MERRY CHRISTMAS!
No News Brief will be sent next week.

CHURCH AND NBA LEADERS HOLD CONFERENCE CALL
The Rev. Chris Hobgood, general minister and president, and Cindy Dougherty, NBA president, recently organized a conference call in response to a request from the Administrative Committee of the Disciples General Board, which met at the 2003 General Assembly. During the call, which took place on Dec. 10, participants explored the church's need for more information about what is happening at NBA, NBA's need for people within the church to seek accurate information, and the need to bridge the rift between NBA and parts of the church. Get the complete story and more news from NBA in their second edition of "It's Our Mission" at: http://www.nbacares.org/DoC/Mission/Message_2.htm

HOBGOOD SHARES THOUGHTS ON OFFICE OF GMP
In November, Disciples general minister and president, Chris Hobgood, sent a letter out to all congregations and regions discussing what will guide his ministry over the next 20 months. If you missed reading the letter, view it here: http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2003/0350.htm

JACKSON TO RETURN TO NATIONAL CITY
On Jan. 4, National City Christian Church welcomes back senior pastor, Alvin Jackson, in a service of rededication and recommitment. Jackson returns after a 10-week leave from ministerial duties where he spent time in self-care activities and discerning God's will. To read a personal letter from Jackson, go to: http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2003/0351.htm

GLOBAL MINISTRIES APPOINTS MISSIONARIES
Global Ministries, a common witness of the Division of Overseas Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ, appointed 11 missionaries to service at their recent board meeting. To read this story and other stories about how God's mission is alive around the world, go to: http://www.globalministries.org

2004 LECTIONARY NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
To view the 2004 online Lectionary, go to www.disciples.org and select "Lectionary" under "Disciples Links" or type in this URL: http://www.disciples.org/internal/resources/lectio2004.htm. The Lectionary is prepared by Disciples Home Missions as a part of the Annual Planning Guide and Calendar. The Annual Planning Guide and Calendar is available through Christian Board of Publication (Ph: 800-366-3383).

CHRISTMAS OFFERING RECEIVED THIS WEEKEND
The Christmas Special Offering will be received on December 21 and will go to support Regional ministries. Regions provide lots of different ministries and programs, as well as help congregations network with one another. Have you read your Regional newspaper? Attended a Regional Assembly? Worked on a Regional mission project? Your Regional staff works with general ministries staff to organize and facilitate workshops, training events, and outreach mission that promotes spiritual growth, enhances church administration and helps your congregation to grow stronger. Share your joy this season with a gift to your Region by giving to the Christmas Special Offering.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS OFFERED BY CHURCHES IN UPPER MIDWEST REGION
The churches in the Upper Midwest Region are excited to offer up to eight summer internships in a congregational setting as well as six internships as part of a summer camp program. For more details and an application, go to: http://www.uppermidwestcc.org/ministries_youthfrontpageInterns.htm

The Disciples News Brief is distributed weekly by Communication Ministries. For changes, additions or deletions to our distribution list, please contact news@cm.disciples.org.