wfn.org | Sweeden called as Kansas regional

[DISCNEWS.parti@ecunet.org (DISCNEWS)]

executive
Date: December 2, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the web: http//www.disciples.org

97b-63

     INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- The Rev. Patsie Sweeden
will begin the new year as regional minister-elect
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in
Kansas. She succeeds the Rev.  Ralph L. Smith.

     Sweeden assumes the new position Jan. 1,
1998. The Kansas native previously served as
deputy regional minister and staffed the northeast
district there. The Kansas region has 41,000
members in 136 congregations.

     She returned to Kansas after serving as
associate regional minister for the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Central Rocky
Mountain Region. Sweeden's background includes a
stint as a volunteer management and organizational
structure consultant. She also has served
congregations in Boulder, Colo., and Liberal,
Kans.

     While in the Central Rocky Mountain Region,
she was program chairperson for the 1987 regional
assembly and chaired the educational ministries
committee. In Kansas she was the regional resource
person for Christian education and chairperson of
the nurture commission. 

     She also worked with the Kansas Edu-care
program co-sponsored with the Central Rocky
Mountain and Nebraska regions. In addition,
Sweeden designed and taught the children's
education section on learning centers at the
University of Nebraska.

     Her activities in Colorado included United
Ministries in Higher Education, the Boulder
Council of Churches and Synagogues, and an Illiff
School of Theology planning committee for the
Denver institution's continuing education program
for clergy and laity. She also helped coordinate
Disciples of Christ/United Church of Christ events
in the metro Denver area.  

     Sweeden's other professional affiliations
include the Association of Volunteer
Administrators, the Association of University
Women and Girl Scouts of America.

     Sweeden has written a monthly column for The
Disciple magazine and study materials for 
Christian Women's Fellowship.  

     The new regional minister earned a master of
divinity degree in 1991 from Illiff School of
Theology and a bachelor of science degree in 1983
from St. Mary of the Plains, Dodge City, Kans. She
has done further study at the University of
Colorado, Boulder, and at Illiff.

     Patsie Sweeden has two grown daughters, Patti
Takata and Nikki Sweeden. 

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