August 14^th, 2009

              112^th    Weekly Edition                                     2009  GRR CURRENTS

JOYS and PRAYER CONCERNS

·         Congratulations River of Grace CC on your baptisms in the river!  What a wonderful celebration of their faith.  Rev. Holly Patton, Pastor.

·         Congratulations Rev. Ann Pickett-Parker, New Generation CC, Moss Point, MS was ordained with Rev. Vivian Bryant and Rev. Vance Moore participating. Also Ann was recognized at the National General Assembly.

·         Congratulations Rev. Jeff Murphy, Jackson, MS.  Association of Professional Chaplains has accepted Jeff’s workshop, "Body Image and Spirituality Following a Medical Crisis" to be presented at their 2010 National Conference.  The conference will be in Schaumburg, IL in April.

NEWS and

EVENTS

Another General Assembly of the Christian Church has concluded and we have all returned to our home communities and congregations.  For an overview of the assembly, you can get overviews and commentaries at two primary locations:

http://www.disciples.org/GeneralAssembly/tabid/59/Default.aspx  and

http://www.disciplesworld.com/index.html.

There is a nice article on the Disciples World site about our own Ann Pickett-Parker who was honored by the National Convocation of the Christian Church for her contribution to Christian education in the African American community. Both sites cover the long and painful debate over “A Call to Action”, the resolution (0925) I asked for your prayers.  It was not approved.  However, those in opposition agreed that the principles of what we were trying to do are principles they agree with, it just needs more work.  Those principles include education prior to the business session with opportunities to hear from diverse voices on issues of ethical, moral and justice issues.  We certainly heard from many voices.  I’m glad I did my part in getting what I heard from each of you into the document and onto the assembly floor, and that all seemed to affirm those principles.  With that, I will step back and let go and let the new leadership take it where it needs to go.

The other major issue that passed with very little debate was the new policies and criteria for the order of ministry which now opens the door for an alternate track to ordination to be recognized denomination wide – not just in our region!  There has been much debate and division over this issue for the last 10 years, and now was the time for it to be approved!

It was good to see so many Great River Region folks at General Assembly.  As I told the Park Hill delegation “now you get to see the other part of my job description – Barb at work in the General church”!  Rick, Vivian and Vance kept the Hospitality Suite going.  Next assembly:  Nashville!

Disciples Men Mini-Retreat in Slidell, LA.  To be held in Slidell, LA on Saturday 15AUG2009.  Michael Elmore of the GRR is excited about this opportunity for the men to rejoice together, learn together, fellowship together and become stronger together.  The Rev Michael Karunas has agreed to lead us in this time together.  Hopefully, an event like this can reoccur in the future in a rotational basis.
   In the effort to keep this simple, congregations are asked to bring a crock pot of chili to enter for judging and lunch.  Slidell DM will furnish drinks, cornbread, fresh fruit and light dessert.  We will
start at 9:00 in men's spirituality until lunch, then about an hour of spirituality closeout and a short update from the GRR Men representatives finishing up ~1:00PM.
   Please promote this among your men to attend.  I believe this event is timely and a natural response to the call of Christian need and action.  God bless you.  IJN, Herve Lara, DM Chair, Slidell DOC

First Christian Meridian, MS.  Mission Video of where we will be in Venezuela Aug 22-29 ROW Mission.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7O-YburrO4&feature=channel_page 
This is last year's video of the Venezuela Mission Trip to the Warao Indians.

We are flying into Caracas and then driving all day to the river.  Two hour boat ride to our lodge on the river.

Leader: Ben Mathes, Rivers of the World Founder  www.ROW.org.  Sharing the gospel via solar powered DVD players of The Jesus Film in Warao Indian language.  Medical trip too!

     Please pray for our team of 12.  Thank you.  Tom "Parson" Sikes, TRSikes@aol.com

Union Avenue Christian Church:  DOES YOUR CONGREGATION HAVE STUDENT(S) COMING TO ST. LOUIS?  Union Avenue Christian Church, located in the heart of the St. Louis area, would like to be a church home away from home for students at Washington University, Saint Louis University, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, UM St. Louis, etc.  All visitors, including Cardinals, Rams and Blues fans, are welcome.  If you know of someone coming to St. Louis, please help us to reach out to them.   Send contact information to Suzanne Webb, Senior Pastor at: swebb@union-avenue.org or call 314 361 8844.

The entire Foundation for Ministry Course is a 14-week survey of 24 topics that are frequently encountered in ministry.  The format will include an opening one-day workshop, 12 teleconference sessions, a closing one-day workshop and an ongoing online conversation blog on www.wallaceresources.us.  The teleconferences will each last 1.25 hours.

Next Session Begins September 12

The Foundations Course for Ministry looks at 24 areas of ministry giving helpful perspectives and practical tools.  It is intended for licensed ministers, church staff members, and those discerning a call into the ministry.  The Course takes place over 13 weeks and is a combination of 12 weekly webinars (1¼ hours each) and two Saturday gatherings.  Topics covered include the Bible, Spiritual Disciplines, Connecting People to God, Ethics, Administration, Conflict, Worship, Stewardship, Group Dynamics, Counseling, Communication Skills, Theology, Preaching/Teaching, Learning Methods, Church History, Disciples of Christ, Pastoral Care, Goal Setting/Evaluating, Relationships, Wedding/Funeral & Special Services.

  Some of the comments from participants are:

       “These classes have been very helpful to me. I would recommend anyone considering the ministry to participate.”                                       Pam Decker, FCC, Newport, AR

        “These classes are really very well taught and explained. I feel that I have learned a lot from them and am sure that anyone who takes these classes will have a much broader outlook on everything from Spiritual Discipline to the Bible. I am very happy to say I personally have learned a whole lot more than I expected in such a short time.”           Marilou Coins, FCC, Sherwood, AR

        “I think the variety of topics that are covered are very good. I like the pace that you go over the material. It never drags and the information is very good. I’ve learned a lot “

                                                                         Karen Allen, FCC, Guthrie, OK

The Foundations Course is taught for Rev. Stephen Wallace and Dr. Julie Wallace (licensed psychologist). Cost for the entire course is $395.  To sign up or find out more email Rev. Stephen Wallace at swallacegs@aol.com or call (501) 217-9129.

New Beginnings.  "Come and See" what New Beginnings is all about!  Matt Rosine from Church Extension will be in Little Rock, AR on the 11th of September and Jackson, MS on the 12th to introduce what the "New Beginnings" project could do for your congregation.  It's a two hour event (time and location TBA) and ALL congregations are encouraged to send their pastor or a leader to attend.  Rick Hamilton will be in Little Rock and Michael Elmore will be in Jackson.  Mark your calendars now and watch for details soon!

New Generation Christian Church.  2811 Martin Street, Pascagoula, MS 39561

Pastors, I need your assistance in our search for transportation for the church.  We are in need of a van or small bus to enhance our community ministry.  I am asking for you to reach out to the churches in the region and inquire as to whether they have a van or bus for sale or donation.  Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.  Also, the new sanctuary is wonderful.  The church is excited about its new location in Pascagoula and we are also as excited about reaching out into the highly diverse community in which we are located.  We are looking forward to all the things that the Lord has in store for us.  We are also planning to have a dedication service in the near future as soon as it is not so hectic with regard to scheduling. Thank you once again and God bless each of you.  Yours In Christ, Rev. James "Jay" Green.  www.newgenerationchristianchurch.com.

Healthcare Reform.  Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

You are no doubt aware of the debate on health care reform currently taking place in the United States. I recently attended a conference on health care, organized by and for religious leaders to help us understand the current discussion. We heard from health care policy experts, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Mark McClellan (who served in the Bush administration) and other political leaders. They assured us that health care reform can happen this year. But we, the faith community, must act to make it happen.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration and action.  In Christ, Sharon E. Watkins,

General Minister and President.  Click here to read full article.

Disciples News Service.  Click here to see full issue.

• General Minister And President Calls For Disciples' Involvement In Health Care Reform
• Week Of Compassion Announces New Associate Director
• Moderator Newell Williams To Present Historical Reflections At Assembly
• Traveling Communion Table To Grace Chapel At General Assembly
• General Assembly Food Drive Will Help Combat Hunger
• Polish Youth To Visit U.S. Churches, General Assembly
• Historical Society Launches New Online Card Catalogue
• Colorful Bumper Sticker Touts Disciples Statement Of Identity
• Disciples Home Missions Awards Black Leadership Project Grants
• Disciples Benevolent Services Renews Partnership With Youth-Service Organization
• Disciple Among Faith Leaders Talking Health Care Reform At White House; Health Care Reform Rally To Be Held At Assembly
• Ecumenical Meeting Strives For More Collaboration And Unity
• Lynchburg College Professors Training Educators In St. Lucia
• Northwest Christian University Bolsters Support For Adult And Online Studies

ONLINE Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Courses.  The Missouri School of Religion has four online Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Courses offered this year.  You now have the option of registering for a course online with a credit card.  Just click on the Register Online button.  Please remember that if you order text through Amazon, to use the link on the Missouri School of Religion website, they donate 4% of your sale to us, with no charge to you.  For more information, feel free to contact me.  Krystal Jacobs, Office Administrator, Missouri School of Religion, Center for Rural Ministry, P.O. Box 104685, Jefferson City, MO 65110-4685, Phone:  573-635-1187, Fax:  573-636-2889, Email:  krystalmsr@earthlink.net;  New web:  www.missourischoolofreligion.org

Disciples Institute.

1.        Churches Don’t Have Financial Problems; Churches Have Spiritual Problems! Rick Hamilton, GRR Regional Pastor, and Disciples Institute are presenting a stewardship workshop at Real Faith Christian Church in Clarksdale, MS on Saturday, August 29^th.  Come to learn:

a.   The different reasons people give to the church and how to honor these motivations in stewardship campaigns and stewardship moments.

b.   How to effectively structure a stewardship campaign

c.   How to craft stewardship moments each week in worship to educate your members about abundant living and faithful use of God’s resources.

Please contact Deitra Blackwell at disciplesinstitute@grrcc.org for a brochure and further information.

2.       We are organizing a new Education for Ministry year and want to include you in this life-changing program! It is a four-year program that focuses on the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Disciple History.  We will meet by telephone and/or computer each week for 34 Lessons.  We will have a group that meets in the daytime and one that meets in the evening.  Contact Deitra Blackwell at disciplesinstitute@grrcc.org for more information.

STAFF UPDATES

Cool Resource.  In my research for our upcoming board meeting for Westside Mission, I found the following resource and thought some of you might be interested: http://www.www.independentsector.org/programs/research/ReligiousCong.pdf
It's a study of congregations of all faiths and their service to the community.  What caught my eye was where we pick up people that fall through governmental cracks. Barb

From Barbara Jones:  First Christian Church in Little Rock has called Rev. Kevin Robbins as their new pastor and his installation will be the first Sunday in October!

From Rick Hamilton:  I will be in Fayetteville for the ministry celebration honoring Lara Blackwood-Pickrel.  Lara has accepted a call to serve Hillside Christian Church in Kansas City.

Search Committees I am currently supporting:

Disciples Christian Fellowship, Texarkana, AR

FCC Harrison, AR (Assoc/Youth)

FCC Russellville, AR

FCC Sherwood, AR

Central CC Shreveport, LA

Please contact me, in confidence, to inquire about any of the above Ministry Opportunities

From Vivian Bryant:  The July issue of the ‘ENCOURAGER’ is out.  Mississippi has the feature article this issue.

Registration is now open for the DW MS Retreat to be held at the Duncan Gray Conference Center in Canton, MS.

From Michael Elmore:   On Study Leave thru August.

Search Committees I am currently supporting:

FCC Leesville, LA 

FCC Vicksburg, MS

FCC Lake Charles, LA

Broadmoor CC, Shreveport, LA

FCC Baton Rouge, Associate Minister

From Vance Moore:  This past Sunday I preached at Christian Chapel Christian Church in Port Gibson. Thanks to Interim Pastor Rufus Edwards and all the CCC folks for their hospitality and making my time there a blessing.

Search Committees I am currently supporting:

     Bethel Christian Church—Coila, MS

     Highland Drive Christian Church—Jonesboro, AR

MCMC:  The Pre Assembly workshop at the recent MCMC convention was held by Rev. Russell Myers of UCC Disciples of Christ Church in Jackson, MS.  Rev. Myers conducted his Spiritual Gifts workshop.  Well prepared, lively, interesting and informative, the workshop was enjoyed by all.  Thanks Russell, great job!

Westside Mission:  This week we’ll have a group from Memorial Christian Church in Ann Arbor, MI.  Talked with JoElla Coles from MCC; they’re excited and looking forward to some “southern hospitality”, lots of good mission work and fellowship.  We are looking forward to experiencing God together!  Oh, by the way   WHERE DID YOU SEE GOD TODAY?

From Sara Rozzell:  Summer Celebration is August 14-16 at King's Highway CC in Shreveport. Hope to see you all there!

For more information check out the youth page of the website on www.grrcc.org.