113^th    Weekly Edition                                     2009  GRR CURRENTS

JOYS and PRAYER CONCERNS

           . . . .the storm came, the lightning struck, the fire came.  Not too long ago that was the story at First Christian Church in Trumann, AR.  Fire destroyed the sanctuary building and smoke damage damaged the rest of the structure.  A beautiful story of God’s love is emerging from the ashes of what could have been the end of Disciples church life in Trumann.  Sleeves rolled up, prayers uttered and a group of dedicated Christians led by Pastor Leonard went to work.  The sanctuary has been “gutted” and work is ready to begin rebuilding.  Hopes are to rebuild the sanctuary, tear down the “add-on” building and construct a 50X100 multi-purpose building just to the rear of the sanctuary.  The church is meeting in the old Singer Sewing machine factory headquarters.  FCC is not waiting on buildings to be rebuilt.  There’s a new spirit in Trumann. Attendance is up 25% since the fire and stewardship’s up too. Determination abounds here. It’s a real blessing to see God’s people doing God’s work.  And there’s an opportunity for YOU to help. Funds from insurance and church savings are available to rebuild the sanctuary and hopefully construct the exterior of the new building.  When the new building goes up they’ll need sheetrock hung and finished, trim installed, painting, etc.  Remember hearing about the old days when churches came together and helped in times like these.  God’s doing a mighty thing in Trumann. We’re looking for volunteers to help out.  If you’re experienced or just having a willing spirit and want to be a part of this “God Thang”(J), call Bro. Vance (504-715-1465), email BroVance@grrcc.org , call Pastor Leonard Harp (870-243-4391) email harp07@centurytel.net or just call the Regional office (501-562-6053).

Prayers.  On Sunday, July 26th, Mrs. Yvonne Bridges (Youth Sponsor of MCMC), her daughter, Yvette (former Youth President of MCMC), and her granddaughter, Madison, were in a terrible auto accident on their way home from church.  Yvette and Madison were fine after the accident, but Mrs. Bridges was hurt and stayed in the Elvis Trauma Center in Memphis for three weeks.  Thankful, she is at home now recovering. Please continue to pray for her speedy recovery.   Also, pray for her daughter Yvette, as she enter her first year in college this fall at Delta State University.  Blessings, Elder Patricia Parker.

The Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries and Disciples Home Missions announce the passing of Marilyn G. Digweed on Sat, Aug 22, 2009.  Marilyn served the church through the Division of Homeland Ministries (now known as Disciples Home Missions) from January 1, 1975, until her retirement on Dec 31, 1985.  Her duties included:  Corporate Secretary, Dir of Editorial Services, Assoc Editor of the program journal, Vanguard, as well as editing the Annual Planning Guide and Calendar and the Church Program Guidance Manuals.  Memorial services will be held at Downey Avenue CC on Sat. Sept 5, at 2pm.  Memorial contributions may be made to:  Bread for the World, 50 “F” Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20001. Condolences may be sent to:  Mrs. Edna Volman, 17556 Woodbrook Lane, Lockport, Illinois 60441 and to Mrs. June Coy, 2109 Thistlewood Drive, Columbus Ohio 43235.

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 or 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.  A Truly Blessed Day for DM in SE sector of GRR.  FCC Slidell hosted a Disciples Men Min-Retreat on 15 Aug2009.  29 Men from five churches: Moss Point, MS, Slidell, Greater New Orleans, Hammond and Baton Rouge, LA attended.  The Rev Michael Karunas delivered an outstanding interactive presentation: "Lessons learned from a Perfect Game."  (Using Mark Buehrle's perfect game for the Chicago White Sox last July as a basis, what lessons about faith and our relationship with Christ can we learn from it?). The feeling of greater fellowship and spiritual discourse was pervasive in our short time together.  There is no doubt that the Lord was in our midst.  Skip Mullen of Slidell won the judged chili cook-off and all enjoyed a great luncheon of man-food (cannot attest to how welcome they were in their homes later that night). The event was closed in joyful noise, Communion and Benediction.  Herve Lara, Special Boat Team 22, Deputy C4I Officer, 228-813-4000 x13601.

First Christian Church Fayetteville, Arkansas is seeking applications for a part time Youth Minister position.  For ministry description and further inquiries, please contact Sara Hamilton, Search Committee chair, at (479) 586-1814 (cell) or shamilton@kraft.com.

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 CC, 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.

Foundation for Ministry Course.  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.

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.

Cool Resource.  In my research for our board meetings, 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.

Available Now from Chalice Press: A Travel Guide to Christian Faith (by Dawn Weaks) has three components. The Before You Go booklet gives first-time seekers an easy-to-understand synopsis of the Christian faith. If they wish to learn more, the Traveler's Edition serves as a student workbook, while the Tour Leader is for the instructor.
This group package offers a 25% discount off the regular full price, and includes:

            ·one (1) copy of the Tour Leader

            ·ten (10) copies of the Traveler's Edition

            ·ten (10) copies of the Before You Go

To order, call 1-800-366-3383 or click here:  A Travel Guide to Christian Faith Group Package.

Cyrus N. White, President and Publisher, CBP/Chalice Press/Lucas Park Books

Disciples Benevolent Services.  Employment opportunity that is currently available with Disciples Benevolent Services.  Advertisement and job description for the position are attached.  We have begun the nation-wide search this week. If you have any questions about the position, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I can be reached at cgraber@nbacares.org.  Sincerely, Cheryl A. Graber, Director of HR Services.

Religious Worker Visas - new rules for employers.  Attached are new rules for employers of religious workers who are here in the United States on R-1 visas.  Rev. Jennifer Riggs, Director

Refugee and Immigration Ministries, jriggs@dhm.disciples.org, (888)346-2631 toll free or

http://www.discipleshomemissions.org/rim.

STAFF UPDATES

From Barbara Jones:  Attending the Regional Commission on Ministry meeting in Clarksdale, MS. and Sunday I'll worship with First Christian Church in Baton Rouge, LA.  I've been working with Leesville and Gulfport during the last few weeks as their search for ministerial leadership intensifies, and September is lining up with several activities all of a sudden! 

From Rick Hamilton:  Last weekend I preached both services at First Christian Sherwood, AR.  This weekend I will be teaching a Stewardship workshop at Real Faith Christian Church in Clarksdale, MS. Preaching Sunday at First Christian Church in Maumelle, AR; and attending the Arkansas State Fellowship of the National Convocation in Russellville.

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

FCC Fayetteville (Youth)

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

From Vivian Bryant:  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:  The past Tuesday I was in Benton, AR to help celebrate the life of Opal Morgan. Opal went to our eternal home after 86 years here on this earth. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

     On Sunday past I was in Newport, AR and celebrated with them their 120^th birthday.  Pastor Pam Decker and all the folks at FCC Newport did a fantastic job of making the event a day of celebration, worship, fun and fellowship. Thanks for inviting me to be a part of your special day.

     At FCC Blytheville, AR I had a wonderful visit with Pastor Tommy Carney on Saturday. He shared plans on the new Fellowship/multi-purpose building FCC is going to build. I also saw plans for one of the most innovative ideas I believe I’ve ever seen. In the rear of the church, two properties have been purchased and will be converted into a Prayer Garden. This garden, which will be available for the entire community to use, is large enough to accommodate most any outside event you could imagine; Parties, weddings, outings, etc. Talk about raising awareness of a Disciples presence in their community!!!

     I spent several days in our Regional Office catching up on projects. Wendy and Tina are unsung heroes. They’re almost always “behind the scenes” but believe me without them so much of what we do would be . . . . . just about impossible.

      I’ll be attending the Regional Commission on Ministry in Clarksdale, MS on Thursday and Friday, then Rick Hamilton’s workshop on Stewardship on Saturday.

     Then I’ll preach at FCC, West Memphis before returning home on Monday.

Search Committees I am currently supporting:

     Highland Drive Christian Church—Jonesboro, AR

Westside Mission:  Memorial Christian Church in Ann Arbor, MI came to Westside this week. Small in numbers but mighty in impact.  They worked hard installing the subfloors in the transition house.  Thanks to our volunteers for a job well done!  Oh, by the way, WHERE DID YOU SEE GOD TODAY?

From Sara Rozzell:  Check out the youth page of the website on www.grrcc.org.