wfn.org | Disciples News Brief February 5, 2004

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Disciples News Brief February 5, 2004
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Amy Shockley
317-713-2495
ashockley@cm.disciples.org
www.disciples.org

WEEK OF COMPASSION OFFERING TO BE RECEIVED
Did you know that in a typical year, Week of Compassion responds to a 
disaster about once every two days? On behalf of Disciples in North 
America, WOC reaches out to people throughout the world to provide 
emergency assistance and rehabilitation services in the wake of human and 
natural catastrophes. With the help of ecumenical partnerships, WOC brings 
hope and hospitality to people in the name of Christ. A special WOC 
offering will be received Feb. 22 and 29. To read a letter on the 
importance of this offering from Disciples General Minister and President, 
the Rev. Chris Hobgood, go to: 
http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2004/0406.htm.

You may also learn more about Week of Compassion from the WOC website at: 
http://www.weekofcompassion.org/

NATIONAL BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION TO EXPEDITE ENTRANCE FEE REFUNDS TO 
RESIDENTS AT NBA CYPRESS VILLAGE
ST. LOUIS -- On February 3, officials with the National Benevolent 
Association announced plans to speed the return of entrance fee refunds to 
former residents of NBA Cypress Village in Jacksonville, Fla. and to 
improve contract provisions on entrance fee refunds for current and future 
residents. For the complete story from NBA, go to: 
http://www.nbacares.org/restructure/CypressTerms.htm

'LEADERSHIP HARVEST' RECOGNIZES FIVE CONGREGATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT DEVELOP 
LEADERS
Five congregations have been recognized by the Division of Higher 
Education's 2004 Leadership Harvest for their innovative approaches to 
nurturing their youth for leadership in the church. See what they're
doing and get some new ideas for your own congregation at 
http://www.dhedisciples.org/dhe/04/DHE-Leadership-Harvest-013004.html.

GETHSEMANE MISSION YEAR RECRUITS YOUNG ADULTS FOR A YEAR OF DISCIPLESHIP IN 
WASHINGTON, DC
WASHINGTON, DC - Young adults seeking to serve God by ministering with 
those in need are encouraged to apply for a unique urban-centered ministry 
set in Washington, DC.	April 15, 2004 is the application deadline for the 
2004-2005 Gethsemane Mission Year, the young adult discipleship opportunity 
at National City Christian Church. Applicants must be between the ages of 
21 to 29, single, self-motivated, mature, stable and have a desire to grow 
in the values of community, service, simplicity, and spirituality. For the 
complete story from National City Christian Church, go to: 
http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2004/0407.htm.

EASTER SPECIAL OFFERING MATERIALS IN THE MAIL
Promotional materials for the Easter Special Offering are being sent out to 
those congregations with standing orders beginning Friday, Feb. 13. Please 
check your order to make sure you have the materials you ordered and need. 
If you need additional materials or have questions about your order, please 
contact the Church Finance Council at 317-713-2444 or 
jedmundson@cfc.disciples.org.

DISCIPLES TAKE PART IN FORMATION OF NEW CHRISTIAN WORSHIP GROUP
A new initiative in Christian worship, the Association for Reformed and 
Liturgical Worship, is being developed by members of the Presbyterian, 
United Church of Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and 
Reformed Churches in the United States and Canada. This group embraces and 
advocates the scripturally grounded, historically shaped, and ecumenically 
acknowledged patterns of liturgy -- its movements, vocabulary and 
significance. For the complete story from the Council on Christian Unity, 
go to: http://www.disciples.org/ccu/news/020504.htm

*The Disciples News Brief is distributed each Thursday by Communication 
Ministries. For changes, additions or deletions to our distribution list, 
please contact news@cm.disciples.org.