Disciples News Briefs
November 4, 2005
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills, Editor
E-mail: News@cm.disciples.org

THANKSGIVING SPECIAL OFFERING APPROACHES
The Thanksgiving Special Offering themed "Faces of the Future," supports leader development through colleges, universities and theological institutions in covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). These institutions are educating and fostering the future leaders of our congregations, regions and general units. So please remember to give generously to this important offering on Nov. 13 and 20. Promotional materials for the offering are available online at: http://www.churchfinancecouncil.org/pages/dmf/tgiving05/index.htm

TASK FORCE EXAMINES THE CAUSES THAT LED TO NBA BANKRUPTCY
The task force examining the relationship between the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the National Benevolent Association (NBA) leading up to and following NBA’s bankruptcy filing reports that it is making progress. The group is conducting interviews and examining documents and events to compile a preliminary report that will be presented to the Administrative Committee in January, with a more complete report prepared for the July meeting of the General Board. Learn more about the work of the task force at: http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0575.htm

DISCIPLES IN MEMPHIS, TENN. CONTINUE TO PROVIDE HURRICANE RELIEF
While the media may be shifting its attention from the hurricanes that ravaged parts of the Gulf Coast, members of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (MBCC) in Memphis, Tenn., are among Disciples that remain committed to helping families impacted by the hurricanes. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, MBCC, along with several other churches, helped to feed and clothe more than 1800 people. Since then, the congregation has helped nearly a dozen relocated families secure single-family housing. The church’s extraordinary efforts also have extended to four mission trips to Louisiana and Mississippi where MBCC members have rolled up their sleeves and helped to rebuild homes in those hard hit areas. Read the full story about MBCC’s efforts at: http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0576.htm

N.C. DISCIPLES GLEAN THE FIELDS TO HELP FEED THE HUNGRY
Members of the Christian Men’s Fellowship at First Christian Church (FCC) in Rocky Mount, N.C., have revived the ancient Hebrew tradition of gleaning the fields to help feed those in need. Farmers in Nash County, who are one of the largest producers of sweet potatoes in North Carolina, lend their fields to the gleaners after they have harvested their crops. Mechanical harvesting equipment leaves some crops lying in the fields and where these crops might normally be plowed over, the gleaners collect the leftover produce and distribute it to local food pantries. Read the full story at: http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0577.htm

INSURANCE BOARD REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO UCC/DISCIPLES CHURCHES
New leadership has been named at the United Church of Christ Insurance Board (UCCIB) as the group strives to continue its role as provider of property and liability insurance for 4,600 United Church of Christ and Disciples congregations and related institutions. Bennie E. Whiten, Jr., the new acting president and CEO of the UCCIB, previously served as the organization’s board president from 1996-1999. He most recently served as acting executive minister of the UCC’s Wider Church Ministries in Cleveland, Ohio.

The 24-year old UCCIB has faced a number of financial challenges recently in the aftermath of a spate of claims connected with hurricanes in the Southeast. UUCIB paid out 108 disaster-related claims totaling more than $4 million in 2004 alone. “The Disciples are one of two denominations served by the board,” commented Kris Woods, Executive Vice-President of UCCIB. “The board recently has served many Disciples churches hit by natural disasters such as the hurricanes. We will keep the strong covenantal connection between the board and the Disciples.” To read the full story about Whiten’s appointment and the future direction of UCCIB, go to: http://news.ucc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=367&Itemid=54

STEP SURVEY: CIVIL RIGHTS, EDUCATION, FIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS’ PASSIONS
Civil rights and education are two areas college and high school students and campus ministers want to see the church addressed, according to a survey completed this summer and fall by the Student Ecumenical Partnership (STEP). The national college ministry of the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), STEP clarified its vision this spring by calling college students to social activism and theological dialogue. To determine the next action to answer that call, STEP collected more than 120 surveys asking college and prospective college students about the social issues they feel STEP is most capable of addressing. For full results and more analysis, visit http://www.stepnetwork.org/news.html.

START PLANNING NOW FOR WORLD AIDS DAY ON DECEMBER 1
World AIDS Day, celebrated each year on Dec. 1, is the international day of action on HIV and AIDS that reminds us that HIV is an issue for everyone. Global Ministries and Disciples Home Missions are committed to HIV/AIDS education in the United States and around the world. Hundreds of thousands of new cases of HIV are being diagnosed and the only way we can stop it from spreading is by creating a society in which people are more aware about AIDS and in which everyone takes action. Several websites have been created with resources that will empower your congregation to take part in the education of HIV/AIDS around the world. To access these resources, visit Global Ministries at: http://www.globalministries.org/worldaidsday.htm and Disciples Home Mission: http://www.discipleshomemissions.org/AIDSministry/index.htm

OHIO REGION CELEBRATES THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION MISSION
The Ohio Region recently celebrated 38 years of witness to the Disciples Racial Justice and Reconciliation Ministry. The Oct. 14 meeting at Karl Road Christian Church in Columbus, Ohio, featured worship and fellowship to give thanks and praise for the legacy, transition and promise of this church wide emphasis. The service concluded with words by Ohio Regional Pastor William Edwards stating that Ohio will continue to dedicate and commit itself to becoming an anti-racist, pro-reconciling church. View the entire program at: http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/ohioreconciliationcelebration.pdf

REGISTER FOR THE BLACK MINISTER’S RETREAT
Are you looking for opportunities to get together with fellow Disciples? Well the Black Minister’s Retreat is the perfect opportunity for pastors and members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to come together to worship, renew old friendships, relax, and be refreshed. The retreat will be held April 3-6, 2006, at Abundant Life Christian Church in Los Angeles, Calif., where John E. Tunstall IV is senior pastor. The theme is “Living Our Lord’s Compassion Daily” based on Matthew 25: 31-41. The registration fee is $125 (U.S.) per person but if you register by Jan. 31 the fee is reduced to $100. The cost for retired ministers and seminarians is $65. Registrations must be received by March 20. For more detailed information, contact Karen Jones, kjones@dhm.disciples.org

DISCIPLES CONGREGATION RECEIVES AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
First Christian Church (FCC) in Charlotte, N.C., received an Award of Appreciation as Outstanding Faith Organization from Residential Support Services (RSS) for its contributions to RSS. RSS is a Charlotte-based nonprofit that serves individuals with developmental disabilities in a variety of settings. They encourage individuals to explore and participate in all aspects of community life based on their choices and preferences. FCC’s Women’s Fellowship sponsored an RSS family last Christmas and members of FCC have attended meetings and participated in group sessions. FCC has also served as a meeting place for several RSS training activities and gatherings. For more information on RSS visit: http://www.rssi.cncoffice.com/

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DNS Writer: Kenethia Jackson

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

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