DONALD GILLETT ORDAINED AND CALLED

Rev. Victor Luis Algarin was ordained on July 18, 1999, at the Park Avenue Christian Church in East Orange, NJ.

The son of Antonio Algarin and the late Veronica Prieto y Ramos, Rev. Algarin was one of five brothers born and raised in the South Bronx. He is married to D. Melissa, and has a son, Victor Antonio. Rev. Algarin is an Associate Member at Park Avenue Christian Church, and a candidate for a Master of Sacred Theology at Drew Theological School in Madison, NJ. He recently graduated from Drew with a Master of Divinity. He earned a B.A. with a concentration in psychology, religious studies and Black history from the College of New Rochelle/School of New Resources.

Previously, Rev. Algarin worked as a social worker in a number of programs, including a homeless shelter and youth programs.

Rev. Algarin is especially thankful for the leadership of the Rev. Raiford S. Wheeler, Pastor of the Park Avenue Christian Church, who he describes as his spiritual father.

CHRISTAL WILLIAMS JOINS CCIW STAFF

Rev. Christal Williams joined the staff of the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin as a Contract Associate Regional Minister, on June 5, 1999. Rev. Williams’ primary focus is on children, youth and young adult ministries.

Christal comes highly recommended. We are excited by the things we have heard: "...very articulate and can express the faith to ordinary people..." "...excellent teacher and spiritual guide for youth..." "...has passion and fire about her work." "...youth pick up on Christal’s energy about life, God and Christianity." "...very accessible and approachable to all members of a congregation.

COLES LEAVE FOR CALIFORNIA

The Rev. Dr. K. David Cole and his wife Violaruth have moved to California. David is a former winner of the National Convocation’s Liberation Award and past moderator of the Christian Church, retired from the pastorate of the Swope Parkway United Christian Church in 1997. Violaruth is a retired school administrator and member of the General Board of the Christian Church. David and Violaruth’s new address is 9512 Oakridge Place, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

MARGARET ROBERTS INSTALLED

The Rev. Dr. Margaret Roberts was installed as the pastor of the Swope Parkway United Christian Church on June 27, 1999.

PROMOTED

Mrs. Cheryle Dyle-Palmer was promoted to NBA Vice President of Children and Family Services, on September 1, 1999.

Cheryle previously served as Associate Vice President for Children, Youth and Families. In her new role she is responsible for the management of NBA units that provide programs and services to children, youth, families and the differently able.

Dr. Norma Ellington-Twitty, who has been NBA’s vice president for program planning and evaluation since 1985, has been promoted to CEO of the National Benevolent Foundation, effective September 1, 1999. The Foundation will focus on fund raising and friend raising, primarily in the St. Louis area. As CEO of the Foundation, Ellington-Twitty will be the community presence for NBA in the Greater St. Louis area, serving as liaison to community organizations, local colleges and universities, and foundations. She will be contacting higher education institutions to provide interns, graduate students and recent graduates to work in various NBA departments. She will also continue to oversee NBA departments. She will also continue to oversee NBA Southern Christian Services, which functions as an NBA foundation in the southeastern United States.

CONGRATULATIONS

Karey Gee, CEO of NBA Hollybrook Homes Apartments (Jacksonville, FL), received a certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Marshals Service, Jacksonville Division. Gee helped federal marshals apprehend an escaped felon. U.S. Marshal Don Moreland cited Gee for his assistance in a month-long investigation that went "well above and beyond what we would normally experience."

TOM HARRIS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF MINISTRY

Tom Harris, alumnus of the first class to graduate from Tougaloo/Christian College celebrated the anniversary of his 50th year in the Christian ministry. Pastor Harris is a native Mississippian who felt called to preach when he was in grade school. He began to serve congregations while a youth and at the same time pursued high school and college education in formal preparation to become a Disciples of Christ minister. He became Mississippi’s first full-time African American pastor.

William T. Chaney, Jr. was ordained in Christian Ministry on May 23, 1999, at First Christian Church of Decatur, Georgia.

Joan L. Bell was ordained in Christian Ministry on August 28, 1999, at First Christian Church of Maywood, Illinois.

Raumone V. Burton was installed as pastor of Vermont Christian Church, on Sunday, June 13, 1999, in Flint, Michigan.

JENNIFER WAS THIRD RUNNER UP

Debutante Jennifer Patrice Twitty was the third runner-up for the Miss Fashionetta title. She received a scholarship gift of $2700.00. In addition Jennifer received a $500.00 award for her essay on "Leadership in the New Millennium."

Fashionetta enabled Jennifer to make new friends, serve the community, enhance her college readiness skills and receive a scholarship. Moreover, Fashionetta enabled family and friends, near and far, to express their love and support for Jennifer, in transition from home to college.

FRANK ANTHONY THOMAS CALLED AS SENIOR PASTOR
OF THE MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH