wfn.org | Disciples News Briefs - October 21, 2005

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

Disciples News Briefs
October 21, 2005
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills, Editor
E-mail: News@cm.disciples.org

PENSION FUND ANNOUNCES NEW HEALTH CARE PLAN
New health care plans and rate tables are now available. The Pension Fund
recently announced the 2006 Churchwide Health Care (CWHC) program for
active employees and eligible participants. Three plan options will be
offered next year.  James P. Hamlett, Pension Fund President, described
the plans as a "new era of coverage for Churchwide Health Care that
addresses some of the most common concerns about the current programs."
For detailed information, go to: http://www.pensionfund.org/.  Full
details of the plans and premium tables is available on the new CWHC Web
site at: http://www.discipleshealth.org/

REGISTER  FOR UPCOMING CONGREGATIONAL TRANFORMATION CONFERENCE
Congregational Transformation is a spiritual, systemic, and strategic
journey traveled by a congregation urgently striving to realize what God
has called it to be. Join the journey on the Good News Road by registering
to participate in the Congregational Transformation Conference. Learn more
or register online at: http://www.discipleshomemissions.org/ChurchTools/CongregationalTransformation.htm

SOUTHERN ASIA EARTHQUAKE UPDATES HIGHLIGHT DAMAGE
As Americans cast a wary eye toward Hurricane Wilma's impending approach,
we are reminded of the needs of our neighbors, not only in the Yucatan
Peninsula, but also in other parts of the world.  Thousands continue to
suffer in the Kashmir Province in Pakistan, as the effects of a powerful
earthquake continue to be felt across the nation.  The Oct. 8 quake has
leveled entire villages, including two schools where 850 children and
teachers were trapped inside. News report say more than 70,000 people are
dead in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan and 62,000 injured, many of whom
were children.	Global Ministries and Week of Compassion continue to work
with our international partners to assist with these and other catastrophes. To learn more, and to read about ways you can help, visit: http://www.globalministries.org and
http://www.weekofcompassion.org/

CHURCHES UNITING IN CHRIST ENTERS NEW PHASE IN ITS LIFE
Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC), a relationship among nine Christian
communions, has made major decisions regarding an active pursuit of
establishing "full communion" by 2010. At a meeting held earlier this
month in Atlanta, Ga., CUIC's Coordinating Council received reports on the
work being done to promote mutual recognition and reconciliation of
ministries.  The group also talked about seeking a new interim director
for CUIC, and a new program that promotes racial justice.  For further
information, visit, http://www.disciples.org/ccu/news/101205CUIC.htm or
http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0573.htm

CHURCH EXTENSION ANNOUNCES THREE CONSULTANT OPENINGS
Church Extension, which assists congregations - both new and established -
in ministry, building and financial planning, has announced three job
openings.  They are for the positions of Congregational Services Consultant for Mission Initiatives, Hispanic Congregational Services Consultant, and
Congregational Services Consultant.  Church Extension is looking for
persons passionate about serving Disciples congregations at pivotal points
in their life cycles by offering transformational strategies, investment
services and capital funding.  If interested in learning more about these
positions, go to: http://www.churchextension.org/about/Jobs.htm.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCIPLES YOUTH CONSIDERING ORDAINED MINISTRY
If you are a high school student interested in ministry in the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ), TRANSY & T.E.A.M. (Totally Excited About
Ministry) may be just the opportunity you've been seeking.  TRANSY &
T.E.A.M. is the national Disciples program specifically designed for high
school students - sophomores and older - who are considering ordained
leadership in the church.  This year's event, now in its 13th year, is
scheduled for Friday through Sunday, Nov. 11-13, on the Transylvania
University campus in Lexington, Ky.  With the exception of travel, the
weekend is cost free.

Please identify high school students from your congregations who have
expressed an interest in ministry and have them complete and return the
T.E.A.M. sign-up form no later than Tuesday, Nov. 1.  Enrollment is
limited so reply as soon as possible. The registration form and additional
information are available at: http://www.transy.edu/pages/lilly/transyteam.html
Return the sign-up form via hard copy to:  Transylvania University, 300
North Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508, ATTN:  Dave Carr; or submit it by
e-mail to dacarr@transy.edu

COMBAT LOCAL AND WORLD HUNGER BY PARTICIPATING IN A CROP WALK
Tens of thousands of people across the United States are walking miles
through the streets of their communities to support CROP WALKS. In the
past 10 years, CROP WALKS have raised more than $150 million to support
the domestic and international poverty and hunger relief efforts of Church
World Service (CWS).

CWS is the relief, development, and refugee assistance ministry of 36
Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations in the United States,
including the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.)  A CROP WALK is not
just a fundraising activity.  It is as much a way of building community
among people of different cultures and faiths, as it is an opportunity for
participants to help solve big problems with their individual contributions.  In addition, local groups receive some of the funds raised to support
hunger related agencies and groups in their own communities.  For more
information about CROP WALKS or to locate a CROP WALK in your area, visit:
http://www.cropwalk.org

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST HISTORICAL SOCIETY SEEKS A PUBLIC SERVICES ARCHIVIST
The Disciples of Christ Historical Society, the general unit of the church
that gathers, preserves, and makes accessible the historical documents of
the Stone-Campbell movement, is seeking a public services archivist to
begin work in January 2006.  The archivist will be responsible for
providing reference and research assistance to patrons, conducting tours,
locating sources in the library and archives to provide information, and
other related duties.  Applicants should forward their cover letter and
resume to Sara Harwell, Vice President for Information Services, Disciples
of Christ Historical Society, Nashville, TN 37212, harwellsj@dishistsoc.org, (615) 327-1444 by Dec. 15, 2005.  Go to:  http://www.dishistsoc.org/Position.htm for a complete job description.

THE OREGON REGION HOSTS CONVERSATIONS WITH GMP
Join the Oregon region for three conversations with General Minister and
President Sharon E. Watkins.  On Tuesday, Nov. 1 she will speak in the
Portland area.	The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner and a time of
dialogue.  Also, the service of key regional leaders will be acknowledged.
 Beginning at 7:30 p.m., Watkins will speak on how the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) will move forward as we approach the future with a
discipline of hope.

On Wednesday, Nov. 2, she will speak at First Christian Church of Albany
at 7:30 p.m. and on Thursday, Nov. 3, she will talk at Northwest Christian
College in Eugene at 7 p.m.

Dinner at each event will cost $25, otherwise the events are free and open
to the public. For dinner tickets, contact Audre Bratcher at the Oregon
Regional Office by telephone at (503) 226-7648 or by e-mail at odmail@oregondisciples.org.

BARTON COLLEGE HOSTS A WEEK OF HOMECOMING ACTIVITIES
Alumni and friends of Barton College, known until the 1990s as Atlantic
Christian College, in Wilson, N.C., will join current students, faculty
and staff at Barton from Oct. 26-30 to celebrate the college's annual
Homecoming festivities.  What began as a weekend of activities has
expanded to a Heritage Week observance.  Participants will enjoy soccer
games, a parade, luncheons and dances. There also will be an exhibition of
the works of alumnus William E. Minschew in Case Art Gallery and tours of
the Barton Museum.  A complete Atlantic Christian and Barton Homecoming
schedule is available at:  http://www.barton.edu/alumni/HC2005.pdf

####
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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