wfn.org | Disciples News Briefs - Feb. 11, 2005

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

Disciples News Briefs
February 11, 2005
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills, Editor
E-mail: News@cm.disciples.org 

NEW NBA BOARD APPROVED BY MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL
A new board of trustees has been approved by the Missouri Attorney
General's office, for the National Benevolent Association, (NBA), the
social and health services division of the Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ).

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon signed off on the names this week.
Nixon's decision means the new 12- member board could start its work
by mid-March.  The board is comprised of people with significant
experience in banking, investment, accounting, insurance, non-profit
management and social services.  To read more about the new board, go to
http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0513.htm 

NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR GMP POSITION
A deadline has been set for the second round of names to be submitted
by those interested in serving as the next General Minister and
President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Nominations
will be received through Friday, Feb. 25.  A 10-member search committee
expects to submit the names of no more than three nominees to the
church's Administrative Committee in April.  For more information, go
to http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0514.htm 

SPECIAL APPORTIONMENT APPROVED BY PENSION FUND BOARD
At its Feb. 10-11 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Pension Fund
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) approved a special
apportionment of 9 percent effective July 1.  This is the second year in
a row for increases.  Persons receiving retirement, surviving spouse and
disability pensions will receive checks/deposits showing the increase on
that date. Persons not yet retired, who are accumulating pension
credits, will have their credits as of December 31, 2004, increased by
the 9 percent special apportionment. For further information about the
apportionment, please read:
http://www.pensionfund.org/pdf/newsreleasespecapp2005b.pdf 

WEEK OF COMPASSION SPECIAL OFFERING APPROACHES
Week of Compassion (WOC) enables Disciples to be part of a network of
caring and service that reaches out to people in the aftermath of
natural and human disasters.  WOC has helped coordinate Disciples'
relief efforts following the Southeast Asian tsunami crisis and has
provided emergency grants to individuals and churches affected by
hurricanes and other disasters. These are just some of the ways that WOC
helps to promote hope and well being among all humankind.  Support the
work of Week of Compassion by giving generously during WOC's special
offering which will be received Feb. 20 and 27.
To read the latest about the work of WOC, go to
http://www.weekofcompassion.org.

NUMBER OF NEW DISCIPLES CONGREGATIONS CONTINUES UPWARD
During 2004, 102 churches started or affiliated with the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ). Since 2001, Disciples have added more than
20,000 persons in 289 congregations to their number. At the current
rate, the denomination will achieve its goal of 1,000 new churches by
2011, nine years ahead of the target year 2020!  For more information go
FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTES RECORD LEVEL TO DISCIPLES MINISTRIES
The Christian Church Foundation distributed $14.3 million in 2004, the
highest total since the Foundation was designated a general unit in
1968. Twelve million dollars went to Disciples ministries, about $1.5
million more than in 2003.  An additional $2.3 million was allocated to
life-income agreements or specific non-Disciples charities.  For more
information visit: http://www.disciples.org/ccf/About_Us/CCFnews.html 

DISCIPLES PASTOR KILLED IN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT
Stephanie Tucker, pastor of Bellevue Christian Church in Bellevue, Neb.
for over 17 years, was killed Feb. 5 in a head-on automobile accident in
Missouri. A special worship service was held Sunday to offer thanks for
Tucker's life and ministry.  A Kansas native, Tucker was born, raised
and ordained in the Christian Ministry.  A graduate of Emporia State
University and Phillips Theological Seminary, Tucker served numerous
congregations before becoming pastor of Bellevue Christian Church in
1987.  

The funeral service was held on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the First
Christian Church in Independence, Kan. and a memorial service was today
at the First Christian Church in Omaha.  Cards of condolence may be sent
to her mother:	Connie Tucker, 4348 Country Rd. 4600, Independence, Kan.
67301. 

NEW YOUNG ADULT COMMISSION STARTS ITS WORK
A new Young Adults Commission met Feb. 4-6 in Indianapolis and started
its work by planning events for this summer's General Assembly.  The
commission, that is working under the motto, "Tomorrow Starts Now,"
also spent time envisioning how the renewed ministry will work.  The
nine-member commission is funded by Disciples Home Missions (DHM) and
supported by Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM).   To
read more about the commission's work and planning, go to
http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0515.htm 

DISCIPLES YOUTH HELP WIN THE SOUPER BOWL
Disciples youth used Super Bowl Sunday to raise money for their local
communities and for those affected by the tsunami by participating in
the Souper Bowl of Caring.  Over $2.4 million in collections have been
reported this year by Disciples and other youth but there are still many
groups that have not yet turned in their tally.  The Souper Bowl of
Caring asks that each group report their collection amount as soon as
possible. Reporting is fast and easy at http://www.souperbowl.org/   

DISCIPLES ARE SUPPORTING THE BOYCOTT OF TACO BELL 
Find out more from Disciples Home Missions (DHM) 
http://www.discipleshomemissions.org/PublicWitness/TacoBell.htm 

PLANNING FOR CONGREGATIONAL TRANSFORMATION UNDERWAY
Disciples from around the country will meet next early next year to
discuss new ways to transform congregations, and to meet the church's
goal of transforming 1000 congregations. In late January, Disciples Home
Mission facilitated a three-day meeting of 17 Disciples leaders to begin
laying the groundwork for next year's conference. Those at the meeting
concluded that the upcoming event should call attention to the
importance of this ministry, share multiple strategies for
transformation and facilitate congregations and regions as they
translate strategies into congregational initiatives. To learn more, go
to http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0516.htm 

GETHSEMANE MISSION YEAR PROJECT SEEKS YOUNG ADULTS 
Gethsemane Mission Year is the perfect opportunity for young adults
between the ages of 21-29 who are interested in participating in an
urban-centered ministry that stresses the values of community, service,
simplicity and spirituality.  Application review begins March 1.  For
more information go to:
http://www.disciples.org/Internal/news/gethsemane.htm 

Read poems and other material written by participants in the program
at: http://www.disciples.org/Internal/news/gethsemane_poems.htm 
  

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*The Disciples News Brief is distributed weekly 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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