wfn.org | Disciples News Briefs - September 30, 2005

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

Disciples News Briefs
September 30, 2005
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills, Editor
E-mail: News@cm.disciples.org

RECONCILIATION MISSION OFFERING IS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2
The staff of Reconciliation Mission thanks you for your partnership in the
shared ministry to eradicate racism, dismantle systemic oppression and
work for social justice. The sacrificial support of you and your local
congregation helps Disciples' efforts to advocate for, educate about and
organize to dismantle systemic racism and structural oppression. Let us
continue to live out the call of God given to us by Micah, "... to love
kindness, to do justice and to walk humbly with your God." Reconciliation
Mission appreciates your witness. Visit http://www.reconciliationmission.org for additional information.

This week, Eugene Fisher, Minister of Reconciliation, writes the first
article in a series  entitled "Building Bridges of Reconciliation."  The
series will encourage and inspire churches to come together in the shared
commitment to become the "beloved community."  For the full text of his
article go to: http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0570.htm.

DISCIPLES CONTINUE HURRICANE-RELATED OUTREACH
Hurricane Rita didn't roar through Texas with the same fury that Hurricane
Katrina struck parts of the Gulf Coast last month.  However, heavy
flooding and serious damage is being reported from Port Arthur, Texas to
Lake Charles, La., according to reports from Week of Compassion, the
Disciples disaster aid and humanitarian assistance ministry.

As people begin to return to their homes, assess damage and rebuild their
lives, Disciples continue to help in a variety of ways.  Week of Compassion has sent emergency funds to the Southwest and Great River regional
offices.

Several pastors and churches in Texas have generously extended a helping
hand to others in need. Go to http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0569.htm to read about ways Andy Mangum, pastor of First Christian Church of
Arlington and Steve Digby, pastor of Oak Cliff in Dallas and three other
men provided much needed resources for a Red Cross facility and an
elementary school.

To make on-line donations to Week of Compassion, and to read updates about
how Disciples are responding to emergency and humanitarian efforts
worldwide, go to http://www.weekofcompassion.org

CRISIS COMMUNICATION RESOURCES FOR CONGREGATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Crises can happen anywhere, and they sometimes occur in the religious
community.  Whether it's natural disasters, legal issues, moral concerns
or in-church accidents, churches are not immune from experiencing crises.
Communication Ministries has prepared resources that can help your church
be better prepared. For information about ways your church can develop
effective crisis resources that will help you through any emergency, go to
http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/crisiscommunication.pdf

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA REGION
Are you between the ages of 18-35, passionate about ministry and actively
engaged in the local church or community in South Carolina?  Do you feel
as if you have been faithfully forgotten?  If so, here is the opportunity
that you have been seeking.  The Young Adult Commission (YAC) in conjunction with the South Carolina Regional Office under the direction of Regional
Minister Sotello Long and Disciples Home Missions (DHM) is looking for
young adults who would like to become active in a regional young adult
ministry.  If you or someone you know fits this description and may be
interested in joining, contact Young Adult Commission committee member
Sonya Wright-Irons in the regional office at ROCCSC@aol.com or (803)
496-3226.

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY IS THIS WEEK
This Sunday, October 2, is World Communion Sunday.  World Communion Sunday
offers congregations a distinctive opportunity to experience Holy
Communion in the context of the global community of faith. It is a time
when Christians in every culture break bread and pour the cup to remember
and affirm Christ as the Head of the Church. On that day, they remember
that they are part of the whole body of believers. Christians celebrate
the communion liturgy in as many ways as there are congregations. World
Communion Sunday can be both a profound worship experience and a time for
learning more about our wider community of faith.

Global Ministries and the Council on Christian Unity have stories and
resources from missionaries and partners to use for your celebration.  For
stories you can use and share in your congregation, go to:  http://www.globalministries.org/gm091504.htm or http://www.disciples.org/ccu/WorshipResources.htm

WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT FEATURES U.S. PRESIDENT WHO WAS A DISCIPLE
James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, who was a
member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will be featured on
the White House 2005 Christmas ornament. Each year the White House
Historical Association in Washington, D.C., produces an ornament that
features a U.S. president.

Garfield, who became president in 1881, was an avid participant in the
former Vermont Avenue Christian Church and National City Christian Church
(NCCC) during his days in Washington as congressman and president.  NCCC
receives special mention in the booklet that accompanies the ornament.
The caption reads:  "As a congressman and president, Garfield became a
faithful contributing member and often preached at the local Disciples
church, which has since grown to become NCCC of Washington, D.C."  The
ornaments are both keepsakes and reminders of the Disciples legacy in
Washington, D.C.  If interested in purchasing an ornament, contact Lynne
Morgan, LMorgan@NationalCityCC.org.

FORMER GMP SERVES AS AN ADVISOR TO NCC'S CURRICULUM ON INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
Former General Minister and President Wm. Chris Hobgood, along with a wide
range of worldwide Christian leaders, recently served on the advisory
committee that guided the development of the National Council of Churches'
(NCC) curriculum on international relations.  The 87-page book, entitled
For the Peace of the World: A Christian Curriculum on International
Relations, edited by Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, Associate General Secretary
of the NCC for International Affairs, examines the issue with in-depth
essays and Bible studies, and includes prayers, litanies and other worship
resources for use in congregational settings.

The curriculum offers six study sessions on the following topics: "Is
America Number One?;" Fear, Security and Love;" "Is America God's Favorite
Nation?;" "Poverty in a Rich World; "Self-Interest and World Citizenship;"
and "Preventing War With Peace."  Other appendices include practical
suggestions for what citizens can do to make a difference in the world, a
number of Internet links and worship resources on peace.  For the Peace of
the World is available for $7.95 (+ $4.50 s/h) (U.S.) by Friendship Press,
7820 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237, 800-889-5733, or e-mail RBray@gbgm-umc.org

CHRISTIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION MAKES STRONG PROGRESS DESPITE CHALLENGES
Christian Board of Publication (CBP) has announced that its publishing
program has been significantly enhanced over the past year, but continues
to face cash flow constraints and the obstacles that presents to sustainable growth.  CBP is a general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) that publishes education resources to support congregational
ministries.  CBP has seen extraordinary growth in the four areas that
contribute most to its mission:  content, staffing, customer service and
financial stewardship.	For more information on CBP's progress and current
status, go to:	http://www.cbp21.com/cont_main.asp?nID=73

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DNS Writer:  Kenethia Jackson

*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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