPB is encouraging congregations, women’s groups and individuals to take advantage of the special prices before the deadline.
One resource is “New Day” magazine, which helps connect women of faith. Other New Day resources offered by CBP include a Yearbook & Calendar, Leader’s guide, and a “News & Views” map.
For more information on these resources, visit www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07030.pdfor contact CBP at 1-800-366-3383. Online orders are eligible for the special discount. All New Day items will be available at the regular retail price after March 15.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER TO PRESENT MARCH LECTURE AT TRANSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY
Jim Wallis, a bestselling author, preacher, activist and international commentator will speak at Transylvania University on March 28. Transylvania is located in Lexington, Ky. Wallis is executive director of Sojourners/Call to Renewal, a national network of churches, faith-based organizations and individuals working to overcome poverty in America. He also will be a keynote speaker at the 2007 General Assembly in Fort Worth, Texas on July 25.
“People of faith have shaped nations,” Wallis recently told the “United Methodist Reporter.” “Pulpits should shake nations and turn them upside down.” His lecture at Transylvania is sponsored by the Lilly Project at Transylvania and funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. To learn more about his visit to Transylvania, see:
www.transy.edu/news/content/arch_story.asp-id-335-storyDate-3/7/2007-object-index
DISCIPLES TO JOIN OBSERVANCE MARKING START OF IRAQ WAR
March 16-18 marks the fourth year anniversary of the start of the U.S. military involvement in Iraq. Christians from across the country will mark this date in a variety of ways. One of the largest Christian gatherings will be in Washington, D.C., at the National Cathedral. Disciples Peace Fellowship (DPF) has been part of the creation of this event from the beginning, and will be represented by all Disciples who go there, including the entire DPF executive committee.
Organizers of the Christian Peace Witness for Iraq worship service at the National Cathedral have provided a worship outline, with suggestions for use on the local level. The worship outline follows a similar format and includes most of the readings and music that will be used at the cathedral. To view a copy of the liturgy, go to: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07029.pdf
CROP HUNGER WALKS FIGHT HUNGER AT HOME AND ABROAD
Church World Service’s (CWS) CROP Hunger Walks will once again be held in communities across the country in the spring. The annual walks raise money for local agencies that fight hunger and CWS’s international relief and development efforts.
Many Disciples churches are involved in the walks, where up to 25 percent of the funds raised goes toward local hunger-fighting efforts with additional dollars supporting worldwide projects. Local CROP Hunger Walks can be found by visiting www.churchworldservice.org/CROP or by calling 888-CWS-CROP. To learn more about CROP Hunger Walks, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07032.html
THE LATEST REFUGEE AND IMMIGRATION NEWS NOW AVAILABLE
Disciples Home Missions Refugee and Immigration Ministries has released its most recent “Update,” which contains information about the United States agreement to resettle Iraqi refugees, Nebraska congregations welcoming Ukrainian refugees and the formation of a “New Sanctuary Movement.”
The issue also contains the availability of Vacation Bible School refugee material, ideas for Mother and Father’s Day alternative gifts, legislative updates, and many other items. The Update is available at www.discipleshomemissions.org/rim/WhatsNew.htm
DISCIPLES WOMEN WILL TRAVEL TO BOSNIA REGION IN 2007
Woman-to-Woman Worldwide is traveling to Bosnia/Croatia in 2007. Woman-to-Woman responds to the call for the church women to experience solidarity with one another, to affirm the unity of the church in Jesus Christ and join the common struggle for justice and peace in the world today.
Woman-to-Woman is sponsored by the International Disciples Women’s Ministries (IDWM), and administered through the Office of Disciples Women, a ministry of Disciples Home Missions, in conjunction with the Division of Overseas Ministries. Information on the Woman-to-Woman Worldwide and the Disciples Women 2007-08 General Programs is now posted at www.discipleshomemissions.org/Women/GeneralProgram.htm
CFC REQUESTS ONLINE ORDERING OF PENTECOST MATERIALS
The Church Finance Council (CFC) is thankful to congregations that ordered Pentecost materials online. CFC’s online system streamlines the standing order process and allows each congregation to order the exact amount of materials needed for each offering. It also puts Disciples and their congregations in control of the quantities of materials they need during the year. CFC encourages the congregations and Disciples who have not used the new system to try it out for the remaining 2007 special offerings.
To allow for printing/fulfillment of reconciliation materials, which will be distributed next, CFC requests that orders are placed by July 27. Only one order should be placed per offering. If circumstances require an order to be changed sometime throughout the year, those placing the order should contact Enid Arey at Church Finance Council at 317-713-2444, or Saint Clair Press toll free at 866-369-0169 or send an e-mail to cfc@stclairpress.com. For more information about the council’s online system, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07027.html
TRANSYLVANIA STUDENTS TO SPEND BREAK ASSISTING WITH HURRICANE RELIEF
Seventeen Transylvania University students are choosing to work in the Gulf South during spring break instead of lying on the beach. The students will travel to Pascagoula, Miss., where they will help handle rebuilding efforts that continue following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The Transylvania students signed up through the Alternative Spring Break program. They will work with Operation TLC in Pascagoula March 12-16. For more information on their trip, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07031.pdf
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