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126th Weekly Edition 2009 GRR CURRENTS |
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JOYS and PRAYER CONCERNS |
Rev. Amy Collier Artman of Harrison, Arkansas was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by the University of Chicago. Congratulations Amy! Rev. John Kirby was installed as Pastor of Westside CC in New Orleans, LA. Congratulations John! Rev. Rufus Edwards was installed as Pastor of Christian Chapel in Port Gibson, MS. Congratulations Rufus! Rev. Dr. Bill Norton will retire December 20, 2009 as Pastor of FCC Pineville after serving the congregation for 22 years. Congratulations, Bill! For Vivian Bryant: We are so blessed to have had such a sweet and wonderful woman of God working with us in the region since 2004. Vivian has been working part time with us since May as executive director of Disciples Women and liaison for MCMC. That position can no longer be funded past 12/31/2009. Vivian would prefer a “Card Shower” to an attempt to gather people for a farewell party, so consider this your opportunity to shower her with your love and appreciation! Cards or any tokens of appreciation can be sent to Vivian at: 5391 Cottonwood Road, Memphis, TN 38115 or to the region at P.O. Box 192058, Little Rock, AR 72219. Congregations across the region are free to contact her between now and the end of the year at 501-944-2163 if you want to do something special on your own. Thanks so much! Disciples Women cabinet member Virginia, and Tom Covington, members of FCC Jonesboro, AR house burned to the ground. They were home when the fire started in the chimney and the firemen told them that if they had been asleep at the time, they could not have made it out. They were not injured and are both doing fine and that is a blessing. They lost almost everything and there are some things that are water damaged. They are staying with Alan and Michele Lawson for now. Tom and Virginia have been building a Spec House and it is almost complete and then they can move in there. Her address is Box 7025, Jonesboro, AR 72403. 870-897-6722 cell. From Rev. Barbara Jones: This is our last CURRENTS of the year, and I want to take a moment and let each one of you know how important your ministry is. Your dedication, your caring presence in the time of need, your word from the pulpit, your guidance of the church through meetings, your attitude through struggles are just some of the ways pastors and church leaders give of themselves for the sake of the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Laura Cook, the daughter of Miles and Trela Cook, came to our class Sunday School party Sunday. What a testimony to the strength and resiliency of the power of prayer within the Body of Christ. She was frail and struggled to find words to match what she wanted to say, but she was alive and knew who everyone was and loved being a part of the gathering. Her illness has changed the Cook's daily patterns of living, but has deepened their knowledge of God's power and presence in and through the Body of Christ. You have a story of your own, just as I do. This Advent season, what is it in you that is struggling to be said? What is it that God wants to do in and through you that you've resisted? What changes do you need to make in your family life to embrace what God is doing in and through you? For the last couple of weeks, The Preacher's Wife (a remake of the Bishop's Wife), has been running on Turner Movie Network, or one of the cable channels. Sit down with your family and watch it again. All the way through. Yes, it's 15 years old. But it's timeless, and I think it will be worth the two hours together with your family... I pray for you and will continue to pray for you. If you need to hear the words, call me and I'll pray with you... anytime you need it. Allow God's blessing to reach you this year! ~Barb~ |
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NEWS and EVENTS |
Disciples Mission Fund. The deadline for 2009 giving is January 8, 2010. If you want you contribution to count towards 2009, please submit your remittance before the deadline. Disciples World. The award-winning journal of news, opinion, and mission for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will cease publication after almost eight years. Click here to see the full press release. Disciples World website, www.disciplesworld.com. Foundation Course for Ministry. Next Series Begins Mid-January, 2010. 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. Part of the uniqueness of this Course is that it can be take from wherever you have a highspeed interenet connection. The Course takes place over 13 weeks and is a combination of weekly online webinars (1¼ hours each topic) and two Saturday events. Topics covered include the Bible Introduction, New Testament Introduction, Old Testament Introduction, Spiritual Disciplines, Connecting People to God, Ethics, Administration, Conflict, Worship, Stewardship, Group Dynamics, Counseling, Communication Skills, Introduction to Theology, Preaching/Teaching, Learning Methods, Church History, Disciples of Christ Basics, 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 by Rev. Stephen Wallace and Dr. Julie Wallace (licensed psychologist). Cost for the complete course is $395. To sign up or find out more email Rev. Stephen Wallace at swallacegs@aol.com or call (501) 217-9129. Some Scholarship funds may be available for those qualifying. Wallace SC&W, www.wallaceresources.us. Covenant Christian Church, Byram, MS. Position available for Youth Pastor. To apply, please mail your resume and a letter of interest to: Covenant Christian Church (DOC), P.O. Box 720357, Byram, MS 39272 Accepting resumes until December 31, 2009 Contact: John Holifield, Minister 601-573-8030 or 601-760-6104 or 601 924-5095 Or Monica Fountain, Parent Volunteer 601-885-6876 or 601-573-8003 Click here to see full ad and details. Disciples Women. As we continue to work on our Quadrennial Assembly service project to bring an end to human trafficking, I wanted to bring to your attention this new film, co-produced by George Clooney, that deals with the sexual exploitation of children. Called “Playground,” we have written to the publicist of the film to see if there is a possibility of having a showing at the theaters across from the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro during QA next year. Meanwhile, please help publicize this new film so if there is a showing in your area women might be encouraged to attend. Adonna Boman. http://www.nestfoundation.org/film/. Click here to see the latest issue of ‘VOICES’ newsletter and ‘Umaja’ newsletter. Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, Inc. The mission statement of SCSCY is: ‘In response to the love of Christ, Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth serves and equips vulnerable children and youth, assisting them in the process of becoming self sufficient and contributing members of society.’ Chris made his way to the P.A.L.S. program for homeless teens operated by SCSCY in Mississippi. We celebrate with Chris his accomplishments and his commitment to serve his country. Click here to read his full article. Sue Cherney, 860 East River Place, Ste 104, Jackson, MS 39202, 601-354-0983. Martha Grace Reese, author of the highly acclaimed Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism, will direct research to discover, evaluate, and work with the dynamic of congregational transformation through faith development and faith sharing. The Lilly Endowment has awarded a major new four-year grant to support this second phase of the Mainline Evangelism Project, which will be called the Unbinding the Gospel Project. The purposes of the Unbinding the Gospel Project phase are: "The most important point of the Unbinding the Gospel Project will be to help churches and their leaders slow down and pray. We believe with all our hearts that if we will ask Jesus to use us, and if we follow humbly and simply, that Spirit can use us to reach tens of thousands of people who do not have a conscious relationship with Christ, or who are not part of a loving faith community. Congregations interested in being a part of the study may contact Reese at www.GraceNet.info. 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. ·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. FCC Slidell, LA is building a Community Center on their site in March 2010. The facility will be used as a mission outreach to the community. Disciples Volunteering is sponsoring the Blitz Build. If your church is interested in participating in the build, you can call Brenda Tyler at 317-713-2642 or go to www.disciplehomemissions.org/Volunteer/SpecialProjects/SpringBreak.htm FCC is asking for materials donations form churches, individuals, or companies. Click here to see the list of materials needed. Contact Josh Baird at 985-778-6915 or at joshbaird@hotmail.com if you can donate. Also, for more information, you can call Rev. Susan Lassalle at 985-643-8623. Black Ministers Retreat 2010. The office of Black Ministries is happy and excited to announce that the Black Ministers Retreat of 2010 will be held March 1-4, 2010 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Our host for this event will be Bishop Chester L. Aycock, Presiding Prelate of The Goldsboro-Raleigh District Assembly of The Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ International. This will be a historical moment for the office of Black Ministries, Disciples Home Missions, the Black Ministers Fellowship and National Convocation. In the thirty-five year history of Black Ministers Retreat, this will be the first time that this event has been hosted by one of the Assembly Churches. The Black Ministers Retreat is a national church event and is open to all clergy of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ. Please feel free to pass along the attached information. Karen Jones, Admin Asst, Phone: (317) 713-2672 or toll free (888)346-2631, kjones@dhm.disciples.org, Web site: http://www.discipleshomemissions.org Disciples' Bicentennial History Book and Workshops. There are less than two months left during the Disciples’ Bicentennial Anniversary! We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the publication of The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation, our bicentennial history (2009) authored by D. Duane Cummins. It is the successor to Journey in Faith, written by McAllister & Tucker in 1972. The reviews for Cummins' new volume are highly favorable, strong and solid. cumminsdd@gmail.com, 255 Sears Lane, Swanton, Maryland 21561, 301-387-8088. New Minister of Faith and Giving. A Disciples pastor whose church has demonstrated outstanding stewardship has been called to serve as the new Minister of Faith and Giving. Bruce Barkhauer, senior minister of First Christian Church (DOC) in Jeffersonville, Ind., will assume his new position beginning on Feb. 1. Click here to read full press release. International Affairs Seminar. IAS is a trip for your youth who are high school juniors and seniors. Oklahoma, Southwest and Great River Region youth will have two dates to consider for this trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City on March 13-20, 2010 and March 20-27, 2010. In addition, we are looking for people who have an interest in joining a Friends of IAS group to help support, plan, and lead IAS in the future. This group will consist of IAS alums from all ages. |
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STAFF UPDATES |
From Barbara Jones: I will be in Kansas City with all of my kids, their spouses, both "babies yet to be born", and my parents for the rest of the year. You can always reach me by email: bjones@grrcc.org. It comes to my phone, and that's the best way to be in touch. Blessings! From Rick Hamilton: This Sunday I will be at home in Fayetteville, preparing for Christmas with my family. I wish all of you not only all the joy of the season, but the "ah-hah" moments which make it memorable. Grace and Peace, Rick. Search Committees I am currently supporting: FCC Harrison, AR (Assoc/Youth) FCC Sherwood, AR Please contact me, in confidence, to inquire about any of the above Ministry Opportunities. From Michael Elmore: This Sunday I will be at FCC Pineville to celebrate the retirement of their Pastor of 22 years, Rev. Dr. Bill Norton. Congratulations to Bill for his many years of ministry. Next week I will be in the office closing out the year. May each of have a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! I would encourage you to check out the web page for The Academy of Spiritual Leadership, it is a wonderful program that has been developed over the past 12 years to develop Leadership, lay and clergy, in our churches http://www.la-umc.org/ssl/asl.php Search Committees I am currently supporting: FCC Leesville, LA FCC Lake Charles, LA FCC Gulfport, MS From Vance Moore: Have a safe and Happy Holiday! Search committees I am currently supporting: Highland Drive CC, Jonesboro, AR FCC Newport, AR Westside Mission: We’re booking groups for late spring and summer 2010. Come on down, there’s plenty of work, fellowship and opportunities to serve! WHERE DID YOU SEE GOD TODAY? From Sara Rozzell: Mid-Winter Mission will be January 15-18, 2010 at the Westside Mission Center in New Orleans, LA. Click here to see flyer. 2010 Summer Camp Dates: More youth dates available on the youth page at www.grrcc.org. |