Disciples News Brief
November 19, 2004
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills, Editor
E-mail: news@cm.disciples.org

NBA ANNOUNCES WINNING BID FOR 11 SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES
ST. LOUIS, (Nov. 19, 2004) -- Pursuant to a sale process approved by Judge Ronald B. King of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas in San Antonio (the "Court"), the Board of Trustees of The National Benevolent Association ("NBA") has determined that Fortress NBA Acquisition, LLC ("Fortress") is the winning bidder for all 11 of NBA's senior living facilities. For additional information on the sale process go to: http://www.nbacares.org/

To read a response from Wm. Chris Hobgood, General Minister and President and Charisse Gillett, Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) go to: http://www.disciples.org/nba/response1119.htm

INCLUDE THE DISCIPLES MISSION FUND IN YOUR 2005 BUDGET
The Church Finance Council asks that churches prayerfully consider increasing contributions to the Disciples Mission Fund in 2005.

Annual giving to support the Disciples whole church mission in 2004 lags behind giving last year, reports Church Finance Council President Lois Artis, who also gives some suggestions on ways Disciples can reserve the trend in giving. To read the full article, go to: http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2004/0447.htm

NEW DEAN NAMED AT BRITE DIVINITY SCHOOL
Nancy Jean Ramsay, professor of pastoral theology at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., has been named the executive vice president and dean of Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, Ft. Worth, Texas, by the Brite Board of Trustees, effective June 15, 2005.

Ramsay is a recognized leader in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in the academic fields of pastoral theology, pastoral counseling, and marriage and family therapy. She also is a leader in cultivating and nurturing racially inclusive classrooms.

Brite Divinity School, located on the TCU campus, is one of four seminaries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). To read more about Ramsey’s appointment, go to http://www.brite.tcu.edu/news/ramsay/ramsay_release.htm

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR CHOSEN FOR CBP
Trent C. Butler has been named vice-president and editorial director for the Christian Board of Publication. Butler will direct the development of books, seminary textbooks, curriculum and congregational resources published under the Chalice Press and other imprints for people in congregational and academic communities within and beyond the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Butler succeeds Jane McAvoy as Editorial Director, following her untimely death last June. Prior to joining CBP, Butler served as editorial director for the Bible, academic, and reference book division of Broadman and Holman Publishers For more information on Butler’s appointment, go to http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2004/0444.htm

CBP is a general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

NEW CHURCH MINISTRY HOSTS FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN SUMMIT
The first-ever African-American Summit for New Church Ministry was met with a spirit of hope and excitement, as 62 participants met for three days in Cleveland, Ohio on Oct. 28-30, to explore ways to increase the number of African-American Disciples congregations. While Disciples have started 274 new churches in just four years - a record number - the number of new African-American churches has been disproportionately low - just 34 of those 274. For more information, visit http://www.newchurchministry.org/news/newsletter.asp .

CELEBRATE PEACE SUNDAY IS DECEMBER 5
"Creating Peace for all the Earth" is the theme for the 2004 Peace Sunday celebration. The Peace Sunday packet is available online at
http://www.discipleshomemissions.org/PublicWitness/PeaceSunday/index.asp .
Highlights from this year's packet include two songs by the Rev. David L. Edwards, and activities for children and families.

If you are unable to access the PDF files from the Internet, please call Disciples Home Missions (DHM), (888) 346-2631 to request a printed copy of the packet. A $4 donation is requested to help cover costs of production and shipping.

A general unit of the church, DHM is committed to equipping Disciples for Christ and connecting people to the life changing love of God.

DISCIPLES PASTOR WHO DEVOTED HIS LIFE TO JUSTICE DIES
The Rev. Frank C. Mabee, minister emeritus of Midway Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Dallas, Texas, died Sunday at his Dallas home. A memorial service was held on Wednesday at the church. Mabee, 79, received several awards for his on-going efforts to promote justice for all people. While pastor at Midway Hills from 1968 to 1981, he focused his ministry on social issues, including the integration of Dallas schools. He also sought human rights for immigrants in Mexico, and for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. He was a former longtime volunteer staff member for a Dallas nonprofit agency that provided legal help for refugees and immigrants, and made human-rights visits to Korea, Japan, England, Scotland, Italy and Costa Rica.

He received the “Blessed are the Peacemakers” award, given on behalf of the US Decade to Overcome Violence, on November 1. The award was given for his active role in the Disciples Peace Fellowship of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for over 30 years. He also received the Peacemaker of the Year award from the Dallas Peace Center in 1999.

NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR PRESIDENT OF THE
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Disciples of Christ Historical Society (DCHS) seeks a person to serve as President of the organization. The President will be the chief executive officer for the DCHS and collaborate with all manifestations of the church general, regional, and congregational. The DCHS seeks a diverse pool of applicants for this position and encourages minorities and women to apply. For further information, and specifics on how to apply go to,
http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2004/0445.htm

TWO WEST VIRGINIA CHURCHES MARK HISTORIC REJOINING
It took nearly 87 years, but two congregations in Charleston, W. Va., have decided to rejoin their congregations. Boyd Christian Church and First Christian Church split in 1917 to make it easier for people to travel to church services. But on Nov. 7, the two churches voted to merge and become United Disciples of Christ Church. Leaders of the newly combined church believe the merger will help the church not only survive, but thrive. To read the entire story, go to http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2004/0446.htm

FORMER MISSIONARY TO INDIA PASSES AWAY
Former missionary Ruth May Harnar, died on November 10 in Indianapolis. Harnar had been a missionary to India for 40 years where she pioneered health education models that are still being followed today. She was born in 1919 to missionaries serving in India. She received her earliest education in India and then attended schools in the U.S. where she earned her R.N., B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. Her dissertation was on the contribution church-related schools of nursing have made to nursing education in India.

A memorial service is tentatively planned for January 8, 2005, 3:00 p.m. at University Park Christian Church, 4550 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis. Harnar is survived by her brother, Richard. Cards of sympathy may be sent to Richard Harnar, 6414 Chaplewood Court, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

FORMER EDITOR OF CHALICE HYMNAL PASSES AWAY
A memorial celebration of life is planned for Rev. Daniel B. Merrick on Monday, Nov. 15 at 7 pm at Raymore Christian Church, Peace Drive & Highway 58, Raymore, MO. A reception will follow at 8:00 p.m. also at Raymore.

Rev. Merrick, a retired Disciples minister and the editor of the Chalice Hymnal, passed away on Nov. 11. He served pastorates at Glen Oak Christian Church in Peoria, Ill. and United Church in Milwaukee, Wis., as well as military chaplaincy. His son, David, is pastor at First Christian Church of Olathe, Kan. Cards and expressions of sympathy can be sent to PO Box 680, Raymore, MO 64083.

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