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In this issue:
- New Church Ministry Partners With Global Ministries For Trip To Honduras
- Michigan Church Seeks Fresh Perspective With New Pastor
- Central Committee Of WCC Make Statements On Several Issues; Sets Up Search Committee For New General Secretary
- Award Winning Poet And Author To Speak At Transylvania
- Week Of Compassion Special Offering Is This Sunday
- Deadline Approaches To Apply For Minister Of Reconciliation Position
- Refugee And Immigration Ministries Reports On Resettlement Efforts
- Tents Of Hope Launches Spring Campaign To Raise $1 Million For Darfur
- The Poverty Of Climate Change
- Culver-Stockton Starts New 21st Century Curriculum
- Number Of Volunteer Work Groups In The Gulf Coast Closes In On Goal
- Former Missionary To Paraguay Dies
- Northwest Christian College Holds Stone-Campbell Symposium
NEW CHURCH MINISTRY PARTNERS WITH GLOBAL MINISTRIES FOR TRIP TO HONDURAS
 Eight new church pastors recently journeyed to Honduras to learn more about new church ministry in the Honduran context. The new church ministers were led by Ketty Santos of New Church Ministry, Felix Ortiz, Latin America/Caribbean area executive for Global Ministries (GM), and Bob Shebeck, executive for mission interpretation for GM.
The trip, which took place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 8, allowed participants to see how Honduran pastors are meeting physical, emotional, economic and spiritual needs in their communities. The new church pastors also learned about ways the Honduran ministers are taking risks in responding to dangerous situations in their communities, such as gang violence.
Congregations in the United States and Canada are asked to pray for Honduras this Sunday, Feb. 24. To learn more, go to: www.globalministries.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=148&Itemid=34
MICHIGAN CHURCH SEEKS FRESH PERSPECTIVE WITH NEW PASTOR
Cascade Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Grand Rapids, Mich., has called a new pastor who was judged more by his passion for telling the word of God than by his denominational affiliation.
Earlier this month, George Davis, stepped into the pulpit as the newest pastor at Cascade, the largest church in the Michigan region. Davis, who grew up in a Missionary Baptist Church, previously served as pastor of a Christian Reform Church. He is also the church's first African-American pastor.
"George has a tremendous passion for the gospel and for people and that's evident in what he's done in the course of his life," said Ed Hekman, chairman of the nine-member search committee. "He will open new doors for us and give us a perspective into the city of Grand Rapids we didn't have before."
To read more about Davis' call to Cascade Christian, click on this article from the Grand Rapids Press newspaper: www.disciples.org/dns/newsletter/linkredirect.asp?id=080220a
CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF WCC MAKE STATEMENTS ON SEVERAL ISSUES; SETS UP SEARCH COMMITTEE FOR NEW GENERAL SECRETARY
 Statements on global warming, Kenya, ecological debt, and cluster bombs were among the actions developed by members of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) which met in Geneva from Feb. 13-20. The Central Committee is elected by the assembly from among its delegates and serves as the chief governing body of the WCC until the next assembly.
During its work in Geneva, the committee also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the WCC and received two new church communions - the Independent Presbyterian Church in Brazil and the Lao Evangelical Church.
In addition, an 18-member search committee was appointed to screen candidates for the position of WCC general secretary. The current general secretary, Samuel Kobia, announced at the meeting that he would not seek an extension to his term which ends Dec. 31.
General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins and Robert Welsh, President of the Council on Christian Unity, represented Disciples at the meeting. To read more, visit: www.oikoumene.org/en/events-sections/cc2008/news-media/highlights.html
AWARD WINNING POET AND AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT TRANSYLVANIA
 An award-winning poet and short-story author, R.T. Smith, will speak at Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky. on Thursday, Feb. 28. The event, which is free and open to the public, is part of Transylvania's Delcamp Visiting Writer program.
Smith is the author of "Uke Rivers Delivers," a book of short fiction. Smith teaches creative writing and literature courses at Washington and Lee University where he also serves as editor of "Shenandoah." He has received a number of prizes for his work. Copies of Smith's books will be for sale in Transylvania's campus bookstore prior to the reading as well as at the reading. To learn more, go to: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08021.html
WEEK OF COMPASSION SPECIAL OFFERING IS THIS SUNDAY
 Week of Compassion, the Church's relief, refugee and development ministry helps Disciples respond quickly and compassionately to people around the world in crisis situations.
Help WOC continue to carry out its important work on behalf of Disciples. Give generously this Sunday, Feb. 24, to the WOC special offering that helps bring a message of hope and healing to people around the globe. WOC also has published new materials that include daily devotions and sharing resources. To read more visit: www.weekofcompassion.org
DEADLINE APPROACHES TO APPLY FOR MINISTER OF RECONCILIATION POSITION
March 1 is the deadline to apply for the position of Minister of Reconciliation. The person called to this position will oversee the development of educational, promotional and training resources that further the Church's pro-reconciliation/anti-racism priority and also help to guide the Church in seeking to eradicate the sin of systemic racism.
Among other responsibilities, the Minister of Reconciliation will develop a collaborative network with regional anti-racism teams and reconciliation program, develop a strategy for ongoing community regarding Reconcilation Ministry with the wider church and identify multiple models for addressing systemic racism, recognizing that no one model will meet all needs.
For more information on the position and how to apply, go to: www.reconciliationmission.org/news/2007/11/21a.asp
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRATION MINISTRIES REPORTS ON RESETTLEMENT EFFORTS
Nearly 100 Disciples congregations helped refugees start a new life in this country last year. Refugees from Cuba, Burundi, Burma, Iran, and Somalia were among the 17 countries assisted by Disciples congregations. Disciples resettled 1,019 people in 2007, about 200 more people than in 2006, according to the most recent report from Refugee and Immigration Ministries (RIM), part of Disciples Home Missions.
"We're very happy about Disciples increased ability to assist," said Jennifer Riggs, RIM's Director of Refugee and Immigration Ministries. "Our efforts help those who are often desperate and need to find a permanent solution to their situation."
The largest number of resettled refugees came from Cuba (355) followed by Burma (216). The largest number of resettlements took place in Florida (285), followed by Texas (132). RIM notes that Disciples are one of six denominations that resettle refugees through the Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program. To read more about RIM's work with refugee resettlement go to www.discipleshomemissions.org/RIM/index.htm
TENTS OF HOPE LAUNCHES SPRING CAMPAIGN TO RAISE $1 MILLION FOR DARFUR
 Tents of Hope has announced the launch of a spring campaign to raise $1 million for emergency humanitarian relief in Darfur, Sudan. Known as "Hope is Global," the campaign will include community events in over 100 cities during the April 12-13 weekend.
Tents of Hope is a nationwide project in which churches are invited to buy or make simulated refugee tents for their communities as a way to raise funds and educate others about the Darfur crisis. War has killed between 250,000 and 400,000 people in the area, and left over 2.5 million homeless.
Disciples will have a tent at the WeekEnd of Compassion conference in Nashville, Tenn., on April 11-13 to help support Tents of Hope and the spring campaign. Conference attendees will be invited to paint the tent and learn about the genocide in Darfur. The Disciples Center in Indianapolis will launch the creation of a Tent of Hope on Feb. 22, that will serve as a reminder of the situation in Darfur and a means of raising funds for those affected by the war. To read more, go to: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08019.html
THE POVERTY OF CLIMATE CHANGE
As people of faith, addressing climate change is a justice issue. Water scarcity, drought, crop failure, increased disease and flooding are just a few of the issues brought on by global climate change that could impact those living in poverty. The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice programs is marking Earth Day Sunday on April 27 by recognizing the relationship between poverty and climate change by offering a resource for worship, adult study and youth activities. Copies are available online by visiting: www.nccecojustice.org
CULVER-STOCKTON STARTS NEW 21st CENTURY CURRICULUM
 Culver-Stockton College will soon implement a unique curriculum that will better prepare C-SC students for the global marketplace. The curriculum is built around a calendar and curriculum that emphasizes exploration, practical experience and flexibility in partnership with the college's long tradition of providing a strong liberal arts education.
Known as the EXP@CSC, the curriculum will offer a revised college calendar that provides a 12-week long term for taking multiple classes, but that also offers a three week short-term for an intensive, one-course experiential opportunity where students can learn through internships, study abroad, clinical rotations, or other hands-on practical experiences. To read more, visit: www.culver.edu/publicrelations/article.asp?id=3161
NUMBER OF VOLUNTEER WORK GROUPS IN THE GULF COAST CLOSES IN ON GOAL
 Six months ago, Disciples Home Missions, Week of Compassion, the Great River Region and the Coastal Plains Area of the Southwest Region, set a goal of sending 750 volunteer work groups to the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
To date, 619 groups have been sent or scheduled to work in the Gulf. Numerous people from around the country have sacrificed time and money to join in this unprecedented effort.
Many people who have volunteered have had a powerful experience during their time in the gulf. "There have been many stories of people who have volunteered to come to the gulf whose faith lives have been changed forever", said Carl Zerweck, Director of Disciples Volunteering.
To schedule a trip to the Gulf contact Tod Iseminger at 888-346-2631. To read more about the Disciples Hurricane Recovery Initiative, go to: www.discipleshomemissions.org/Volunteer/DisasterResponse/index.htm
FORMER MISSIONARY TO PARAGUAY DIES
Roy A. Miller, former missionary to Paraguay from 1959 to 1973 has died. Miller, 85, was born in Toluca, Ill., in June 1922. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky in 1956, and a B.D. degree from Lexington Theological Seminary in 1957. He was ordained at the Christian Church of Ogden, Ill., where his father was pastor. Miller's wife, Pauline, preceeded him in death. Survivors include four children.
While in Paraguay, Miller was responsible for three churches and was administrator and treasurer of the social center, an officer of the Paraguayan church, a member of the administrative committee of the Paraguayan churches and a member of the advisory board of Colegio Internacional, Disciples high school in Asuncion.
During the many years that Miller and his family served in Paraguay they hosted a World Convention, initiated a family planning clinic, welcomed 24-hour electricity to their village, worked with engineers to obtain running water in one community, dedicated new churches, and most of all, enjoyed being "at home" with the people of Paraguay. To read more about Miller's life, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08020.html
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE HOLDS STONE-CAMPBELL SYMPOSIUM
 Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Org., will host its annual Stone-Campbell Symposium on Feb. 25-26 with a series of six lectures.
This year's symposium, "The Church as Storyteller" (Hebrews 11:1-12:3) will feature addresses by Jerry Rushford, professor of religion and director of church relations at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., telling stories of such Stone-Campbell luminaries as Alexander Campbell, Barton Stone, James A. Garfield, and Oregon's own pioneer preacher, A. L. Todd. Worship at each session will be led by Todd Hall, worship leader at Southwest Church of Christ in Tigard, Ore. For more information, visit:
www.nwcc.edu/news/NCC+Holds+Stone-Campbell+Symposium.htm
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Editor: Wanda Bryant Wills
E-mail: news@cm.disciples.org
If you are interested in submitting news for distribution in the Disciples News Service, please review our "Guidelines for Submitting News and Information to Disciples News Service":
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