Disciples News Brief
September 24, 2004
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills, Editor
E-mail: news@cm.disciples.org

RECONCILIATION OFFERING IS SEPT. 26 AND OCT. 3
The next two weeks are the designated Sundays for “promoting” the Disciples annual offering for our racial justice and reconciliation ministry. This offering is the primary source of support for our shared ministry for justice and transformation. At least 50 cents of every dollar remains in regions to support local projects and initiatives. Please visit http://www.reconciliationmission.org for additional information and resources, including moments for mission and testimonies to help in the interpretation of how we engage this work and other ways that congregations can be supportive beyond the next two weeks.

You may also visit http://www.reconciliationmission.org to make an on-line donation.

University Christian Church in Hyattsville, Maryland used dollars from a Reconciliation grant to help build a stronger multi-cultural faith community. Read personal stories and thoughts on race relations that emerged from that process at http://www.disciples.org/internal/news/healingracism.htm

CHURCHES CONTINUE THEIR RECOVERY FROM RECENT HURRICANES AND TORNADOES
The hurricanes and tornadoes that have battered Florida and other states have failed to dampen the Christian spirit of Disciples congregations. One example is the outreach of three Disciples congregations to another church which suffered damage from Hurricane Frances.

Numerous people from Faith Christian Church of Hollywood, Fla., Pershing Avenue Christian Church of Orlando and First Christian Church of Tampa recently spent time providing general clean up for First Christian Church of Ft. Pierce by picking up branches, shingles and other debris. The Regional Office of the Christian Church (Disciples in Christ) in Florida helped coordinate efforts through Richie Sanchez, the Disciples Disaster Response Coordinator. The Ft. Pierce provided lunch for the workers. For photos of the clean-up work, go to http://www.disciples.org/dns/releases2004/0433.htm

CANE RIDGE WEST CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH ARTIST’S PRINT
The 20th anniversary of Cane Ridge West, a conference center and campground owned by Montana Disciples, was celebrated earlier this year. Since its opening, thousands of people have worshipped, reunited, studied and grown at the facility located in the mountains east of Lincoln, Mont.

A limited edition art print entitled “Lodge at Cane Ridge West” is now available from the regional office for $65 to commemorate the anniversary. The print was created by Barbara Lancaster, laywoman at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Helena. Unframed prints on canvas are $195. Each is signed and numbered by the artist. Call the regional office at 406-452-7404 to reserve your print.

CHURCHES ANNIVERSARIES MARK MAJOR MILESTONES
The 150th Anniversary of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Ft. Smith, Ark., will represent a joyous occasion for church members. On Saturday, Oct. 16, the church will host a golf tournament, followed by a picnic on the grounds of the church. On Sunday, Oct. 17, the day’s activities include a coffee fellowship at 9 a.m., hymn singing at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. An all church reception and luncheon at noon on Sunday will wrap up the weekend events.

Covington Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) in Covington, Pa., will celebrate a notable milestone on Oct. 3 - its 175th church anniversary.

INTERFAITH CENTER TO OPEN AT CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place for the Merle and Marjorie Fish Interfaith Center at Chapman University in Orange, Calif. on Oct. 16. The building has been named, thanks to a gift from Merle J. Fish who gave the gift in memory of his late wife.

The center will house offices for a dean of the chapel, church relations, student groups representing nine different religious and ethnic traditions, fellowship activities, guest speakers and special events. The 18,300 square foot center eventually will be open to the public, both to tour and to use for events. The existing chapel is located two blocks away from the center of campus.

Merle Fish, like his father and brother Joe, was a minister within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He was a member of Chapman’s class of 1940. For more information about the center or the ribbon-cutting event, call the dean of the chapel at 714-628-7260. Chapman is a secular institution, that remains rooted to its founding denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

DRIVE-IN CHRISTIAN CHURCH ATTRACTS NATIONAL INTEREST
It’s not everyday that a Disciples church gets included in a major magazine. But Newsweek Magazine readers may have spotted mention of Daytona Beach Drive-In Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on page 56B in the Sept. 20 issue of the publication. The church was mentioned as one of the nation’s lesser-known treasures. The Florida church, based in Daytona Beach, is located on the property of a former drive-in movie theater. Instead of sitting in pews, church members sit in their cars. Communion is passed out through former ticket booths, and deacons in golf carts collect the offering. Members and visitors listen to the church service from the comfort of their cars by tuning in on their FM radio.

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For more information on the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) visit http://www.disciples.org

*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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