In this issue:

• 21st Century Vision Team Invites Disciples To Discuss Identity
• Deadline Extended To Apply For Minister Of Reconciliation Position
• Disciples Divinity House At Vanderbilt Places First Two Pastoral Residents
• Disciples Pastors In Indiana Speak Out Against Immigration Bill
• Christmount Offers Web Building Conference
• Registrations Are Brisk For ICYF Summer Event
• New Historical Society Website Offers Easier Access To History
• April Is "Advancing Racial Justice Month" At PSR
• Disciples Women In South Carolina Sponsor Leadership Conference
• Church Extension Staffer Receives Professional Designation
• New Theological Resource On Immigration Is Now Available
• Workshop In Chicago Will Focus On The Ministry Of Christian Unity

21st CENTURY VISION TEAM INVITES DISCIPLES TO DISCUSS IDENTITY
The 21st Century Vision Team, an advisory group to General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins, is inviting congregations, regions, general ministries, colleges and universities and others to engage in a conversation about Disciples identity. The team developed an identity statement and principles last year to undergird the work of transformation taking place in our Church today. An online survey was created to solicit comments about the statement and principles. Almost 1,500 people participated in the survey over an eight-month period.

The results from the survey and a downloadable copy of the identity statement and principles reflecting changes made based on feedback from the survey are now posted on the Disciples home page: www.disciples.org/21cvt

The team is now encouraging Disciples to engage in a church-wide conversation about the principles and identity and how your church/region/constituency is or could be living into this identity. Those who participate are asked to share their thoughts and ideas on how to "give life" to the identity statement in their ministry. To become a part of the conversation, visit: www.disciples.org/21cvt

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APPLY FOR MINISTER OF RECONCILIATION POSITION
Those with an interest in helping the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) further and enhance its pro-reconciliation/anti-racism priority are encouraged to apply for the Minister of Reconciliation position.

The deadline to receive applications for the position has been extended to the end of business on Monday, April 7. The Minister of Reconciliation will report to the General Minister and President and work with the Reconciliation Ministry Commission. Among other responsibilities, the person called to the position will oversee the development of educational, promotional, and training resources and will develop a collaborative network with regional anti-racism teams and reconciliation programs. For more information on the position, visit: www.reconciliationmission.org/news/2007/11/21a.asp

DISCIPLES DIVINITY HOUSE AT VANDERBILT PLACES FIRST TWO PASTORAL RESIDENTS
A new program at the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt will place two recent Masters of Divinity graduates for two years as "Pastoral Residents" in Disciples congregations beginning this summer. Cara Gilger has accepted a call to ministry at Geist Christian Church in Indianapolis, Ind., and Allison Lanza will begin her ministry at St. Andrew Christian Church in Olathe, Kan., following graduation in May and ordinations.

The "Congregational Immersion Project," funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc., is part of a larger program intending to address problems in the "Transition into Ministry." It builds on the awareness that the early years of pastoral experience are critical in shaping subsequent ministry and that the move from school to church is especially hard.

Disciples Divinity House seeks to shape outstanding ministers for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in partnership with the Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tenn. and the Christian Church. Mark Miller-McLemore is Dean, and Elizabeth Knowles-Bagwell is Project Director. For more information on the Disciples House at Vanderbilt or the Congregational Immersion Project, go to www.vanderbilt.edu/divinity/disciples.html, or contact 615-321-0380.

DISCIPLES PASTORS IN INDIANA SPEAK OUT AGAINST IMMIGRATION BILL
Two Disciples pastors in Indiana joined a group of Protestant pastors last month to speak out against proposed legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration in Indiana.

The group encouraged lawmakers to appoint a study committee to take a closer look at the issue. Under the proposed law, businesses that hired undocumented workers without checking on their status would be warned, fined and possibly put out of business. The bill before the Indiana General Assembly was defeated when it did not emerge from a conference committee.

Mark Powell, a member of the Disciples Justice Action Network (DJAN), said he spoke on behalf of all Protestant ministers opposed to a bill that would encourage racial profiling. Disciples pastor Audrey Borschel also spoke at the protest.

DJAN director Ken Brooker Langston noted that DJAN endorses those who gather around issues like immigration and make a common stand for human rights. DJAN's stand is consistent with General Assembly Resolution 0729 which calls for Disciples "to advocate for immigration reform legislation that is just, humane and compassionate." DJAN organized the Indiana press conference. To read the Indianapolis Star article, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08029.html

CHRISTMOUNT OFFERS WEB BUILDING CONFERENCE
Does your congregation need a web site? Do you want to learn how to improve your existing site? Would you like to learn what makes an effective church web site and how to build it? Then make sure you attend the "Gigabytes for the Gospel" retreat on May 2-4 at Christmount Christian Assembly in Black Mountain, N.C.

Everyone is welcome: from those who are wondering how to start a church web site to "old pro's" looking to pick up some new tricks. Workshop sessions will look at technology, design and the construction of web sites and tricks and tips for improving your website. Saturday afternoon will allow for free time to explore in and around Christmount. Sunday will include both workshops and worship.

The event will be led by Buddy Ray, web master for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia; Dean Phelps, Director of Church Multiplication for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana; and Heath Coffey, Guest Services Coordinator and web master for Christmount.

For more information, visit: www.christmount.org/gigabytes_for_the_gospel.htm

REGISTRATIONS ARE BRISK FOR ICYF SUMMER EVENT
Young people - and adults - from around the United States and Canada are registering for the upcoming International Christian Youth Fellowship (ICYF) event that will be held July 24-27 at Chapman University in Orange, Calif. Disciples high school youth gather at ICYF every four years for worship, discussion and leisure activities.

A new form that allows Disciples Ministry partners, such as general ministries and college and universities, to reserve display space has been created at www.icyfchapman.org

Mission sites, registration forms, and promotional materials also can be downloaded from the site.

Adults attending the event are reminded to sign up for a workshop when they register. Although adults can not participate in youth workshops, they are encouraged to select from one of three sessions designed for youth leaders and others at ICYF. Any questions about the conference should be forwarded to: ICYFChapman@yahoo.com

NEW HISTORICAL SOCIETY WEBSITE OFFERS EASIER ACCESS TO HISTORY
The Disciples of Christ Historical Society (DCHS) has launched a major update to its website. The site now includes a fully searchable catalog, index to periodicals and digital images. Two new programs also are featured on the site. Journeys in Faith helps individuals write their spiritual autobiography, which is then available online. Streamers helps congregations teach the history and beliefs of the Stone-Campbell movement. It is an in-depth curriculum developed in partnership with Disciples Home Missions, which can be downloaded free-of-charge. The site also includes a staff blog sharing thoughts and insights on research, programming and church life.

"With 1,000 people visiting our site every month, we want to make access to our resources as easy as possible," said DCHS President Glenn Thomas Carson.

To learn more about DCHS's website, go to: www.discipleshistory.org

APRIL IS "ADVANCING RACIAL JUSTICE MONTH" AT PSR
The Pacific School of Religion (PSR) community and its Dismantling Racism Committee has proclaimed April 2008 as "Advancing Racial Justice Month." A number of events and celebrations will take place throughout the month to embrace the spirit of the observance.

One event will be a candlelight ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. The ceremony will occur on April 3 from 7:30 - 9 p.m. in the Pacific School of Religion chapel and is designed to engage the entire PSR community in its commitment to advancing racial justice and creating a more cohesive and culturally competent environment. Dane Quick, of Howard University, will be the featured speaker. PSR is located in Berkeley, Calif. For more information visit: www.psr.edu

To read the comments of President William McKinney on the significance of the month, go to: www.psr.edu/page.cfm?t=17&id=3438

DISCIPLES WOMEN IN SOUTH CAROLINA SPONSOR LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
If you're looking for ways to enhance your leadership skills, then you will not want to miss the national leadership conference being sponsored by the Disciples Women Ministry of South Carolina. The event, which will take place on June 13-14 at First Christian Church in Charleston, S.C., is designed to help those seeking a better understanding of the values, attitudes and habits that result in successful leaders.

One highlight of the conference will be a presentation on June 14 by Gene Griessman, an internationally recognized speaker, author and consultant. An actor and playwright, Griessman has performed his one-man play on Abraham Lincoln at the Ford Theater and before large audiences around the country. He also has interviewed U.S presidents, actors, athletes, business leaders and Nobel Laureates. He has taught at a number of universities and served as Fulbright professor at the University of Islamabad in Pakistan. To learn more about Griessman, you may visit his website at: www.presidentlincoln.com

To register for the leadership conference, go to: www.scdisciples.org/Download5.html

CHURCH EXTENSION STAFFER RECEIVES PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION
Mary Beight, assistant treasurer and secretary for Church Extension, recently received the prestigious Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation.

The CTP designation sets the standard for financial professionals. It is an indicator to employers that the professional has a highly skilled degree of competence in the areas of treasury management. In order to receive the certification, candidates must take a comprehensive examination covering a variety of concepts and experiences in the area of treasury management such as risk management, mutual funds, capital structure, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance.

Beight is responsible for providing oversight of the daily financial operations. She is also responsible for assisting in information systems development, managing audits, managing accounting systems and maintaining relationships with banks and other financial institutions and auditors. To read more, go to: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08030.pdf

NEW THEOLOGICAL RESOURCE ON IMMIGRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE
Disciples Home Missions Refugee and Immigration Ministries (RIM) announces the availability of a new resource to enable theological reflection on the issue of immigration. "Welcoming the World to our Doorstep" contains five theological reflections on immigration, a study guide, a pledge form, and additional resources. It is intended for use by congregations, regions, general ministries, institutions, and organizations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

It is hoped that groups using the packet will hold dialogues on immigration from a faith perspective that will lead to a decision about whether or not those groups are willing to make a "Welcoming the World to our Doorstep" pledge to welcome immigrants to their ministries, regardless of immigration status. The five theological reflections come from four Disciples theologians (Eric Brown, Michael Kinnamon, Tim Lee, and Daisy Machado) and the World Council of Churches.

The packet and pledge are available at: www.discipleshomemissions.org/RIM/WelcomePledge.htm

WORKSHOP IN CHICAGO WILL FOCUS ON THE MINISTRY OF CHRISTIAN UNITY
Ways to further ecumenical relations is the agenda for the National Workshop on Christian Unity, which will be held April 14-17 in Chicago, Ill. The annual meeting will bring together ecumenical officers, theologians, clergy, lay leaders and others with an interest in strengthening Christian unity.

A keynote address will be made by Michael Kinnamon, general secretary of the National Council of Churches and an ordained Disciples minister. The meeting also will include a panel discussion on the nature of the local church and the global church, as well as 16 workshops.

This is the 45th year of the workshop which celebrates the spirit of ecumenism. Participating churches include the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). More information and online registration is available at: www.nwcu.org

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Editor: Wanda Bryant Wills
E-mail: news@cm.disciples.org

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