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In this issue:
- Disciples Health Care Program On Track To 2008 Financial Health
- WeekEnd Of Compassion Events Will Be Both Inspiring And Worshipful
- Pension Fund Board Approves Special Apportionment And Good Experience Credit
- Easter Special Offering Will Be Received On Easter Sunday
- Virginia Pastor To Speak On The Black Church's View Of The Ecological Crisis
- Congregations Are Encouraged To Participate In Upcoming Transformation Events
- Young Adult Commission Meets In Indianapolis
- Former Missionary's Advocacy For The Chinese In Showcased In A Film Production
- Pacific Southwest Region Hosts Clergy Gathering
- Churches Of North And South Korea Will Join In Easter Prayer
- Disciples Men Will Meet At Sessions 2008 This Summer
- Stewardship Resources Can Be Ordered On-Line
- Disciples Leaders Address Ecumenical Advocacy Days
- Northwest Christian College Presents Spring Concert
DISCIPLES HEALTH CARE PROGRAM ON TRACK TO 2008 FINANCIAL HEALTH
 The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) health care program for ministers and church employees is expected to be out of debt by the end of 2008, a climb of $5.4 million in four years, reports James P. Hamlett, president of the Pension Fund and administrator of the Christian Church Healthcare Benefit Trust.
"This has been the result of actions taken in 2005-2007," Hamlett told directors of The Pension Fund at their regular meeting in Indianapolis, Feb. 28-29. "Redesigned plans and premiums launched in 2006 provided a more accurate balance in services and costs that also increased the number of young participants in the program," Hamlett explained. To read more, go to:
www.pensionfund.org/files/News/NEWS%20RELEASE%20-%20HC%20-%20022908.pdf
WEEKEND OF COMPASSION EVENTS WILL BE BOTH INSPIRING AND WORSHIPFUL
 There are still spaces available for Disciples to participate in the first-ever WeekEnd of Compassion. Participants at the April 11-13 event in Nashville, Tenn., will benefit from the preaching, music, worship, hands-on mission and new and creative ideas on Week of Compassion promotion that will be offered. For more information and registration details, visit: www.weekendofcompassion.org
The event is sponsored by Week of Compassion, the Disciples relief, refugee and development ministry. As one example of its ongoing work, Week of Compassion shares that it has recently increased its support to recovery efforts following deadly tornadoes that devastated communities throughout Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky last month, due to the outpouring of support from Disciples. To read more about Week of Compassion's work not only in this country but around the world, go to: www.weekofcompassion.org
PENSION FUND BOARD APPROVES SPECIAL APPORTIONMENT AND GOOD EXPERIENCE CREDIT
 The Board of Directors of the Pension Fund recently approved a special apportionment for pension plan accounts and good experience credits for Tax Deferred Retirement and Benefit Accumulation Accounts. The board, at its Feb. 28-29 meeting, followed a careful review of financial, actuarial and audit information which reflected reserves sufficient to fund the enhanced benefits while maintaining a conservative stance toward the economy and future investment expectations.
The board approved a 3 percent special apportionment for all Pension Plan accounts. The board also approved good experience credits of 2.75 percent for Tax Deferred and Individual Retirement Arrangement Accounts and 1.25 percent for Benefit Accumulation Accounts, based upon the average account balances in 2007. After applying the good experience credits, Tax Deferred Retirement and Benefit Accumulation accounts will have earned an effective rate of 7.45 percent and 5.88 percent, respectively for 2007.
To read more, go to:
www.pensionfund.org/files/News/NEWS%20RELEASE%20-%20SA%20-%20022908.pdf
EASTER SPECIAL OFFERING WILL BE RECEIVED ON EASTER SUNDAY
 Please remember to give to the Easter Special Offering which supports the church's general ministries as they engage in mission on behalf of all Disciples. The offering will be received this Sunday, March 23 or other dates chosen by your congregation. Your gifts help support 13 ministries of the general church such as the Division of Overseas Ministries for Global Ministries, and Disciples Home Missions Disciples Hurricane Recovery Initiative. This year's theme: "Your Witness to the Ends of the Earth" reminds us that when we support this offering we are providing resources and gifts to ministries not only in our communities but to those around the world.
To learn more about the Easter Special Offering and to access offering resources, go to: www.churchfinancecouncil.org/Default.aspx?TabID=110
If your congregation needs materials for this offering or any other special offering, contact Brenda Ray, at bray@ogmp.disciples.org or by phone at 317-713-2444.
VIRGINIA PASTOR TO SPEAK ON THE BLACK CHURCH'S VIEW OF THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS
 William Lee, immediate past moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and pastor of Loudon Ave. Christian Church in Roanoke, Va., will address "The Black Church's Critique of the Ecological Crisis" on Monday, March 31 at Lynchburg College.
His presentation will be part of the 2008 Jennie Cutler Shumate Lecture on Christian Ministry. The focus of this year's Shumate Lecture is in keeping with "A Greener Tomorrow Today: LC's Year of the Environment."
Lee has been pastor at Loudon Avenue for 30 years. He also will deliver the John M. Turner Jr. Lectureship on Life and Faith at First Christian Church in Lynchburg at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. For more information, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08028.html
Lynchburg is a private, coeducational college located in Lynchburg, Va., which is related by covenant to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For more information about Lynchburg, visit: www.lynchburg.edu
CONGREGATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN UPCOMING TRANSFORMATION EVENTS
"God's Positioning Spirit" will be the theme of five transformation events that will take place this year and in 2009. The events are in response to requests for resources and activities that inspire congregations toward transformation. Each will include worship, presentations by practicing congregational leaders of transformation, small group discussions and resources.
"This is the next step in the denomination's initiative on congregational transformation which began in January 2006 at the Arlington, Texas event," said R. Wayne Calhoun, of Disciples Home Missions, who is the executive working on the transformation initiative. "The upcoming steps will give us information on how to get started in the process."
The first transformation event in 2008 will take place on Sept. 19-20 in Fullerton, Ca. To learn more about the schedule and resources, go to: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08025.pdf
YOUNG ADULT COMMISSION MEETS IN INDIANAPOLIS
 Gathering young adult Disciples, at events and online, was named as a priority by the Young Adult Commission (YAC) which met recently at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.
"One of the tasks facing the YAC is how to help young adults develop in community," said YAC member Diana Batzka. "We hope that we can take small steps and be a vehicle which can help young adults form community within congregations, within regions, within the general ministries and with each other across the nation and the world."
Among other things, the commission looked ahead at denominational events over the next two years. The commission plans to have representation at the three ethnic constituency gatherings and at the International Christian Youth Fellowship (ICYF), all of which take place this summer. To read more: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08026.html
FORMER MISSIONARY'S ADVOCACY FOR THE CHINESE IN SHOWCASED IN A FILM PRODUCTION
"Nanking" is a riveting movie being shown around the country that chronicles the Japanese occupation of Nanking, China in 1937. The heroic work of a small band of Westerners, mostly Americans, is seen in the film, including that of Lewis Smythe, a missionary and former professor at Lexington Theological Seminary. Smythe and several others refused to leave the city after the invasion, despite the U.S. embassy's order for them to return home. Instead they worked to create a safety zone for the Chinese, negotiating on their behalf with the Japanese.
Smythe moved to Nanking from Chicago in 1934 when the United Christian Missionary Society appointed him to teach at the University of Nanking. From Dec. 1937 to Feb. 1938, he wrote 69 letters to the Japanese army, protesting their actions.
The movie intercuts newsreel footage, interviews with Chinese survivors, and Japanese soldiers and first person accounts, rendered by actors. Actor Stephen Dorff plays Smythe in the movie. To fine out when the movie may be playing in your area, go to: www.thinkfilmcompany.com
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION HOSTS CLERGY GATHERING
A special gathering of clergy in the Pacific Southwest region will take place March 30-April 1 at camp grounds in Big Bear Lake, Calif.
Susan Gonzales Dewey, co/regional minister, says the event will include more than 90 ministers and will help illustrate that the region represents one church with much diversity. The gathering will include worship styles that represent each of the participating groups: African-American, Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic. There will also be diversity training and opportunities for fellowship.
"We are one church, but we speak a variety of voices in this region," said Gonzales Dewey. "However we are bound together by the love of God and our commitment to follow in the path of Christ." To read more about the clergy gathering, go to: www.disciplespswr.org/2008ClergyRetreatFlyer-regmailing.pdf
CHURCHES OF NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA WILL JOIN IN EASTER PRAYER
The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) and the Korea Christian Federation (KCF) in the North have jointly written a prayer that both groups will use this Easter Sunday, March 23. It is called the "Common Easter Prayer of the Churches of South and North Korea."
The two groups made the agreement for the prayer at an ecumenical session in Germany on Feb. 16. Global Ministries asks that Disciples join the NCCK and the KCF and pray with both groups for healing and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula. To download the prayer, go to: globalministries.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2175&Itemid=29
DISCIPLES MEN WILL MEET AT SESSIONS 2008 THIS SUMMER
 Sessions 2008 organizers are finalizing plans for the event that will draw Disciples men from the United States and Canada to a unique opportunity for inspiration, fellowship, education and spiritual renewal. Sessions 2008 will take place in Oklahoma City, Okla. from July 17-20. The list of speakers includes General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins, Disciples pastors Mark Briley, William Lee and Rick Lowery, Dean and Academic Vice-President at Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Ky.
There also will be mission projects with Habitat for Humanity and visits to sites around Oklahoma City. There is still time to register at the "Early Bird" rate. For full information including on-line registration and hotel information, visit www.Sessions2008.org and register today.
STEWARDSHIP RESOURCES CAN BE ORDERED ON-LINE
Disciples congregations are encouraged to seek out the resources of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. The center is committed to providing materials that help congregations grow in their understanding of Christian stewardship. The center also sponsors educational events that encourage the stewardship ministries of congregations, denominations, church-related institutions and organizations. To learn more go to: www.stewardshipresources.org
DISCIPLES LEADERS ADDRESS ECUMENICAL ADVOCACY DAYS
Several well-known Disciples leaders spoke at the recent Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice meeting in Washington, D.C.
Richard Hamm, Executive Administrator of Christian Churches Together (CCT) and former General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) spoke to a special lunch gathering of Disciples and United Church of Christ attendees about his work with CCT.
"We often do a far better job of lobbying our government than seeking the conversion of the church," said Hamm, as part of his remarks. "Both are important, yet it is the latter that may have more lasting importance."
Michael Kinnamon, new General Secretary of the National Council of Churches later spoke at a special evening event for Disciples and members of the UCC about his vision of unity, justice and global security within a framework of ecumenical social ethics. He called for a "hopeful realism" in which Christians refuse to give themselves over to either despair or "wishful thinking," but rather to "imagine the world as our gracious God would have it be, and then let that set our secular agenda."
Noemi Mena, pastor of Iglesia Cristiana Nacional at National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C. also spoke at the evening event. To read more, visit: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08027.html
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE PRESENTS SPRING CONCERT
 Gospels, hymns and praise songs will be presented on Friday, April 4 at the First Baptist Church of Eugene, Ore., as part of Northwest Christian College's (NCC) annual concert.
The evening concert features performances by the college's top touring ensemble, the men's ensemble, the community choir and the chamber ensemble. The community choir was formed three years ago with 12 members and has grown to include more than 80 NCC alumni, students, staff, faculty, trustees and others. Northwest Christian College is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. To read more visit: www.nwcc.edu/news/First+Baptist+To+Host+NCC+Spring+Concert.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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