In this issue:
| Read Information On Disciples News Service for 2008 at: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08005.html |
DISCIPLES CLERGY INVITED TO SEPTEMBER PASTOR'S CONFERENCE
General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins invites all clergy to a pastor's conference in Chicago, Ill., from Sept. 8-10. Disciples pastors from throughout the United States and Canada are encouraged to attend the three-day event for a time of rest, renewal and rejuvenation. In addition to Watkins, speakers include Will Willimon, Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church and Floyd Flake, pastor of the Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, New York.
In addition to the keynote speakers, clergy will have an opportunity to participate in panel discussions around preaching, stewardship, administration and other topics of interest. To register on-line for this important event go to: www.disciples.org/watkins/news/2007/11/16a.asp
NEW MINISTER OF RECONCILIATION SOUGHT FOR RECONCILIATION MINISTRY
Applications are being accepted for the Minister of Reconciliation position through March 1. The person called to the position will oversee the development of educational, promotional and training resources to further the pro-reconcilation/anti-racism priority of the Church. A key priority of the position will be guiding the whole Church in seeking to eradicate the sin of systemic racism.
Qualifications for the position include being an ordained minister with standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), proven leadership in the management, administration and organization of complex organizations, proven leadership with the Christian Church in a variety of roles, and knowledge of and experience working with ministry leaders and lay persons. Bilingual/multilingual experience is highly preferred. To read the full job description, visit: www.reconciliationmission.org/news/2007/11/21a.asp
CUIC GATHERS DELEGATES FROM MEMBER COMMUNIONS IN PLENARY MEETING
For the first time since its inauguration in January 2002, Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC) will gather delegates from the member communions in a plenary meeting Jan. 11-14 in St. Louis, Mo. Significantly, each communion will bring a delegation that includes the Head of Communion, the Ecumenical Officer, and the communion's representatives to the three CUIC task forces: Local and Regional, Ministry, and Racial Justice.
The purpose of the plenary is to rekindle and refocus the CUIC relationship and to identify how the member churches will go into the future. Each task force will make a presentation, and much time will be spent in small group dialogue. To read more about the upcoming meeting, go to:
www.cuicinfo.org/news/January%2008%20press%20release.pdf (PDF)
QUESTION AND ANSWER SHEET EXPLAINS CFC MERGER AND OFFERING SUBMISSIONS
A new question and answer sheet has been developed to help congregations better understand the Church Finance Council merger into the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The merger was approved at the 2007 General Assembly to better align financial services and structures around mission, and to allow for additional services, while streamlining costs and reducing administration.
Todd Adams, Associate General Minister and Vice-President, developed the "frequently asked questions" (FAQ) sheet that contains information about Special Day Offerings as well as how best for congregations to remit gifts. The FAQ can be accessed by visiting: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08001.pdf (PDF)
SOUPER BOWL DAY OF CARING TO TAKE PLACE IN EARLY FEBRUARY
Disciples youth will join with young people from around the country on Feb. 3 to raise money for hunger and poverty-related charities as part of the 2008 Souper Bowl of Caring.
"I applaud the youth who participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring for showing such compassion and vision to make Super Bowl Sunday the largest weekend of giving and serving in this country," said Tod Iseminger, Minister of Leader Development in Disciples Home Missions. "This year, I hope that 500 Disciples groups will unite in this movement of God's love."
In 2007, 370 Disciples groups participated, collecting $114,000 for charities. In total, more than 14,000 youth organizations generated over $8 million for charities across the country. Since beginning in 1990, hundreds of thousands of young people have collected more than $41 million at churches, schools and businesses. Every dollar raised is given to local charities as selected by each group. To read more about Disciples' participation, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08006.html
To read more about Souper Bowl of Caring, go to: www.souperbowl.org
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE OFFERS RESOURCES FOR CHURCHES
Do you have questions about your parsonage or housing allowances? Are you concerned about the correct way income taxes should be withheld for ministers? Have you ever wondered whether churches or charities can become involved in the campaigns of political candidates? These questions and many more are answered in a series of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publications aimed specifically at religious institutions.
IRS documents specific to churches have been compiled by Ronald B. Flowers, the John F. Weatherly Emeritus Professor of Religion and the Cecil H. and Ida Green Distinguished Emeritus Tutor, Religion at Texas Christian University, for your use. To access the information on line go to:
Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations
www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdfCharities, Churches and Politics
www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=161131,00.htmlIRS Reminds Charities and Churches of Political Activity Ban
www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=175818,00.html
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE WILL OFFER NEW MAJORS THIS FALL
Starting this fall, Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Ore., will offer new majors in English and history. A regional college accrediting body approved the new majors last fall.
"Approved undergraduate degrees in English and history are critical to attracting top students who want to pursue a Christian liberal arts degree," said David Wilson, Northwest Christian's president.
Approval for the two liberal arts majors comes shortly after the school also received approval for a new major and minor in mathematics. Northwest is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. For more information, visit: www.nwcc.edu/news/2007_11_30.htm
WOODHAVEN WINS OUTSTANDING PROVIDER AWARD
Woodhaven has received an award for outstanding service presented annually to a provider that addresses the needs of people with disabilities. The Jackie Devenport-Orton Outstanding Provider Award was presented to Woodhaven from the Central Missouri Regional Office (CMRO) of the Department of Mental Health.
"We are honored to receive this award," said Mark Palmer, Woodhaven's Chief Executive Officer. "CMRO closely monitors all the providers in their region, so an award from them says a great deal about Woodhaven." Palmer credits the dedication of Woodhaven's direct care professionals with its success, as well as the private support the facility receives from community friends and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Woodhaven has served people with developmental disabilities in Columbia, Mo., since 1964 and is affiliated with Disciples Benevolent Services of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For more on the award, go to: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08002.html
DISCIPLES BENEVOLENT SERVICES HIRES DIRECTOR OF MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS
Mary Ruth Crawford has been hired as Director of Marketing/Communications and Corporate Secretary for Disciples Benevolent Services. She will develop and manage the organization's public relations, web site, printed communications, promotional materials and manage all corporate secretary responsibilities.
"We are excited to have Ms. Crawford on our team. She brings with her a rich knowledge of the organization and more than 15 years of marketing and communications experience," said Dennis Hagemann, President and CEO of Disciples Benevolent Services.
Headquartered in Maryland Heights, Mo., Disciples Benevolent Services (National Benevolent Association) is the 121 year-old social and health services general unit of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For more, go to: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08003.pdf (PDF)
MIDWAY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW MBA PROGRAM
Midway College is now a master's degree granting institution, effective Jan. 1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) granted the approval to Midway based on the strength of the institution's faculty and its financial resources. Midway has chosen to present a curriculum for a master's in business administration (MBA) based primarily on Midway's strong tradition of offering baccalaureate degree programs in business administration, organizational management and organizational administration and leadership.
Midway, based in Midway, Ky., is the state's only college for women and a forerunner in coeducational adult accelerated learning. Midway College is related by covenant to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). To read more about the new master's program visit: www.midway.edu/php/event_display.php?id=117
DISCIPLES SCHOLAR AND HISTORIAN LESTER G. McALLISTER DIES
Lester G. McAllister, who served the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) locally, nationally and internationally throughout his lifetime, passed away on Friday, Jan. 4 in Claremont, Calif. He was 88 years old.
McAllister received degrees from Transylvania University and the College of the Bible, which is now Lexington Theological Seminary. An Arkansas native, he was ordained at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in Little Rock, Ark., in 1944. Throughout his life, McAllister was active in scholarly circles and societies, denominational boards and ecumenical efforts with both the National and World Councils of Churches.
In the early 1950s, he received his Ph.D. from Pacific School of Religion, and later served at Bethany College as a professor of Church History, dean and provost. He was Professor of Modern Church History at Christian Theological Seminary from 1961-1984 and Distinguished Guest Professor at Brite Divinity School of Texas Christian University. He was a founding member of the Disciples of Christ History Society, and a member of its Board of Trustees until his death. To read more: visit www.discipleshistory.org/about/news/mcallister.htm
NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM ON STONE-CAMPBELL HISTORY AND BELIEFS IS NOW AVAILABLE
A new Sunday School curriculum on the history and beliefs of the Stone-Campbell movement is now available online. Known as "Streamers," the curriculum is a free multi-lesson series that answers "where we are from" and "what we believe" for congregations connected to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Churches of Christ and Christian Churches/Churches of Christ traditions.
Streamers is a 12-week study including the introduction, lessons and illustration. The format can be used in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, new member classes or for individual study.
The curriculum was written by Deborah Adams Phelps, an award-winning educator with more than 28 years of classroom experience. Streamers is offered in partnership by Disciples of Christ Historical Society and Disciples Home Missions. To read more about the new curriculum, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08004.html
To access the free curriculum go to www.discipleshistory.org
WABASH COLLEGE RECEIVES LILLY GRANT TO ESTABLISH PASTORAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind., has received a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment to establish the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program. The program will target Indiana pastors with between five and 10 years experience following their graduate seminary studies and invite them to participate in a two-year program of leadership development and pastoral reflection.
Pastors involved in the program will meet on the Wabash College campus 10 times over a two-year period to meet with civic, government, business and religious leaders to discuss issues that affect local Indiana communities. The pastors will learn about a range of topics, such as statewide efforts to strengthen public education, Indiana economic initiatives, and the impact of immigration on local communities. One group of pastors will begin in January 2009 and the second in 2011. To learn more about the program contact Raymond B. Williams at williamr@wabash.edu or 765-361-6336 or visit: http://www.wabash.edu/news/displaystory.cfm?news_ID=5348
LONG-TIME DISCIPLES MINISTER AND CHURCH LEADER DIES AT 103
Samuel F. Pugh, 103, an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for over 70 years, died on Dec. 23 in Indianapolis. Born in Bowling Green, Mo., his family moved to Tacoma, Wash., during his teen years. He graduated from Puget Sound College and later earned a bachelor of divinity degree from what is now Lexington Theological Seminary. He was honored with a Doctor of letters degree from Culver-Stockton College in Canto, Mo., in 1962.
Pugh held pastorates in Disciples churches in California and served as president of the California Christian Church Ministers Association. In 1952 he was called to serve as Director of Local Church Life at the General Offices in Indianapolis. In 1962, he was named editor of World Call magazine, the national publication of the Christian Church. He retired from active church service in 1972 but continued his ministry at Robin Run Community Retirement Village in Indianapolis, by working with preschool children and visiting with healthcare patients. Over his life, Pugh received numerous awards and honors. He was a member of Downey Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis for more than 54 years. To read his full obituary, visit. www.shirleybrothers.com/obituary.aspx?cd=1019
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