wfn.org | Disciples News Brief

["Wilma Shuffitt" <wshuffitt@cm.disciples.org>]

Date:June 24, 2004
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Phone: 317-713-2492
E-mail: news@cm.disciples.org 
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org
 
AGREEMENT REACHED IN NBA MEDIATION TALKS
The National Benevolent Association (NBA) of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ), continues to work with the Creditors Committee,
Residents Committee and the Attorney Generals for the states of Texas
and Missouri on an recently announced agreement among the parties
involved in NBA's bankruptcy case. The agreement establishes a process
to explore merger and acquisition alternatives for the NBA's 11 senior
care facilities, which have approximately 3,100 units/beds in 10 states
and which may include the sale of some or all of the senior care
facilities. For the complete news release, visit NBA's web site:
http://www.nbacares.org/, and click on the link: NBA restructure.

50 WAYS TO BECOME A GLOBAL MISSION CHURCH
Congregations with a global mission vision and commitment reflect
Christ's light into the world. Churches can now learn more about ways
to become a global mission church by visiting www.globalministries.org.
The site contains "50 ways" to enhance your church's global
mission vision and commitment. A congregation that both cares for the
local community and looks beyond itself into the wider world is a
growing congregation! As children and youth gain an international
perspective, their enthusiasm and faith can deepen. As adults realize
international inter-connectedness, an excitement and desire to be a part
of God's mission around the world can be inspired.

EDUCATIONAL GRANTS INSPIRE NEW PROGRAMS
2004 College/University grants from Disciples' Division of Higher
Education will support three new programs within the next year. One
program will immerse college students in local congregational ministry.
Two others will establish campus ministries on Disciples campuses. The
grants recently were awarded to Hiram College, Midway College and
William Woods University.  For more information, visit
www.dhedisciples.org/dhe/04/DHE-CUgrants-060404.html.

NEW CHURCH PLANTERS EXPERIENCE SPIRITUAL REVIVAL
Pastors who started new Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
congregations between 1999 and 2001 met recently in historic Bethany, W.
Va., for Revival 2004. This first-ever event was present by New Church
Ministry. Through daily worship, workshops geared to address the
specific needs of churches in years three through five, fellowship and
reflection, the pastors experienced spiritual renewal, which ultimately
contributes to a church's success.  For more details, go to:
www.newchurchministry.org/news/newsletter.asp. 

LET JUSTICE ROLL
What will you do to end poverty? A new national alliance of community
and faith-based groups wants an answer to that question from public
officials, delegates to the Party Conventions and this year's
candidates for public office. The alliance, LET JUSTICE ROLL: Faith and
Community Voices Against Poverty, also will work to register, mobilize
and protect voters, especially low-income voters. The first national
public launch of a multi-city campaign took place with a national audio
news conference. The campaign, co-sponsored by the National Council of
Churches (NCC) and the Center for Community Change, will visit 15
cities, with the goal of keeping the issue of ending poverty prominent
in this presidential election year. The Rev. Jack Sullivan Jr., regional
minister of the Northwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) participated in the news conference, and is helping to
coordinate the Seattle, Wash., campaign on June 25-26. For further
information about LET JUSTICE ROLL, go to:
http://www.ncccusa.org/letjusticeroll/index.html. 

SPIRITUAL SPA OFFERS FELLOWSHIP AND DEVOTION
Women can get the chance to relax, rejuvenate and replenish their
spiritual energy during a three-hour spa session that is being offered
at several sites.  Cathy Myers Wirt, DOC Regional Minister in Portland,
Oregon and Editor of New Day for Christian Women magazine developed the
"spiritual spa" concept.  The "spiritual spas" are helping to
introduce the magazine to new readers. In "Body & Soul," the third
issue of the magazine, readers can learn more about the ways our bodies
and spirits work together, and how to understand the depths of God's
healing power. For more information on the spa experience or New Day for
Christian Women, "Body & Soul," contact the Christian Board of
Publication at 1-800-366-3383 or check out its website at
http://www.cbp21.com/.

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

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